Düsseldorf, Germany, is widely recognised for its role as a business, fashion, and arts capital. Combining a strong international outlook with a high standard of living, Düsseldorf plays a vital part in Germany’s economic network, particularly in finance, telecommunications, and creative industries.
But how does the capital of Germany‘s federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) fare in terms of economic performance, city brand strength, and reputation, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Düsseldorf’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Düsseldorf’s overall performance across various international rankings. For a deeper analysis, our custom reports provide tailored insights for specific contexts, such as cities, regions, or countries.
| Ranking | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | – | – | – | 95 | – | – |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 77 | – | – | – | 82 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 64 | 65 | 68 | 63 | 67 | 73 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 6 | – | – | – | 10 | 16 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 92 | 100 | 74 | 81 | 74 | 51 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 150 | 190 | 227 | 144 | 93 | 85 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 32 | 41 | 27 | 42 | – | 44 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 50 | 46 | – | 64 | – | 57 | 59 |
City Brand Strength
In Resonance Consultancy’s World’s Best Cities 2023, Düsseldorf ranks 95th. It ranks 73rd in Kearney’s 2024 Global Cities Report , reflecting recognition for its quality of life, infrastructure, and cultural offering, though its global visibility remains modest compared to larger German metropolises.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Innovation capacity is growing. Düsseldorf ranks 82nd globally in the 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index 2023, indicating increasing investment in entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and creative industries.
Appeal to Talent
Düsseldorf scores highly in quality of life. In Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024, it ranks 16th, thanks to strong urban infrastructure and safety. It scores moderately when it comes to affordability, ranking 51st in Mercer’s Cost of Living Index 2024, and 85th in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025.
Urban Sustainability
In the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025, Düsseldorf ranks 59th, underpinned by high scores in Mobility and Transportation and Environment, indicating its success in promoting efficient infrastructure and reducing environmental impact.
Our Key Takeaways
Düsseldorf is an economically resilient, well-managed city experiencing positive momentum in innovation and smart city initiatives. Although it lacks broader global visibility compared to Germany’s largest urban centres, its strengths in urban planning, governance, and quality of life provide a strong foundation for strategic internationalisation and sustainable development.
- Strengths: Stable governance environment and urban management.
- Weaknesses: Moderate environmental sustainability results.
- Opportunities: Further develop digital services to accelerate smart city growth.
- Threats: Intense regional competition from cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg.
Last updated in April 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Düsseldorf’s economic and cultural landscape and facilitate comparison over time. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, the data is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Please verify any information before relying on it for decision-making purposes.
