Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2025 ranks the 10 most liveable cities globally based on what each city excels at — from health and housing to nightlife and economic dynamism. Tallinn appears at number 10, earning the “Best for Start-Ups” distinction.
The survey highlights Estonia’s capital for its strong digital infrastructure, supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, affordable living and workspace costs, widespread English proficiency, and efficient connectivity (including direct international flights). Tallinn’s dense network of venture capital, high number of unicorns per capita and inclusive founder community contribute to its appeal for entrepreneurs. Estonia’s e-Residency programme and streamlined bureaucracy make business setup fast and easy, reinforcing its reputation as a smart place to start a company.
The Estonian capital is well known for its leafy streets, medieval architecture and raucous nightlife – but it’s increasingly gaining a reputation for its close-knit entrepreneurial network and world-leading digital infrastructure.This is aided by the fact that nearly everyone speaks English, rents are affordable and it’s a mere 10-minute drive from downtown to Tallinn airport, which has direct flights to 60 international destinations. Throw into the mix Europe’s highest number of unicorns per capita, a dense network of venture-capital firms and a steady pipeline of technology talent, and Monocle’s 2025 Best for Start-Ups award feels like a shoo-in.