The Top 21 Cleanest Cities Worldwide for Sustainable Expats Moving Abroad

Are you looking to relocate to the cleanest cities in the world? In this list, you will find the top destinations for exceptional air quality and innovative environmental practices.

The UK is an excellent country with a lot to offer, but sometimes, opportunities for moving internationally present themselves or a person simply tires of the norm. It is fine to look for something new and in our world today, the one thing on many people’s minds is air quality.

Air quality can improve health and have a potentially positive impact on your life, so why wouldn’t you seek out a new home with better air quality? Although UK cities such as Edinburgh and Sheffield are certainly known for their excellent air quality, let us explore other comparable places that have excellent air quality.

If you need assistance moving to any city in this list, or popular countries across the world, make sure to contact PSS International Removals. With over 40 years in the international removal industry, we will ensure that your household belongings arrive safely from the UK. Now, let’s get started on our list of cleanest cities worldwide for sustainable expats moving abroad.

1. Zürich, Switzerland – 0.4 µg/m³

Zürich tops the list with the cleanest air, offering residents and visitors a pristine environment. How is it possible for Zürich to have such clean air? That has to do with the overall culture influence in the area. Zürich prides itself on investing in extensive green spaces and parks.

Companies are required to adhere to strict environmental policies and regulations and a high emphasis on public transit exists throughout the city. Fewer vehicles on the roads and a culture of people who truly care about the environment has lifted Zürich to the top of the air quality list.

2. Perth, Australia – 1.5 µg/m³

Perth is an incredibly large city consisting of over 2.3 million people. Even though Perth is considerably large, it is renowned for its impeccable air quality. Perth is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast, but what about this city makes the air so great?

First of all, Perth offers a strong sustainability focused community in which vast initiatives to keep industry pollution low are prevalent. The city also has plenty of natural landscapes and beaches to explore and citizens, as well as businesses, work diligently to keep them as clean as possible.

3. Hobart, Australia -2.3 µg/m³

Hobart’s air quality contributes to its reputation as a serene and health-conscious city. As Hobart is a coastal city, much of its clean air comes directly from the ocean, but the city has also included plenty of parks and natural reserves in its design to help boost the air quality even further.

Unlike other larger cities, Hobart emphasises the need to get out and enjoy the great outdoors to their citizens. Outdoor activities are in abundance in Hobart, so there is always something to do. Another important factor is the city’s emphasis on clean transportation. Walking, biking, public transportation are how most citizens get where they need to be.

4. Uppsala, Sweden – 3.5 µg/m³

Uppsala, Sweden is a bit different than other places on our list. This is a university city. Approximately, 20% of the inhabitants are students and it is the young that are driving the need for better air quality.

Residents here enjoy a rich, cultural heritage, combined with excellent waste management initiatives and recycling programs. This university town also includes extensive bike lanes and pedestrian friendly areas since many students do not own a vehicle. It is the combined efforts of city organisers and demands from the young that drive Uppsala, Sweden in their clean air efforts.

5. Launceston, Australia – 3.5 µg/m³

Clean air here in Launceston is largely attributed to the natural location and lack of industrial pollution. This city of just over 90,000 people invest heavily in environmental awareness and encourage others in their environmental efforts.

Unlike other areas that are focused more on growing through industrialization, Launceston is happy to be small. Even their tourism is focused about keeping the environment healthy. Eco-tourism is thriving here, so everyone involved from the residence, to the business owners, and yes, even the tourists attribute to Launceston’s clean air.

6. Reykjavík, Iceland – 4.0 µg/m³

There is no denying Reykjavík is a beautiful city. This picturesque town of almost 140,000 people is the type of place you want to visit time and time again, and for many UK residents, it becomes home. What is unique about Reykjavík is the geothermal activity that has a positive effect on the clean air here.

Geothermal energy powers much of the city, so the energy comes naturally from the earth. Additionally, residents pride themselves on utilising the city’s efficient public transportation and having their own, personal goals when it comes to helping the environment. Reykjavík is a city where residents and those that run the city work together to truly make their town, and ultimately, the world, a better place.

 7. Tampere, Finland – 4.0 µg/m³

Tampere, Finland is not a small town by any means. The current population stands at 226,696 people and growing. The key ingredient here is the citizens and their personal goals. The general culture surrounding Tampere is having a high standard of well being. People are active and want to invest in the environment.

The citizens and administrators in Tampere are devoted to biodiversity. Having a biodiverse environment means maintaining a wide variety of plants and animals that attribute to the total health and well being of the whole of society. Citizens emphasise an uncompromisingly high level of well being and the city offers an extensive network of parks and green spaces.

