Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is an international melting pot of sub-cultures. The city self-identifies as one of the richest European capitals in terms of its public transportation system. But what do international rankings and indices say about how Budapest performs in terms of economic strength, livability, urban sustainability, and city brand appeal?

Overview of Budapest’s Performance & Potential

The following table offers an overview of Budapest’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 51 57
Resonance World’s Best Cities 51 38 23 26
Global Financial Centres Index 101 89 97 107 114
2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index 79 97 78
Kearney Global Cities Index 62 71 71 62 69 56
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking 76 80 79
Mercer Cost of Living Ranking 164 170 162 180 161 143
Numbeo Cost of Living Index 274 381 373 332 209 198
Numbeo Quality of Life Index 159 169 173 163 134 172
IESE Cities in Motion Index 73 74 85 87 91
Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 61 28

 

City Brand Strength

Budapest’s global image is on the rise, recognized for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban life. In Brand Finance’s Global City 2024 Index, it ranks 57th globally and in Resonance Consultancy‘s Europe’s Best Cities 2025 report, Budapest ranks 20th overall. Its unique blend of history and modernity continues to attract international attention.

Appeal to Investors and Business

Budapest is emerging as a significant player in the innovation landscape. According to the 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index, Budapest ranks 49th, showcasing its growing capacity for innovation and business development. The city’s strategic location in Central Europe and its competitive operating costs make it an appealing destination for investors.

Appeal to Talent

Budapest offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. The city is home to reputable educational institutions and provides a vibrant cultural and social environment. According to Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025, Budapest’s stands at 138.98, indicating a favourable living standard. The city’s affordability and lifestyle continue to attract talent from across the globe.

Urban Sustainability

Budapest has made great efforts to improve sustainability, as evidenced by ranking 28th globally in the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024. The city is actively working towards this by improving green spaces in the city.

Our Key Takeaways

Budapest is carving out a niche as a vibrant, affordable, and culturally rich city in Central Europe. Its growing innovation sector and quality of life make it an attractive destination for talent and investment. However, to enhance its global standing, continued focus on sustainability and infrastructure development is essential.​

  • Strengths: Rich cultural heritage and vibrant urban life. 
  • Weaknesses: Limited presence in top global city rankings.
  • Opportunities: Leveraging cultural assets to boost tourism and international profile.
  • Threats: Economic fluctuations impacting investment and growth.

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 Budapest’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.