Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro This article explores the most stressful cities around the world. The study, conducted by Dipndive, assesses factors like noise pollution, air quality, crime rates, overcrowding, and the cost of living.
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When it comes to urban stress, some cities have gained notoriety for the pressures they place on their inhabitants. One such city is Milan, which ranks among the ten most stressful cities in the world. In fact, Milan holds the eighth spot globally, and is the highest-ranked city in its country, a position that underscores the challenging living conditions in one of Europe’s most dynamic, yet chaotic, cities.
Factors contributing to urban stress
The ranking, compiled by Dipndive, a company specializing in aquatic activities and wellness, evaluated various factors that contribute to stress in urban environments. These factors include noise pollution, air quality, crime rates, overcrowding, cost of living, and public services. Each factor was scored on a scale from 0 to 100. Milan achieved a stress score of 73, surpassing other chaotic metropolises like Paris.
Traffic, noise, and a sense of insecurity
At the core of Milan’s stress lies its intense traffic, chronic parking difficulties, constant noise that fills the streets, and the high number of tourists and commuters who flood the city daily. Added to this is a prevalent sense of insecurity, with Milan often ranking among the top cities in terms of crime rates.
The city is frequently seen as a place where people earn well, but live with difficulty. The fast-paced lifestyle, tight work schedules, and daily competition contribute to a constant feeling of tension and mental fatigue.
In Milan’s case, the contrast between opportunities and quality of life is clear: while it offers professional, cultural, and recreational prospects, it comes with a hefty price in terms of psychological well-being. This reality further highlights the importance of finding spaces of tranquility, even in the busiest urban environments.
The top 10 most stressful cities in the world
Now, let’s take a closer look at the rest of the cities that made the top 10 most stressful places in the world. Topping the list is Las Vegas, which scored 95 out of 100. Despite being an iconic entertainment hub, it was found to be extremely noisy and overcrowded, making it unsuitable for those seeking relaxation.
San Francisco follows in second place with a score of 93, primarily due to poor air quality, high restaurant prices, and a high crime rate. New York City takes the third spot with a score of 83, earning the distinction of being the most expensive city on the list.
In total, six American cities appear in the top 10: in addition to the already mentioned cities, Los Angeles (79), San Diego (76), and Portland (72) are also included, all known for their fast-paced lifestyles and high stress levels.
Among European cities, the most stressful is London, ranking fourth with 82 points. Despite its rich cultural and tourist offerings, London suffers from high transportation and service costs. Following London are Zurich (77), the most surprising city on the list given its reputation for efficiency, proving that even the most organized cities are not immune to stress, and Paris, which rounds out the top 10 with a score of 71, due to its traffic and urban frenzy.
Here is the full list of the world’s 10 most stressful cities:
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Las Vegas
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San Francisco
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New York City
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London
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Los Angeles
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Zurich
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San Diego
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Milan
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Portland
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Paris
