San Diego, known for its stunning coastline, tech innovation, and strong economy, continues to grow as a prominent hub in the USA for business, technology, and livability.

But how does it perform in terms of economic competitiveness, city brand strength, sustainability, and reputation according to leading rankings and indices?

Let’s take a closer look at:

  • San Diego’s economic competitiveness and financial performance
  • Its city brand strength and global reputation
  • Livability: how appealing is it to live, work, and study?

San Diego’s Economic Competitiveness

The Global Financial Centres Index 35 ranks San Diego 21st, a notable rise of six positions. Its Fintech ranking stands at 26th, down by four places.

In 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023, San Diego ranks 37th, improving by eight places, reflecting its strong innovation ecosystem.


City Brand Strength and Reputation

The 2024 World’s Best Cities Report by Resonance ranks San Diego 51st overall, performing well in Lovability (44th) and Prosperity (54th), but scoring lower in Livability (81st).

According to Numbeo’s Quality of Living Index, San Diego ranks 70th, while it is 13th in the Cost of Living Index, highlighting its high cost of living.


How Attractive for Talent, Visitors, Locals?

The city has a university in the global 100. In 2024, the Times Higher Education ranking ranks University of California, San Diego (UCSD) 34th. Meanwhile, the QS World University ranking positions UCSD 72nd overall.


Urban Sustainability

San Diego ranks 47th in the IESE Cities in Motion Index, excelling in Economy (21st), Human Capital (27th), and Governance (13th), though its Environment rank (124th) and Mobility and Transportation (105th) indicate areas for improvement.


Last updated in September 2024. Explore more city profiles here.


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