Ghent, a historic city in Belgium, is renowned for its rich medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and strong academic institutions. With a growing international reputation, the city is steadily emerging as an attractive destination.
But how does Ghent perform in terms of image, reputation, influence, business attractiveness, livability, and sustainability, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Ghent’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Ghent’s overall performance across various international rankings (most of the rankings we usually track do not include it).
| Ranking | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Resonance Europe’s Best Cities | – | – | – | – | 47 | 90 | 55 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 275 | – | – | – | 265 | – | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 85 | 123 | 196 | 166 | 115 | 93 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | – | – | – | – | – | 43 |
City Brand Strength
Ghent’s global reputation has improved in recent years. Resonance’s 2025 Europe’s Best Cities ranks it 55th, a significant boost from its 90th position in 2024, though still not as strong as the 47th place in 2023.
Appeal to Investors and Business
In innovation, its 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index 2023 ranking of 265 reflects a modest foundation with room for growth, especially in creative industries and tech start-ups.
Appeal to Talent
Ghent provides a relatively high quality of life for its citizens. In Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025, the city is ranked 43rd globally, thanks to excellent public transport, sustainability, and safety. It ranks 93rd in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025. According to the QS World University Ranking 2025, Ghent University ranks 169th globally.
Urban Sustainability
The city has implemented various green initiatives, including promoting cycling, investing in renewable energy, and preserving green spaces. These efforts contribute to its environmental goals and enhance the quality of urban life.
Our Key Takeaways
Ghent is a promising small city that excels in quality of life and urban sustainability, driven by forward-thinking transport policies and a commitment to inclusive development. However, its relatively low visibility in global brand rankings and modest innovation ecosystem highlight key areas for improvement.
- Strengths: Cultural vibrancy and compact city advantage.
- Weaknesses: Low global brand awareness.
- Opportunities: Attract international students and digital nomads.
- Threats: Competition from other mid-sized European cities, talent drain due to lower salaries.
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 Ghent’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.
