Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city where history and modernity converge. Renowned for its architectural grandeur, thermal baths, and vibrant cultural scene, Budapest also serves as a growing hub for innovation and business in Central Europe.
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 | 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, recognised 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 World’s Best Cities 2023 report, Budapest ranks 26th overall.
In Kearney’s 2024 Global Cities Report, it ranks 56th, an improvement of 13 places compared to its previous ranking. 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 78th, showcasing its growing capacity for innovation and business development. In the GFCI 37 Rank, it ranks 114th.
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 stands at 172nd place and it ranks 79th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024.
The city’s affordability also attracts talent from across the globe. It ranks 143rd in Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking 2024, and 198th on Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index.
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, improvable sustainability results.
- Opportunities: Leveraging cultural assets to boost tourism and international profile, improve sustainability policies.
- Threats: Economic fluctuations impacting investment and growth.
Last updated in June 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.
