Quality of life is becoming an increasingly important topic because it directly affects the satisfaction of residents, their health and general well-being. The theoretical framework of quality of life research includes consideration of various models and theories that deal with objective and subjective indicators of quality of life. Quality of life research is focused on defining and classifying different types of indicators, including objective and subjective, quantitative and qualitative. Special attention is paid to the functions of indicators, such as assessment, monitoring, planning, decision-making, communication and participation. Guidelines from global institutions, such as the United Nations and the European Union, that quality of life measurements are carried out with an integrated approach that takes into account hitherto unexplored indicators, such as sustainable development and smart cities. Based on the subjective perceptions of the residents of Zagreb, Vienna and Ljubljana, who differ in socioeconomic context and length of membership in the European Union, a model for measuring the quality of life in urban centers is described. The new quality of life measurement model is designed to ensure relevance for future policy decisions in urban centers. The empiricalpart of the research includes measuring the quality of life in the three city rings and in Zagreb as a whole. Through a comprehensive interpretation of the results, the research provides a deeper understanding of the different dimensions of the quality of life in the different rings of the city of Zagreb. In conclusion, based on the results of the hypothesis testing, it was concluded that there is no difference in the assessment of the quality of life in Zagreb between respondents from the three city rings. This fact means that the model of measuring the quality of life in urban centers is suitable for measuring the quality of life in Zagreb, regardless of which part of the city the quality of life measurement is carried out. The research conclusionsemphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation of policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of urban environments. The foundations for future research in the area of quality of life are laid and guidelines are offered for the application of the model in other urban centers. Through the integration of various indicators and the analysis of contemporary challenges, the work contributes to the understanding of the complex dynamics of the quality of life in urban centers and represents the basis for quality management of urban centers.