Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia in Spain and one of Europe’s most visited cities, thanks to its Gaudi architecture, history, location, and favourable climate. However, it is also a city suffering from its own success as a tourist destination, as protests against overtourism, Airbnb, and tourist apartments have shown.
But what do leading city rankings have to say about Barcelona, in terms of economic performance and urban sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Barcelona’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Barcelona’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 | – | – | – | – | 13 | 19 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 21 | – | 52 | – | 26 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 23 | 26 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 22 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 43 | – | – | – | 48 | 55 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 91 | 102 | 84 | 78 | 75 | 66 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 202 | 271 | 299 | 251 | 180 | 146 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 130 | 149 | 145 | 128 | 107 | 152 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 28 | 26 | – | 31 | – | 29 | 34 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 49 | – | 54 | – |
City Brand Strength
Barcelona’s global appeal is reflected in its consistent ranking as the 8th Best City in Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 rankings. In Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, it ranks 19th globally The city’s unique blend of architectural heritage, vibrant neighborhoods, and Mediterranean lifestyle contribute to its high scores in both livability and lovability.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Barcelona’s economic landscape is marked by innovation and diversification. The city ranks 22nd in Kearney’s 2024 Global Cities Report, reflecting its robust business environment and operational efficiency.
Appeal to Talent
Barcelona attracts global talent through its esteemed educational institutions and high quality of life. The city ranks 55th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024, the score enhanced by the city’s climate, cultural offerings, and urban amenities.
Urban Sustainability
Barcelona is making significant strides in sustainability, ranking 54th in the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024. The city has expanded its cycling infrastructure to over 240 km and is investing in renewable energy projects through public-private partnerships.
Our Key Takeaways
Barcelona continues to build on its global city appeal through a combination of Mediterranean quality of life, cultural magnetism, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. Its strong international brand, entrepreneurial atmosphere, and focus on sustainable urbanism make it one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. However, affordability, overtourism, and infrastructure pressures pose ongoing challenges as the city scales.
- Strengths: Rich cultural heritage, strong economic initiatives, commitment to sustainability.
- Weaknesses: Challenges in waste management and comparatively lower salaries.
- Opportunities: Expansion in green technologies, investment into creative industries.
- Threats: Overtourism, brain drain and youth unemployment.
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 Barcelona’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.
