Athens, the capital of Greece, is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and strategic location in south-eastern Europe. As a city that bridges ancient civilization with modern development, it has garnered attention in various international rankings, reflecting its economic performance, sustainability efforts, city brand strength, and overall reputation.
But what do international rankings and indices have to say about Athens in terms of its economic performance, sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Athens’ Performance Over Time
The following table offers an overview of Athens’ 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 | – | – | – | – | 55 | 41 | |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | – | – | – | – | 48 | 87 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 78 | – | 224 | 66 | – | – | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 89 | – | – | – | 95 | 89 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 209 | 306 | 304 | 240 | 170 | 149 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 157 | 178 | 191 | 179 | 151 | 199 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 106 | 96 | – | 121 | – | 111 | 113 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 69 | – | 51 | – |
Athens City Brand Strength
According to the Brand Finance Global City Index, Athens has seen a notable improvement in brand perception over the past two years—moving up from 55th place in 2023 to 41st in 2024.
In contrast, Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 ranks Athens as the 87th best city globally in 2025, down from the stronger 48th position in the previous year.
Appeal to Investors and Business
In the GFCI 37 Rank, Athens ranks 109th globally, showing an improvement of two places from the previous ranking. This upward trend indicates a growing competitiveness in the financial sector. Additionally, the city remains Greece’s most economically active metropole, due to its position in terms of population size, consumer expenditure, and disposable income.
Appeal to Talent
Athens is home to several reputable higher education institutions. The National Technical University of Athens features 321st in the QS World University Ranking 2025. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is ranked 393rd in the same study. These rankings underscore its role as an educational hub in the region.
In terms of quality of life, the city is ranked 89th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024, showing an improvement of five places since the previous edition (note: Mercer did not publish Quality of Living rankings from 2020 to 2022). This position reflects a moderate standard of living, with room for improvement in various urban aspects.
Urban Sustainability
Athens’ sustainability efforts are recognized in various indices. The Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024 highlights the importance of cities striving to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, with Athens ranking at 51st globally.
Our Key Takeaways
Athens’ rich cultural heritage and strategic location contribute to its growing international profile. The city’s advancements in financial services and education are promising, yet challenges remain in enhancing quality of life and sustainability. Investments in infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and urban development could further elevate Athens’ appeal as a destination for business and talent.
Strengths: Rich cultural heritage, reputable educational institutions, and improving financial sector.
Weaknesses: Moderate quality of life performance and challenges in urban sustainability.
Opportunities: Enhancing the innovation ecosystem, investing in sustainable urban development, and leveraging cultural assets to boost tourism and international recognition.
Threats: Economic fluctuations, demographic challenges, and the need for continuous infrastructure development to support growth.
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 Athens’ 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.
