Budapest City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

Budapest, the Hungarian capital city, boasts of 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. Its comprehensive Budapest Card allows for ease of travel and tourist accessibility.

But what do international rankings and indices say about how Budapest performs, in terms of economic strength, liveability, urban sustainability and brand strength? Let’s explore deeper how Budapest positions itself on the world stage, drawing insights from data provided by TPBO partners and other reputable institutions.

Let’s take a closer look at: 

• Budapest’s competitiveness and financial performance
• Budapest’s brand strength and global attractiveness
• Liveability: Budapest’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Budapest’s competitiveness and financial performance

How attractive is Budapest as a place to work and do business?

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks Budapest 107^th, jumping 16 positions from the previous ranking. It is currently sitting between São Paulo (106^th) and Bermuda (108^th). Budapest holds the 10^th position in the Eastern European and Central Asian region.

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 Budapest ranks 78^th, a jump of 19 positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits in between Auckland (77^th) and Oporto (79^th).

Budapest’s brand strength and global attractiveness

Which subfactors hurt and help the brand of Budapest?

Resonance’s 2023 World’s Best Cities Report ranks Budapest 26^th, sitting in between Abu Dhabi (25^th) and São Paulo (27^th). It also scored in the following Place Power Highlights: 9^th in Attractions and 15^th for Nightlife.

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Budapest 69^th, a drop of seven positions from the previous ranking. Also, the city ranks 83^rd in the Global Cities Outlook, a drop of 24 positions since the previous ranking.

According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, Budapest ranks 51^st in the global ranking with a score of 64.5/100, sitting in between Helsinki (50^th) and Perth (52^nd).

Liveability: Budapest’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Which aspects of Budapest’s urban living make it an attractive place to live, work and study?

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Budapest 80^th, sitting in between Dubai (79^th) and Seoul (81^st). The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks Budapest 161^st behind Santo Domingo (160^th), and above Dar Es Salaam (162^nd). The cost living survey reports that factors such as currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices are key to determine the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

According to the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spot a Home, Budapest ranks 43^rd out of 56 global cities. It currently sits between Seoul (42^nd) and Osaka (44^th).

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Budapest 61^st overall, sitting in between Melbourne (60^th) and Warsaw (62^nd). Budapest’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 40^th, People 47^th, and Profit 75^th. Its strength is affordability, while economic development, employment, green finance, job quality, and transport infrastructure could all be improved.

Last updated in January 2024. More city benchmarking insights, profiles and reports in our City Observatory.

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