8. Turku, Finland – 4.1 µg/m³

Although Turku, Finland is certainly the oldest city in the country, it remains as one of the cleanest. Like much of Finland, the culture surrounding the city has an emphasis on personal health and well-being. Biking is the most common form of transportation. Those who cannot bike to their daily activities tend to choose public transportation. The public transit system is clean and efficient.

Turku was the first city in Finland to join the Green City Accord, an initiative aimed at improving air quality through green planning. A key component of this initiative is the creation of green space and the promotion of a circular environment. This concept highlights the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and human in a sustainable ecosystem.

9. Vancouver, Canada – 4.3 µg/m³

Vancouver is a unique environment. The proximity of the mountains combines with classic urban living to bring two worlds together. Vancouver maintains remarkably clean air for at population of over 662,000. Their clean air is largely due to the mountains themselves and the natural landscape that surrounds the city. However, that is not the only reason. Vancouver is home to a widely diverse population that bring their own level of environmental culture to the equation.

Not only are the residents highly involved in keeping the air clean, but the government as well. Vancouver’s emphasis on green city policies, ensuring that all businesses maintain some form of green space and their robust transit system help manage the environment remarkably well. The government is working to go a step further upgrading the whole transit system with the goal of maintaining a low carbon environment by 2050.

10. Wollongong, Australia – 4.4 µg/m³

With a thriving economy and a population exceeding 280,000, Wollongong, Australia is an ideal place to be. This coastal city boasts clean air thanks to numerous initiatives implemented by the local government and embraced by its residents.

Wollongong is focused on renewable energy and ensuring businesses maintain certain areas of green space. The city is also focused on green building practices ensuring that new buildings maintain high standards and green materials.

11. Honolulu, United States – 4.5 µg/m³

When considering a move to the United States from the UK, why not go for true paradise. Honolulu’s tropical climate is complemented by its excellent air quality. Honolulu has made a conscious effort to ensure the natural beauty of the city is preserved and they have worked to minimise pollution.

Honolulu is also unique in the fact that they stick to strict tradition. The locals have been taught for generations to work with the land and allow it to yield its fruit. In turn, they trust in their traditions and impart those values to the many tourists that come to the area. Many eco-friendly lodging options are available in Honolulu.

12. Albuquerque, United States – 4.5 µg/m³

Traveling to the desert region of the United States is something spectacular and Albuquerque New Mexico is certainly an epic destination. The city, itself has a total population of just over 560,000 residents, but if you count in the total metro area, Albuquerque’s population swells to almost 1 million. One might think that a city of that magnitude would be very polluted, but not here.

Albuquerque can attribute much of its clean air to the dry, desert environment, but mostly, it comes from the devotion of its people. Residents of the city are known for having a strong sustainability mindset. Those within the city bike, walk, and ride public transit most of the time to reduce congestion on the roadways and ultimately, help the environment. Albuquerque is known for being a haven for the outdoor enthusiast, so nature is a friend in this unique city.

13. Surrey, Canada – 4.6 µg/m³

Surrey, Canada does not get the kudos it deserves for its size and ability in relation to its clean air. This city boasts a population of over 568,000 and growing. The growing population would normally place severe strain on resources, but not in Surrey. This city has a thriving culture of individuals and businesses that have a strong desire to help, rather than hurt the environment.

Throughout the city, extensive green spaces and parks help purify the dense city air. Active citizens utilise initiatives put forth by the local government to promote sustainability. Carefully conducted urban planning ensures new businesses do not inflict on the natural environment and are even encouraged to utilise green building practices and include additional green spaces into building plans.

14. Saint-Denis, Réunion – 4.6 µg/m³

Saint-Denis, the capital of Reunion, offers clean air amidst its disinvite island culture. With a population of 154,000, this area stands out for its emphasis on solar energy. Managing ulities on an island can be challenging, and Reunion has opted for solar power to address this. Both citizens and businesses are continually upgrading old buildings and constructing new ones equipped with solar power.

Biodiversity is also a priority here. Residents are dedicated to preserving the land, offering eco-tourism options for visitors. This city also enjoys clean air due to the absence of industrial activities, ensuring smog is never a problem.

15. Adelaide, Australia – 4.7 µg/m³

As a city of over 1.2 million residents, Adelaide could potentially be among the most polluted cities in the world, but they are certainly not. Government entities have worked to closely monitor the city’s air quality and have come up with some impressive ways to reduce carbon emissions.

