Chicago, the third-largest city in the USA, is a major global hub for finance, technology, and culture. Known for its architectural innovation, diverse economy, and vibrant arts scene, the Windy City continues to play a significant role on the international stage.
But what do international rankings and indices have to say about Chicago in terms of its economic performance, sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Chicago’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Chicago’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 | – | – | – | – | 15 | 25 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 13 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 17 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 20 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 7 | – | 9 | – | 12 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 10 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 49 | – | 65 | – | 66 | – | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 37 | 30 | 45 | 36 | 24 | 20 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 32 | 87 | 82 | 50 | 28 | 23 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 103 | 120 | 113 | 116 | 100 | 134 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 17 | 13 | – | 13 | – | 10 | 13 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 52 | – | 58 | – |
City Brand Strength
Chicago’s global brand is reinforced by its cultural institutions, architectural landmarks, and diverse culinary scene. In Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, it ranks 25th globally and in Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 report, it ranked 17th overall, its ranking bolstered by its world-class museums, music festivals, and culinary excellence.
Appeal to Investors and Business
In the GFCI 37 Rank, Chicago ranks 6th globally, reflecting its growing influence in the financial sector. The city’s diversified economy, encompassing finance, manufacturing, and technology, attracts a broad spectrum of investors and businesses. In Kearney’s Global City 2024 Report, Chicago ranked 10th, up one place from the previous year.
Appeal to Talent
Chicago offers a moderate quality of life, with Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025 ranking it 134th, and Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024 ranking it 66th.
However, the cost of living is relatively high, 20th in the Mercer Cost of Living Ranking 2024. The Numbeo Cost of Living Index ranks it 23rd, underscoring how expensive it is in comparison to other global cities.
The city is home to esteemed institutions like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, drawing students and professionals worldwide. According to the QS World University Ranking 2025, the University of Chicago ranks 21st globally while Northwestern University ranks 50th.
Urban Sustainability
Chicago is actively pursuing sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing green spaces. In the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024, it ranked 58th, a steady ranking but showing areas for improvement.
Our Key Takeaways
Chicago’s strong performance in global financial rankings and consistent presence in reputation indices reflect its economic strength and global appeal. Its top-tier universities and cultural vibrancy continue to attract talent, though challenges remain in terms of affordability and quality of life. While the city is making progress on sustainability, international benchmarks suggest there’s still room for improvement.
- Strengths: Robust financial sector, world-class universities
- Weaknesses: High cost of living, modest quality of life scores
- Opportunities: Strengthening sustainability policies, continued investment in tech innovation
- Threats: Economic volatility, geopolitical changes
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 Chicago’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.
