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?
Let’s take a closer look at:
- Economic competitiveness and financial performance
- City brand strength and global attractiveness
- How appealing it is for talent, visitors, and locals
Economic Competitiveness
Brisbane’s commitment to innovation is underscored by its position in 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023, ranking 38th globally and jumping four positions from 42nd, placing the city between San Diego (37th) and Helsinki (39th).
City Brand Strength and Reputation
Resonance‘s 2024 World’s Best Cities Report places Brisbane 57th, between Hamburg (56th) and Kuwait City (58th). The report ranks the city 24th for livability, and it excels in bike-friendliness, earning the top spot globally in bike score rankings due to its people-friendly infrastructure.
How Attractive Is It as a Place to Live, Work, and Study?
Brisbane’s allure is clear for residents, business and leisure visitors, and digital nomads seeking a balance between a thriving urban environment and natural beauty.
As reflected in the Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking, the city is placed 34th globally, tied with Helsinki, and positioned between Toulouse (33rd) and Brussels (36th). Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking places it 82nd, between Douala (81st) and Madrid (83rd).
In the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spotahome, Brisbane truly shines, ranking 4th globally, comparable with Barcelona (3rd) and Luxembourg (5th). The city excels in categories such as Green Space and Parks, Annual Sunshine, Quality of Coworking Spaces, and Migrant Acceptance.
Urban Sustainability
The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Brisbane 64th overall, between Hong Kong (63rd) and New Orleans (65th). Its pillar rankings demonstrate room for improvement, though: Planet at 60th, People at 57th, and Profit at 50th.
Last updated in March 2024. Explore more city benchmarking insights, profiles, and reports in our City Observatory.
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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, 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.
