Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is renowned for its historical significance, prestigious universities, and thriving tech industry. As a key city in Massachusetts with a diversified economy, it plays a crucial role in both the national and global economies. The city’s prestigious institutions, such as Harvard University and MIT, drive innovation and research. Furthermore, Boston nurtures and attracts talent from across the globe, with many choosing to make their home there. The city’s extensive public transportation system makes its vibrant historical landmarks and cultural scene easily accessible.
But how does Boston perform in terms of economic competitiveness, sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation according to leading rankings and indices?
Let’s explore:
- Boston’s economic competitiveness and financial performance
- City brand strength and reputation
- Livability: How appealing is it to talent, visitors, and locals?
Economic Competitiveness and Financial Performance
According to the Global Financial Centres Index 35, Boston ranks 22nd overall, reflecting a decrease of five positions. Its Fintech rank is 12th, showing no change.
In the Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023, it ranks 7th, reflecting a decrease of five positions.
City Brand Strength and Reputation
According to Resonance’s 2024 World’s Best Cities Report, Boston ranks 24th overall. The city performs moderately in Livability (40th) and Lovability (58th), and rather strongly in Prosperity (18th).
According to Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Index, the city ranks 26th overall, decreasing six positions, while the same report’s Global Cities Outlook ranking positioned the city 12th, an increase of 25 positions since the previous year.
The Global Power City Index 2023 ranks Boston 29th overall, performing well in Economy (13th) and Research and Development (5th). However, there is room for improvement in Cultural Interaction (43rd), Livability (40th), Environment (26th), and Accessibility (34th).
According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, Boston ranks 20th, indicating strong brand recognition and attractiveness on the global stage.
Livability: How Attractive Live, Work, and Study?
The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Boston 41st, while the Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks it 21st, showing an increase of nine positions.
The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks the city 22nd overall, with specific ranks of 54th in Planet, 54th in People, and 3rd in Profit.
In the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2024, Boston ranks 15th overall, with specific ranks in Human Capital (4th), Technology (6th), Economy (10th) and Governance (17th). The study suggests that the city might want to focus on improving its rankings in Environment (121st) and Mobility and Transportation (100th).
Boston is home to numerous world-renowned academic institutions, many in the top 100. In 2024, the Times Higher Education ranking ranked Harvard University 4th and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 3rd. Similarly, the QS World University ranking ranked Harvard University 4th and gave Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) the prestigious rank of 1st.
Last updated in July 2024. Explore more city profiles here
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Boston’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.
