Lausanne – City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is the capital of the Swiss canton of Vaud and blends Swiss precision with international allure. Long celebrated as the “Olympic Capital” due to hosting the International Olympic Committee, this vibrant city boasts much more than its sports legacy. High rankings in quality of life, education, and sustainability reflect its reputation as a top destination for those seeking both modern urban amenities and breath-taking natural surroundings.

But how does Lausanne perform in terms of tourism, talent attraction, investment potential, urban sustainability, and city brand strength according to leading rankings and indices?

Let’s take a closer look at:

• Lausanne’s appeal as destination for visitors, talent, and investors
• How well it fares regarding sustainability
• Its city brand strength and global reputation

Overall Performance

The following graph highlights Lausanne’s performance across the different rankings that we use for this city profile, with the blue line depicting the current year and the grey line performance in the previous year. Note that this is only a snapshot of some of the most established rankings out there. In our custom reports we take a much closer look at those rankings most relevant for each specific context – city, region or country.

Tourism Appeal

Lausanne, recognised as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals, draws attention for its proximity to the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings near the Alps and Lake Geneva.

Lausanne combines natural beauty with cultural vibrancy, establishing itself as a top travel destination. Highlighted in Emerging Travel Destinations 2020 as ideal for art and culture enthusiasts, it continues to gain recognition for its unique appeal. In The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2023, Lausanne was celebrated for its culinary excellence, the dynamic arts district Plateforme 10, and its vibrant cultural scene, offering visitors an unforgettable summer evening experience.

Talent Appeal

Lausanne stands out as one of Europe’s most livable cities for expats. The city ranks second in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2021 story, This is the Best European City for Expats, underlining its reputation as a sophisticated yet accessible destination. It is praised for its walkability, safety, and cultural vibrancy and highly for happiness and nightlife, reflecting its dynamic yet secure atmosphere.

Ranked 17th out of 150 in the Best Student Cities 2025, Lausanne is a beacon for global academic talent according to the QS World University Ranking. Home to the globally recognized EPFL (26th) and University of Lausanne (143rd), the city attracts students, researchers, and professionals from around the world.

Ranked 94th out of 250 cities in the Happy Cities Index, Lausanne emphasises mental well-being and work-life balance, solidifying its status as a desirable place to live and work.

Lausanne consistently appears in the Expat Insider rankings, with a range of performances over the last three years. In 2021, it ranked 21st, improving to 18th in 2022, but falling to 29th in 2023. This fluctuation reflects the dynamic nature of expat satisfaction, which is likely influenced by the city’s high cost of living. Though it remains a highly desirable city to live in, providing a high quality of life and safety, Lausanne ranks fourth out of 337 cities in the Numbeo City Cost of Living Index.

Investor Appeal

Lausanne’s economic landscape is characterised by strategic innovation across key sectors, with particular strengths in life sciences, technology, and sports technology. Ranking 57th out of 1000 in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index and 7th out of 142 in the Smart City Index 2024, the city offers a robust environment for technological and entrepreneurial development. The Emerging Ecosystems Ranking 2024 ranks the city 11th out of 100, further highlighting its innovation-focused potential.

Domestically, the city stands out at tenth out of 162 Swiss cities in Wüest Partner’s Bilanz City Ranking for its economic and urban development.

Urban Sustainability

The city’s design integrates extensive green spaces where it ranks second in the SRF Quality of Life 2023. Furthermore, Lausanne’s robust public transport systems with a high stop density ranks fourth, reflecting its commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing resident satisfaction.

City Brand Strength

Lausanne’s global reputation is rooted in its Olympic heritage, academic excellence, and sustainable practices. In Monocle’s Small Cities Index 2021, it ranked sixth, celebrated for efficient public transport and abundant green spaces. While the city dropped from 24th to 31st out of 100 in the Resonance Europe’s Best Cities, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a blend of cultural richness and accessibility.

Performance Changes Over Time

Has Lausanne improved its ranks across different rankings and indicators, over the last years? Let’s take a look at performance across five years, to identify any trends.

Our View: Lausanne’s Brand and Global Potential

“Lausanne’s brand has a foundation of elegance and international significance. The focus now could be on crafting a narrative that highlights its distinct appeal beyond Switzerland.” – Andrew Hoyne

This insight from Andrew Hoyne reflects findings from our Custom Report for Lausanne, developed with input from nearly 30 global experts. The report explores the city’s performance and potential, offering over 100 pages of in-depth analysis (contact us for more information).

The report confirms Lausanne’s unique ability to balance its rich academic, cultural, and sustainable credentials with a vibrant urban environment. Home to world-class institutions like EPFL (ranked 26th globally), Lausanne is a beacon for international talent and innovation in technology and life sciences. Its commitment to sustainable urban planning, evidenced by its 7th-place ranking in the Smart City Index 2024, underscores its leadership in green spaces and efficient transport systems.

Yet, Lausanne’s journey is not without challenges. Its fluctuating performance in the Expat Insider rankings highlights the duality of its appeal and the need to consistently meet expat expectations. Additionally, its 4th-place ranking on the Numbeo Cost of Living Index showcases a premium quality of life that, while attractive, raises concerns about affordability and inclusivity. High salaries mitigate this for many expats, but challenges remain for broader accessibility.

As a destination, Lausanne offers a rich blend of history, culture, and nature—from cutting-edge museums and a charming old town to the picturesque Lake Geneva and surrounding hills. Visitors should not miss the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, known for producing some of Switzerland’s finest wines.

Looking ahead, Lausanne’s ongoing initiative to define its city brand is a bold and strategic move. By engaging both internal and external stakeholders, the City Council is shaping a compelling and inclusive vision for the city’s future. This effort not only reinforces Lausanne’s appeal to residents but also strengthens its position as a destination for talent, visitors, and investors.

In many ways, Lausanne exemplifies the transformative potential of mid-sized cities, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and global appeal can intersect to create thriving urban ecosystems.

Last updated in January 2025. Explore more city profiles here.

Enjoyed our snapshot of leading rankings and indices on Lausanne’s appeal to tourists, talent, and investors, as well as its performance in urban sustainability and city brand strength? Thanks for sharing!

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Lausanne’s 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. Please verify any information before relying on it for decision-making purposes.