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’ Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Buenos Aires’ overall performance across various international rankings. For a deeper analysis, our custom reports provide tailored insights for specific contexts, such as appeal to visitors, talent, investors.
| 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 | 119 |
| 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. It ranks 55th in Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2023 report, thanks to its excellence in cultural appeal, though it faces challenges in governance and economic stability.
Appeal to Investors and Business
While not a leading global financial centre, Buenos Aires is recognised for its innovation potential – at 62 in 2thinknow’s 202 innovation cities study.
In the GFCI 37 Rank, it 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 favourable 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.
Other indicators, such as Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025, place Buenos Aires at 225, while Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025 ranks it 186, indicating a balance between affordability and liveability.
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 (albeit with room for improvement).
Our Key Takeaways
Buenos Aires stands out for its cultural richness and emerging innovation potential. While it maintains a relatively favourable quality of life within the Latin American context, global indices reveal ongoing challenges in economic stability and infrastructure. Continued efforts in sustainability and targeted economic reforms could enhance its visibility and competitiveness internationally.
- Strengths: Vibrant cultural and artistic heritage, competitive quality of life in regional context
- Weaknesses: Economic instability, aging infrastructure and public services
- Opportunities: Positioning as a regional fintech hub, expanding cultural tourism beyond core areas
- Threats: Macroeconomic volatility, brain drain
Last updated in May 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’ 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.
