Vietnamese city beats Singapore in list of world's most 'magnetic' metropolises

The City Pulse 2025 report by Gensler Research Institute, the research arm of the world's largest architecture and design firm, surveyed over 33,000 people across 65 global cities. The findings place Vietnam's southern metropolis second worldwide, just behind Taiwan's Taipei, for the share of residents unlikely to leave.

A remarkable 61% of Ho Chi Minh City residents said they are "unlikely" or "very unlikely" to move, nudging past Singapore's 59%. That also puts Ho Chi Minh City ahead of major global cities like Sydney, Berlin, Seoul and Vancouver.

Additionally, 83% of respondents in Ho Chi Minh City reported being "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with life in the city, among the highest satisfaction rates globally.

The report credits this strong resident loyalty to "place attachment," the emotional bond people feel toward their city. While newcomers often choose cities for jobs, safety, healthcare and affordability, staying long-term comes down to intangible factors like pride, community, and a sense of belonging. According to the report, Ho Chi Minh City excels at building these emotional connections.

"A city becomes home when it inspires pride, offers moments of joy, and fosters a true sense of belonging," the report states. This emotional foundation helps residents stay committed even as challenges like rising costs or urban congestion grow.

Singapore, despite its world-class infrastructure, safety, and economic opportunities, may struggle to foster the same deep-rooted emotional ties in its hyper-modern, fast-paced environment, the study suggests.

Ho Chi Minh City’s rise also reflects wider trends across Asia-Pacific. Many in the region report improving cost of living, in contrast to worsening affordability in North America and Europe. While affordability helps attract new arrivals, emotional connection is what keeps people from leaving.