One of the most important things is their insistence on residents utilising green transportation options. Adelaide is a bike and walkable city, but also has plenty of charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, citizens are encouraged to maintain a healthy, outdoor lifestyle. The use of solar and other green energy also assists in the city’s ability to remain at the top of the clean air spectrum.

16. Edinburgh, Great Britain – 4.7 µg/m³

Edinburgh is a city of 489,000 people making it one of the largest cities in Scotland, but just because it is large, does not mean it slacks on clean air initiatives. On the contrary, Edinburgh has a goal of being a net zero city by the year 2030. That is an impressive goal, but they have plenty of plans to make certain it happens.

First, Edinburgh is working on decarbonization of public transit and strong recycling and waste management programs. Citizens are encouraged to recycle and take public transit as much as possible. The city also encourages the use of green energy resources such as solar and wind power as well as increasing the energy efficiency in commercial buildings and homes throughout the city.

17. Tallinn, Estonia – 4.7 µg/m³

As a city of almost 453,000 residents, it is not surprising Tallinn, Estonia is working to reduce their environmental footprint. The city has set forth a four tier program to help improve air quality and, ultimately, the combined lives of citizens. The reduce, reuse, and recycle mantra is used quite a bit in Tallinn as citizens and government entities work to improve biodiversity, make buildings more efficient, and work to create a truly circular economy.

Residents enjoy the ability to watch progress take form as the city transforms from a standard city to a digital and green entity. With an extensive public transit system and strong focus on green urban development, Tallinn is quickly becoming one of the strongest advocates for a true green city environment.

18. Stockholm, Sweden – 4.7 µg/m³

Stockholm, Sweden is not a small town by any means. It is actually a city with over 975,551 people and as people continue to seek out clean environments to raise families in, that number is only going to increase. Stockholm maintains an exceptionally clean air model due to its urban sophistication. Comprehensive environmental policies combined with the individual efforts of residents makes this large city, easy to breath in.

Promotion of public transit and cycling along with including a variety of green spaces such as parks and nature reserves helps Stockholm hold true to clean air values. Although the city has made great strides in executing a variety of clean air programs, they are not done. Stockholm has a goal of becoming a fossil fuel free city by the year 2040.

19. Trondheim, Norway – 4.8 µg/m³

Trondheim, Norway has a population of over 212,000 people. It is not only the location of Trondheim that makes it a remarkably beautiful and clean city, but an effort by everyone involves. Initiatives throughout the city to focus on renewable energy resources and sustainability options enable Trondheim to be at the top of the list of clean air cities.

Government entities have throughout Norway have enabled Trondheim to focus efforts on clean air. The whole country, in fact is working to become a low emission society by the year 2050. They are doing this through intelligent urban planning that utilises green space and renewable energy resources.

20. Funchal, Portugal -4.8 µg/m³

Funchal is a city of over 105,000 people perched ideally on the Atlantic coast. Air quality is largely attributed to its association with the Ocean as ocean air is naturally cleaner, but the city does not solely rely on their location for clean air. A huge part of the culture revolves around an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Citizens do their part to ensure they are investing in the health of the environment, instead of detracting from it. Recycling and renewable resources are huge here and even their tourism is made to be eco-friendly. You won’t find large industrial entities anywhere in Funchal. Well maintained parks and green spaces are prevalent throughout the city.

21. Sydney, Australia – 4.9 µg/m³

As a significantly large city, consisting of 5.4 million, Sydney has very clean air. This is largely due to the widely adapted Clean Air Plan for Sydney. This is not just an initiative, but a way residents live their lives. Government entities have worked diligently to include an extensive network of parks and beaches to provide plenty of running room for the outdoor enthusiasts that dominate the city.

Not only that, the city is working to reduce vehicle emissions by including charging stations and improving the carbon emissions from public transit. An active promotion of cycling and use of public transportation as well as recycling initiatives have worked to make Sydney a cleaner place to live.

Are you looking to move your household belongings overseas?

As you have found out, the pursuit for pristine air quality is a global effort, as demonstrated by the cities listed. From Zurich’s green space and public transit initiatives to Sydney’s comprehensive Clean Air plan, these cities exemplify the diverse approaches to maintain and improving air quality.

When it comes time to move household belongings to another country, the task can be a daunting one. Going it alone is no way to have the best experience in moving from the UK to another country and thankfully, you don’t have to. Find your expert international moving friend in PSS International Removals.

We make the journey easier than ever before with our ability to assist in packing up and expertly moving your personal belongings. Some of our services include international shipping and furniture removals. Let us take the stress out of your international move, so you can focus on your new home and its clean, healthy environment.

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