We use cookies and local storage to improve your experience and (with your permission) analyse site usage via Google Analytics. Read our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
Last updated: March 8, 2026
Last updated: March 7, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains exactly how BestCityIndex ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and browser local storage on this website. Please read this alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your browser when you visit a website.
Local storage is a browser feature that lets websites store small amounts of data on your device without a server round-trip. Unlike cookies, local storage items are never automatically sent to the server.
We use both technologies. Neither is used to build advertising profiles or to track you across other websites.
When you first visit BestCityIndex, a consent banner is displayed. You can:
Your choice is stored in local storage under the key bci_consent so we remember it on future visits. You can change your preferences at any time by clearing your browser's local storage or contacting us at privacy@bestcityindex.com.
These cookies are required for the website to function. They cannot be disabled.
| Name | Purpose | Duration | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| sb-*-auth-token | Admin session authentication (admin users only — not set for regular visitors) | Session / 7 days | Supabase |
These items remember your in-page preferences. They are enabled only if you have accepted "Functional" cookies in the consent banner.
| Name | Purpose | Duration | Storage type |
|---|---|---|---|
| bci_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences so we do not ask again | Indefinite (until cleared) | Local storage |
| sidebar:state | Remembers whether the UI sidebar is open or closed | 7 days | Cookie |
| savedArticles | Stores URLs of articles you have bookmarked using the Save button | Indefinite (until cleared) | Local storage |
| rated_city_{id} | Records that you have already rated a specific city to prevent duplicate submissions | Indefinite (until cleared) | Local storage |
Note: bci_consent is always set regardless of consent choice, as it is necessary to store the choice itself. All other functional items in this table require your consent.
These cookies are set by Google Analytics 4 and are only activated if you have accepted "Analytics" cookies. IP anonymisation is always enabled — your full IP address is never transmitted to Google.
| Name | Purpose | Duration | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique users (random ID — no personal data) | 2 years | Google Analytics |
| _ga_{container-id} | Session-level data for page statistics | 2 years | Google Analytics |
Google Analytics data is processed by Google LLC. For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.
We do not use:
You can manage cookies in the following ways:
Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of the website.
For questions about this Cookie Policy, contact us at privacy@bestcityindex.com.
For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
