Uruguay leads Latin America in quality of life and emerges as a regional benchmark for well-being

Uruguay has been ranked as the country with the best quality of life in Latin America, according to the 2025 Quality of Life Index compiled by the international platform Numbeo. The ranking places the country first in the region with a score of 139.81, ahead of traditionally strong performers such as Chile, Costa Rica and Mexico. Across the Americas, Uruguay ranks among the top three, surpassed only by the United States and Canada.

With a population of nearly 3.5 million, Uruguay stands out for its sustained balance between economic development, institutional stability and the quality of its services—factors that have a direct impact on daily life for those who choose to live, work or invest in the country. The Numbeo index evaluates a range of variables, including public safety, healthcare, cost of living, purchasing power, environmental pollution, climate, access to housing, commute times and the overall quality of the urban environment.

According to the report, one of Uruguay’s main strengths is its low crime rate compared to the regional average, contributing to a safer and more predictable social environment. This is reinforced by the country’s well-known political and social stability, supported by solid institutions and clear rules, an attribute valued both domestically and internationally.

Urban services performance also plays a key role. Ongoing improvements in infrastructure, transportation and urban planning, combined with a healthcare system that offers broad coverage and access, strengthen perceptions of overall well-being. From an environmental perspective, Uruguay stands out for its moderate climate, good air quality and lower pollution levels than those found in many large Latin American cities.

The 2025 Quality of Life Index also reflects a sustained positive trend over time. In recent years, Uruguay has continued to move up the rankings as a result of progress in healthcare, urban development, mobility and environmental quality, consolidating its image as a reliable country focused on human development.