Canberra, Aug 18 (IANS): Australian city Melbourne has once again held on to its crown as the most liveable city in the world, according to a global survey.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Survey looked at the livability criteria - healthcare, education, stability, culture, environment and infrastructure - of 140 cities before giving Melbourne the top gong on Tuesday, reported Xinhua news agency.

It is the fifth year in a row the Victorian state capital has out-matched international rivals in livability.

Each city was given a rating out of 100. Melbourne received a total score of 97.5, with its low crime-rate a key factor in retaining the title.

Austrian capital Vienna (97.4 points), Canada's Vancouver (97.3) and Toronto (97.2) closely followed Melbourne.

Another Australian city, Adelaide, also made the list tying for the fifth spot with the Canadian city of Calgary.

Australian and Canadian cities took seven spots in the top 10 count.