Dublin offers a charming mix of rich literary tradition, fun and vibrant cultural scene, and a commitment to innovation that shapes its dynamic identity. Its strategic location combined with its attractive tax incentives make it a prime hub for multinational technology, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors, along with a thriving startup ecosystem.
But how does Ireland‘s capital city fare in terms of economic performance, city brand strength, and reputation, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Dublin’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Dublin’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 |
| Brand Finance Global City Index | – | – | – | – | 35 | 43 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 42 | 33 | 19 | 20 | 41 | 41 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 34 | 41 | 49 | 25 | 14 | 14 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 52 | – | 92 | – | 36 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 46 | 46 | 45 | 41 | 43 | 44 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 33 | – | 42 | – | 43 | – | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 43 | 46 | 39 | 49 | 51 | 41 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 36 | 39 | 62 | 62 | 49 | 51 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 132 | 145 | 137 | 134 | 109 | 137 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 37 | 33 | – | 18 | – | 34 | 38 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 37 | – | 15 | – |
City Brand Strength
Dublin ranks 43rd in Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, reflecting its growing international reputation. In Resonance‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 report, Dublin holds the 41st position, indicating its appeal in terms of livability and cultural offerings.
Appeal to Investors and Business
The city has made significant strides in the financial sector, climbing 11 places to 14th in the GFCI 37 Rank. However, in the fintech sub-index, Dublin is positioned at 53rd, suggesting room for growth in this niche.
In terms of innovation, Dublin ranks 36th in the last Innovation Cities Index, showcasing its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for innovation and startups.
Appeal to Talent
Dublin offers a moderately high quality of life, ranking 43rd in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024. However, the cost of living is relatively high, with the city placed at 41st in the Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking 2024.
Urban Sustainability
In the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2024, Dublin ranks 49th, showing significant improvement with a jump of 104 places. The city performs notably well in the ‘Planet’ pillar, indicating strong environmental policies.
The IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025 places Dublin at 38th, with strengths in Social Cohesion and Human Capital, but highlights areas for improvement in Technology and Environment.
Key Takeaways
Dublin continues to enhance its global standing through robust economic growth, a vibrant cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability. While the city excels in quality of life and social cohesion, challenges remain in areas such as cost of living and housing infrastructure.
- Strengths: Growing reputation as a financial centre, social cohesion.
- Weaknesses: High cost of living, limited public transport.
- Opportunities: Investment in smart city initiatives, expansion of the fintech sector.
- Threats: Rising living costs deterring talent, lack of housing supply.
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 Dublin’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.
