Düsseldorf – Sustainability Performance, City Brand Strength and Reputation

Duesseldorf (or Düsseldorf as it is spelled in German) is a popular city for Germans and expats alike, thanks to its quality of life. But how does the capital of the German state of North Rhine-Westfalia (NRW) fare in terms of economic performance, city brand strength and reputation, according to leading rankings and indices?

Let’s take a closer look at: 

• Economic competitiveness and financial performance
• City brand strength and global attractiveness
• Livability: Düsseldorf’s appeal for talent, visitors and locals

Economic competitiveness and financial performance

How attractive as a place to work and do business? 

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 Düsseldorf ranks 45^th, an impressive jump of 74 positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits in between Nagoya (44^th) and Yakohama (46^th).

City brand strength and global attractiveness

Resonance’s 2023 World’s Best Cities Report ranks Düsseldorf 95^th, scoring 20^th for Biking, and 29^th for Convention Center. It currently sits in between Nagoya (94^th) and Hanoi (96^th).

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Düsseldorf 67^th, falling four positions compared to last years’ publication. Moreover, it positioned 25th for the Global Cities Outlook, a drop of seven positions since the previous ranking.

Livability: appeal for talent, visitors, locals

Which aspects of Düsseldorf’s urban living make it an attractive place to live, work and study?

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Düsseldorf 10^th, sitting in between Sydney (9^th) and The Hague (11^th). The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks it 74^th, behind Nanjing (73^rd) and just above Barcelona (75^th). The cost living survey reports that factors such as currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices are key to determine the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

Last updated in January 2024. More city benchmarking insights, profiles and reports in our City Observatory.

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