Despite its worsening air quality and shaky recovery, Hong Kong has placed 18th in terms of quality of life in a global survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Topping the list of 111 countries and territories is Ireland, with a score of 8.33 out of 10, ahead of Switzerland and Sweden.
With a score of 7.35, Hong Kong is Asia's third-best place to live, after Singapore and Japan.
The score is based on such factors as income, health, freedom, unemployment, family life, climate, political stability, security, gender equality and community life.
Hong Kong ranks 11th in terms of per capita income, with US$31,660 a year.
China, despite its rapid opening up and robust growth, falls into the lower half of the list, at 60th place. Taiwan sits comfortably at 21st place, the fourth-best place to live in Asia.