The Stressful Side of Jakarta: Why It’s Ranked Third on List of Least Chill Cities

The city of Jakarta, Indonesia, renowned for its bustling thoroughfares and vibrant cultural scene, has recently garnered attention for its ranking as the third least relaxed city in the world, as indicated by a report released by PayingTooMuch. The report, made public on April 11, 2024, took into consideration a multitude of factors including the quantity of parks and walking trails, levels of noise and light pollution, traffic congestion, population density, and the satisfaction levels of inhabitants in 50 cities worldwide.

Despite possessing 148 parks and 19 walking trails, Jakarta’s substantial traffic index of 252 significantly contributed to its classification as one of the world’s least relaxed cities. The city’s frenetic streets and congested roadways have evidently negatively impacted Jakarta’s overall relaxation quotient.

Securing the top position as the least chilled-out city according to the report is Mumbai, India, distinguished for its elevated levels of noise and light pollution and a striking population density of 8,108 individuals per square mile. Following closely behind is Marrakesh, Morocco, which only offers two parks and grapples with heightened levels of noise and light pollution.

Conversely, the report also spotlighted the most relaxed cities globally. Sydney, Australia, claimed the top position with its elevated happiness score of 1,567 out of 2000, trailed by Vienna, Austria, acclaimed for its diminished levels of noise and light pollution, and Melbourne, Australia, with its sparse population density.

PayingTooMuch also furnished a more detailed breakdown of the most and least relaxed cities in the United Kingdom. Durham emerged as the most relaxed city in the UK, attributed to its heightened happiness score and minimal population density. In contrast, Manchester was labeled as the least relaxed city in the UK due to its substantial population density and traffic index.

The outcomes of the report have brought to light the diverse factors that influence the overall relaxation quotient of cities worldwide. While certain cities flourish in terms of urban serenity and verdant spaces, others grapple with elevated levels of noise, pollution, and overcrowding. As cities undergo continued expansion and transformation, it becomes increasingly imperative to address these factors and prioritize the well-being and overall relaxation quotient of urban environments.