ABERDEEN is the second best city in the UK to live in, according to a new index which assesses work-life balance across the UK.
Edinburgh came third in the 2013 study by PwC and think tank Demos, which analyses 39 of the UK's largest cities against 11 categories defined by the public and business as key to economic success and well being.
The Good Growth for Cities index looks at factors for economic success including secure jobs, adequate income, affordable housing, good health, transport, skills, and the work-life balance. Reading and Bracknell came top of the index. Southampton was fourth and Cambridge fifth.
The study found cities in the devolved administrations, including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Cardiff, perform above average in terms of work-life balance and transport, but less well on health.
Deputy First Minister and Cities Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I am delighted our cities have such a strong showing in this report, taking two of the top three positions and performing well in key measures including work-life balance, travel-to-work times and housing affordability.
"Our cities make a vital contribution to our economy, one which can only be sustained if they deliver a good quality of life for their citizens."
The biggest cities such as London and Birmingham favoured less well for "good growth" because of challenges with transport congestion, housing affordability and income inequality. Glasgow ranked below average.
Edinburgh Councillor Frank Ross, convener of the economy committee, said: "This is more great news for the city. Edinburgh is the most prosperous UK city outside London, according to the Office for National Statistics. It is very encouraging to see that PwC also have concluded this growth is also balanced and sustainable. "
John Hawksworth, chief UK economist at PwC, said: "Our analysis demonstrates that there is a rising price for economic success for many of the largest UK cities. Increased congestion, pollution, income inequality and high house prices contribute to rankings in the index below that expected based on traditional GVA measures.
"Medium-sized cities with better quality of life tend to score better on our index based on what the public says is important to them."
Despite London having the highest income levels in the country, it slips below the UK average for "good growth".
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