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?
Overview of Boston’s performance and potential
The following table offers an overview of Boston’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 | – | – | – | – | 20 | 24 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 21 | 35 | 36 | 24 | 21 | 21 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 15 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 22 | – |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 8 | – | 2 | – | 7 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 26 | 23 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 36 | – | – | – | 41 | 32 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 49 | 41 | 50 | 30 | 21 | 19 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 26 | 28 | 36 | 27 | 11 | 10 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 44 | 62 | 49 | 69 | 60 | 78 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 25 | 28 | – | 24 | – | 15 | 18 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 22 | – | 56 | – |
City Brand Strength
Boston’s global reputation is bolstered by its academic excellence, cultural heritage, and innovation. The city consistently ranks within the top 20 of Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, reflecting its strong international brand.
In Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities rankings, Boston has steadily climbed, reaching 21st position in 2025, highlighting its appeal to tourists, students, and business leaders.
Appeal to Investors and Business
As a major financial hub, Boston has retained its strong standing in the GFCI 37 Study, ranking 19th in 2025. The city’s innovation ecosystem is thriving, with the Innovation Cities™ Index 2022-2023 placing it 7th globally in 2023.
Kearney’s 2024 Global Cities Report also reflects the city’s growing economic clout, advancing to 23rd place in 2024.
Appeal to Talent
Home to world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston attracts top talent globally. In the QS World University Ranking 2025, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranked 1st and Harvard University 4th globally.
The city’s quality of life is affirmed by Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024, where it stands at 32nd. Additionally, its cost of living has become more competitive, with Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking 2024 placing it 19th.
Urban Sustainability
Boston’s commitment to sustainability (though with room for improvement) is evident in the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024, where it holds the 56th position globally. The IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025 also recognizes its efforts, ranking it 18th globally. These rankings reflect the city’s initiatives in environmental stewardship, efficient public transportation, and green urban planning.
Key Takeaways
Boston continues to enhance its global standing through strategic investments in education, innovation, and sustainability. The city’s strengths lie in its academic institutions, vibrant economy, and commitment to environmental initiatives. However, challenges remain in managing urban growth and ensuring affordability.
- Strengths: World-class universities, robust innovation ecosystem.
- Weaknesses: Comparatively high cost of living, urban congestion, housing affordability.
- Opportunities: Expanding green infrastructure, fostering inclusive economic growth.
- Threats: Climate change impacts, worsening cost of living, political and regulatory shifts.
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 Boston’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.
