Buenos Aires, Argentina‘s capital and South America’s most visited city, is a city of contrasts—where European elegance meets Latin American vibrancy. Known for its rich cultural scene, historic architecture, and dynamic neighbourhoods, the city also faces challenges in economic stability and infrastructure. Its unique blend of opportunities and obstacles shapes its standing in global city rankings.
But what do international rankings and indices have to say about Buenos Aires in terms of its economic performance, sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Buenos Aires’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Buenos Aires’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 | – | – | – | – | 79 | 67 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 72 | 63 | 44 | 55 | – | – |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 94 | 97 | 115 | 121 | 121 | – |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 69 | – | – | – | 62 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 24 | 25 | 32 | 25 | 22 | 29 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 91 | – | 100 | – | 97 | – | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 133 | 153 | 168 | 114 | 45 | 77 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 367 | 439 | 466 | 465 | 344 | 186 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 180 | 207 | 227 | 207 | 172 | 225 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 77 | 90 | – | 103 | – | 115 | 117 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 82 | – | 86 | – |
City Brand Strength
Buenos Aires ranks 67th globally in Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024 reflecting its cultural influence and community engagement. The city excels in cultural appeal, though it faces challenges in governance and economic stability.
Appeal to Investors and Business
While not a leading global financial center, Buenos Aires is recognised for its innovation potential. In the GFCI 37 Rank, Buenos Aires ranks 119th, two places up from the previous year, highlighting its capacity for creativity and entrepreneurship.
In Kearney’s Global Cities 2024 Report, Buenos Aires ranked 29th, retaining its consistent ranking in the top 30 cities globally.
Appeal to Talent
Buenos Aires offers a high quality of life within Latin America. According to Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024 , it ranks 97th globally, indicating a relatively favorable living standard compared to other major cities in the region. Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking 2024 places Buenos Aires at 77th, showing relative affordability compared to other major cities.
Urban Sustainability
Buenos Aires is making strides in sustainability, with initiatives aimed at improving environmental performance and urban livability. According to the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024, the city ranks 86th, reflecting ongoing efforts in social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Our Key Takeaways
Buenos Aires stands out for its cultural richness and emerging innovation scene. However, economic volatility and infrastructure challenges continue to impact its global competitiveness. Focused efforts on sustainability and economic reforms could enhance its position on the world stage.
- Strengths: Vibrant cultural and artistic heritage, relatively high quality of life.
- Weaknesses: Economic instability and inflation, aging public services.
- Opportunities: Positioning as a regional fintech hub, boosting cultural tourism beyond core areas.
- Threats: Ongoing macroeconomic instability, brain drain.
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 Buenos Aires’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.
