Brussels is an amalgamation of historical charm, diplomatic fluidity, and multicultural innovation. As the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, it plays a pivotal role on the world stage, shaping global policies and fostering international cooperation.
But how does Brussels compare to other cities in the world in terms of reputation and influence, business attractiveness, and sustainability?
Let’s take a closer look at:
- Economic competitiveness and sustainability performance
- City brand strength and global reputation
- How appealing it is to talent, investors, locals, and visitors
Economic Competitiveness
The Global Financial Centres Index 35 ranks Brussels 60th, with a FinTech ranking of 71st.
Brussels is ranked 49th in 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023, right after Rome (48th). Its ranking has increased by 77 positions since 2thinknow’s previous evaluation.
City Brand Strength and Attractiveness
Brand Finance’s City Index 2023 positions Brussels 38th, between Montreal (39th) and Houston (37th).
Resonance‘s 2024 World’s Best Cities Report places Brussels 37th, between Doha (36th) and San Jose (38th). The report highlights the capital of Belgium’s significant investment in its public spaces and rail network, resulting in the city being ranked 1st for its Walkability and 14th in Connectivity.
Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Brussels 6th, between Beijing (5th) and Singapore (7th). Climbing five spots, it makes a noteworthy entry into Kearney’s top 10. The report attributes this ascent to the city’s role as a central hub within the European Union. Brussels has experienced a boost in private sector interest, resulting in heightened business activity, an influx of conferences, and increased capital flow.
The Global Power City Index ranks Brussels 24th, between Toronto (23rd) and Chicago (25th). In function-specific rankings, it performs well in Livability (11th), Cultural Interactions (21st), Accessibility (21st), and R&D (21st).
How Appealing Is It for Talent, Visitors, and Locals?
The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Brussels 36th, between San Francisco (37th) and tied with Brisbane and Helsinki (34th). Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking places the city 41st.
In the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spotahome, Brussels ranks 36th, between Warsaw (37th) and Bratislava (35th). The city ranks highly in Average Rental Cost for a 1-Bedroom Apartment, Cost of Beer, and Migrant Acceptance.
In 2024, the Times Higher Education Ranking placed Vrije Universiteit Brussel in the 201-250 bracket, whereas the QS World University Ranking positions the same university 189th.
Urban Sustainability
The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Brussels 38th, between Dallas (39th) and Dublin (37th).
Last updated in May 2024. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Brussels’ economic and cultural landscape and facilitate comparison over time. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, we are not responsible for any typographical errors or inaccuracies. The data is provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind. Users should verify any information before relying on it for decision-making purposes.
