Published by: Arcadis

First published in 2015, this index evaluates 100 global cities across four pillars: Planet, People, Profit, and Progress. Using 67 metrics, it assesses factors such as air pollution, waste management, economic performance, social equity, and resilience. The Progress pillar highlights changes over the past decade towards achieving sustainability goals.

Published by: Z/Yen Group

First published in 2007, this index evaluates the competitiveness of financial centres worldwide, compiled biannually by the Z/Yen Group and the China Development Institute. It uses over 100 quantitative measures from sources like the World Bank and OECD, combined with survey responses from finance professionals, to assess business environment, financial sector development, infrastructure, human capital, and reputation.

Published by: The Mori Memorial Foundation

First published in 2008, evaluates major cities worldwide based on their "magnetism," or their comprehensive ability to attract people, capital, and enterprises. The GPCI assesses cities across six functions: Economy, Research and Development, Cultural Interaction, Livability, Environment, and Accessibility.

Published by: IESE Business School

First published in 2014, this index evaluates cities worldwide to assess their sustainability and quality of life. Developed by the IESE Business School, the index examines cities through nine dimensions: economy, human capital, social cohesion, environment, governance, urban planning, international outreach, technology, and mobility and transportation.

Published by: IMD Business School

First published in 2019, evaluates cities worldwide on their integration of technology to enhance residents' quality of life. Developed by the IMD Smart City Observatory, the index assesses 142 cities using economic and technological data alongside citizens' perceptions. The evaluation focuses on two main pillars: Structures (infrastructure) and Technology (digital services), examining areas such as health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance.

Published by: 2thinknow

First published in 2007, assesses the innovation potential of 500 cities globally. It evaluates 162 indicators across three key factors: cultural assets, human infrastructure, and networked markets. These indicators encompass areas such as technology, economics, culture, and sustainability. The index offers insights into cities' capacities to foster innovation and economic growth, serving as a resource for policymakers, businesses, and investors.

Published by: Kearney

First published in 2008, evaluates cities worldwide based on their ability to attract, retain, and generate global flows of capital, people, and ideas. The report features the Global Cities Index, which assesses cities across five key dimensions: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement.

Published by: Mercer

First published in 1994, this survey evaluates over 200 items in 226 cities worldwide, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods, and entertainment. New York City serves as the base city, with currency movements measured against the US dollar. The survey helps multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for expatriate employees.

Published by: Mercer

First published in 1994, this ranking evaluates cities worldwide to assist multinational companies and governments in determining compensation for international assignees. It assesses cities based on 39 factors grouped into 10 categories, including political and social environment, economic environment, socio-cultural environment, medical and health considerations, education, public services, recreation, consumer goods, housing, and natural environment.

Published by: Numbeo

Established in 2009, this crowd-sourced database compares the relative cost of living between cities worldwide. It evaluates consumer goods prices, including groceries, restaurants, transportation, and utilities, excluding rent. The index uses New York City as a baseline, assigning it a value of 100; for example, a city with a score of 120 is estimated to be 20% more expensive than New York (excluding rent).

Published by: Numbeo

Established in 2009, this crowd-sourced index evaluates cities and countries worldwide based on factors such as purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, property price to income ratio, traffic commute time, pollution, and climate. It provides a comparative measure to assist individuals and professionals in assessing living conditions across different locations.

Published by: Oxford Economics

First published in 2024, this index evaluates the world's 1,000 largest cities across five categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. Utilizing 27 indicators, it offers a comprehensive assessment of urban strengths and weaknesses, assisting businesses, policymakers, and researchers in strategic decision-making.

Published by: QS Quacquarelli Symonds

First published in 2012, the QS Best Student Cities ranking evaluates urban destinations worldwide based on their appeal and benefits to students. The 2025 edition assesses 150 cities using six key indicators: university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student voice.

Published by: Resonance Consultancy

First published in 2014, this report evaluates global cities based on a combination of statistical performance and qualitative evaluations from online sources such as Google, Tripadvisor, and Instagram. The assessment focuses on three key factors: livability, lovability, and prosperity, which are used to calculate the proprietary Place Power™ Score. Provides insights into the overall appeal and attractiveness of cities worldwide.