Brisbane is a gentle mix of an active subtropical climate, scenic nature, and urban sophistication. Its warm and relaxed atmosphere gives it the reputation as one of Australia‘s most livable cities. It leverages its strategic location, pleasant climate, and diverse cultural and arts scene to be a strong competitor to Sydney and Melbourne.
As the city gears up to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, what do leading rankings and indices reveal about Brisbane’s economic competitiveness and sustainability, its city brand strength, livability, and reputation?
Overview of Brisbane’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Brisbane’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 |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 62 | 70 | 79 | 57 | 90 | 90 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 48 | – | 42 | – | 38 | – | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 35 | – | 34 | – | 36 | – | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 103 | 126 | 81 | 84 | 82 | 89 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 84 | 48 | 57 | 32 | 68 | 118 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 8 | 10 | 17 | 23 | 38 | 14 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 64 | – | 38 | – |
City Brand Strength
Brisbane’s international profile is on the rise. In Resonance‘s World’s Best Cities 2025, Brisbane ranks 90th overall, with notable strengths in air quality (13th) and universities (27th). These rankings highlight the city’s appeal for healthy living and top higher education.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Brisbane is emerging as a significant player in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023 the city ranked 38th in the Innovation Cities Index (which is released around every two years), reflecting its growing innovation ecosystem.
Appeal to Talent
Brisbane attracts talent through its high quality of life and educational opportunities. The University of Queensland is ranked 40th globally in the QS World University Ranking 2025. Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking 2024 places Brisbane at 89th, indicating a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities. Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025 rates Brisbane at 199, the highest in Oceania.
Urban Sustainability
Brisbane demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. The Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024 recognises its efforts in environmental management and urban planning. The city’s initiatives in green architecture and public transportation contribute to its sustainable urban development.
Key Takeaways
Brisbane is leveraging its lifestyle appeal, clean environment, and emerging tech scene to climb the ranks of global city indices. Its reputation as Australia’s most liveable major city is strengthening, helped by international student inflows and strong university performance.
While not yet a dominant financial hub, Brisbane is carving a niche as a mid-sized city with big ambitions—particularly ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Strategic focus on infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability will be critical as the city balances growth with affordability and livability.
- Strengths: High quality of life, strong education system.
- Weaknesses: Housing affordability, infrastructural strain.
- Opportunities: Sustainable urban development, growing startup scene.
- Threats: Regional competition, climate change risks.
Last updated in May 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Brisbane’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.
