Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has a long history of commerce and entrepreneurship. It has also long been a favourite among visitors of all ages. So much so that from 2018 on, inner-city hotels will have to charge an additional tourist tax which will be invested in improving the city’s facilities and quality of life for residents.
But how is Amsterdam performing in terms of city reputation and influence, business attractiveness, and sustainability, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Amsterdam’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Amsterdam’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 | – | – | – | – | 10 | 10 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 15 | 17 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 11 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 27 | 28 | 19 | 16 | 24 | 18 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 30 | – | 24 | – | 20 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 20 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 20 | 21 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 11 | – | – | – | 14 | 6 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 58 | 64 | 44 | 25 | 28 | 30 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 38 | 36 | 48 | 105 | 75 | 36 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 68 | 66 | 50 | 14 | 10 | 12 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 3 | 8 | – | 8 | – | 8 | 12 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 10 | – | 1 | – |
City Brand Strength
Amsterdam is a globally recognized city, celebrated for its cultural vibrancy, innovation capacity, and strong international connectivity. Ranked 10th in Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, 11th in Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 report, and 21st in Kearney’s Global Power City Index 2024, Amsterdam combines economic dynamism with a progressive urban outlook.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Amsterdam stands as one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, recognized for its innovation, global finance, and cultural vitality. Ranked 20th in 2Thinknow’s Innovation Cities 2023 Index, the city is a thriving hub for startups, creative industries, and digital technology, supported by strong academic and research institutions. Its 18th position in the GFCI 37 Rank underscores Amsterdam’s importance as a leading international financial center, complementing its reputation for sustainability, connectivity, and progressive urban development.
Appeal to Talent
Amsterdam is recognized as one of Europe’s most attractive cities to live in, offering a blend of cultural richness, progressive urban design, and strong social infrastructure. Ranked 6th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024 and 12th in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025, the city reflects a strong balance of livability, safety, and services, supported by its global reputation for inclusivity and creativity. On the cost side, Amsterdam ranks 30th in Mercer’s Cost of Living Index 2024 and 36th in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025, highlighting a relatively high but more moderate expense profile compared to other leading global capitals, strengthening its appeal for talent and investment.
Urban Sustainability
Amsterdam is a global leader in sustainable urban development, consistently recognized for its innovative planning and quality of life. Ranked 12th in the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025, the city demonstrates strong performance in governance, mobility, and human capital, reflecting its role as a progressive and well-connected European hub. Its 1st place in the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024 underscores Amsterdam’s global leadership in environmental resilience, green infrastructure, and sustainable mobility, positioning it as a model city for balancing growth with long-term ecological stewardship.
Our Key Takeaways
Amsterdam is a globally admired city, blending cultural dynamism, sustainability leadership, and strong international connectivity. Its innovative urban policies, thriving creative and tech sectors, and reputation for livability position it as a progressive European capital, though rising housing pressures and affordability challenges remain significant issues.
- Strengths: Internationally recognized as a global center for sustainability and circular economy initiatives.
- Weaknesses: Persistent housing affordability crisis.
- Opportunities: Leveraging port and trade networks for innovation-driven industries.
- Threats: Rising sea levels and climate-related flooding risks.
Last updated in September 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Amsterdam’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.
