Brussels is an amalgamation of historical charm, diplomatic fluidity, and multicultural innovation. As the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, it plays a pivotal role on the world stage, shaping global policies and fostering international cooperation.
But how does Brussels compare to other cities in the world in terms of reputation and influence, business attractiveness, and sustainability?
Overview of Brussels’ Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Brussels’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 | – | – | – | – | 38 | 32 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 76 | 65 | 58 | 37 | 56 | 56 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 30 | 40 | 47 | 53 | 61 | – |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 65 | – | – | – | 49 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 12 | 14 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 16 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 28 | – | 36 | – | 40 | – | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 77 | 78 | 53 | 39 | 41 | 37 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 92 | 106 | 120 | 134 | 96 | 69 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 114 | 126 | 138 | 121 | 101 | 140 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 48 | 41 | – | 67 | – | 68 | 66 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 38 | – | 17 | – |
City Brand Strength
Brussels’ international profile continues to evolve. In the Brand Finance Global City Index, it climbed from 38th in 2023 to 32nd in 2024, reflecting its growing appeal for business, diplomacy, and international engagement.
In contrast, Resonance ranked Brussels 37th in 2023 in its World’s Best Cities report, but the city dropped to 56th in 2024 and 2025.
The city retained a top 20 position in Kearney’s 2024 Global Cities Report, reflecting its international strength and appeal.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Brussels ranks 61st in the GFCI 37 Rank reflecting its specialised financial services and international business environment. The city also ranks 49th in the Innovation Cities Index showcasing its innovation capacity.
Appeal to Talent
Brussels attracts talent through its high quality of life and educational opportunities. The Universite libre de Bruxelles ranks 230th globally in the QS World University Ranking 2025. Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024 places it at 40th, indicating a relatively favourable living standard compared to other major cities.
Urban Sustainability
Brussels is committed to sustainability, as evidenced by ranking 17th globally in the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024. The city is actively working towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Key Takeaways
Brussels stands out as a city of political significance and cultural diversity, with strengths in connectivity and innovation. While it faces challenges in sustainability and cost of living, its strategic location and role in international governance continue to bolster its global standing.
- Strengths: Strategic location in Europe, host to major international institutions.
- Weaknesses: Traffic congestion, urban sprawl.
- Opportunities: Promoting innovation, attracting global talent and investment.
- Threats: Potential political uncertainties, social integration challenges.
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 Brussels’ 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.
