Houston is a dynamic blend of economic vitality, cultural diversity, and aerospace innovation. As the fourth-largest city in the United States, it stands out as one of America’s most ethnically diverse metropolises, continuously attracting both domestic and international immigration. Its economy is deeply tied to the energy industry, serving as a crucial hub for numerous oil and natural gas pipelines that connect it to the global market through the Port of Houston.
The city is also renowned for its biomedical research and aerospace development, with NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center contributing to its nickname, “Space City.” In recent years, Houston has emerged as a growing hub for technology startups, making it the fastest-growing sector of the city’s economy.
But how does it perform in terms of economic performance, city brand strength, and reputation, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Houston’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Houston’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 | – | – | – | – | 37 | 35 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 32 | 39 | 42 | 66 | 40 | 40 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 17 | – | 8 | – | 10 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 35 | 32 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 35 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 66 | – | 62 | – | 65 | – | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 59 | 51 | 75 | 85 | 61 | 50 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 168 | 272 | 277 | 119 | 91 | 87 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 75 | 81 | 38 | 81 | 65 | 103 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 60 | 49 | – | 30 | – | 48 | 48 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 59 | – | 67 | – |
City Brand Strength
Houston ranks 35th globally in Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, reflecting its rising brand visibility and perception as an emerging global player.
Resonance‘s 2025 World’s Best Cities Report places Houston 40th in 2025, maintaining its 2024 position – a strong comeback from its 66th place in 2023. The city ranks 9th in GDP per capita and 27th for culture, illustrating its economic appeal and diversity.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Houston stands out for its innovation and economic dynamism. It ranks 10th in the Innovation Cities Index 2023, improving two positions year-over-year, signaling a flourishing ecosystem in tech, health, and energy transition sectors.
Appeal to Talent
Houston delivers a unique quality-of-life proposition. It ranks 65th globally in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024, driven by affordability, safety, healthcare, and climate. Cost of living is relatively moderate by U.S. standards, ranking 50th globally in Mercer’s Cost of Living Index 2024.
In 2025, the Times Higher Education ranking placed the University of Houston in the 500–600 bracket. The QS World University ranking placed it in the 651–660 range.
Urban Sustainability
Houston is making significant strides in sustainability and smart infrastructure. It ranks 67th in the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2024. While not quite a leader yet, this is a significant improvement, with notable strength in the ‘Planet’ pillar (7th globally).
Our Key Takeaways
Houston is among the most promising global cities for innovation, investment, and talent. It’s building momentum through strategic diversification, smart city development, and a balanced quality-of-life offering.
- Strengths: Top-tier innovation ecosystem, especially in energy and life sciences.
- Weaknesses: Urban planning and environment scores suggest a need for improved cohesion and green space integration.
- Opportunities: Continue improving sustainability and smart governance performance.
- Threats: Climate resilience and urban sprawl.
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 Houston’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.
