Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis that connects Europe and Asia. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and strategic importance, the city continues to be a key player in global business, tourism, and culture.
But how is Istanbul performing in terms of reputation, influence, business attractiveness, and sustainability, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Istanbul’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Istanbul’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 | – | – | – | – | 64 | 51 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 39 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 28 | 28 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 64 | 61 | 77 | 110 | 104 | 107 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 43 | – | 32 | – | 53 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 26 | 34 | 27 | 28 | 25 | 19 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 130 | – | – | – | 137 | 134 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 154 | 156 | 173 | 222 | 185 | 130 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 325 | 478 | 503 | 446 | 270 | 188 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 176 | 194 | 213 | 211 | 160 | 217 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 118 | 129 | – | 92 | – | 93 | 97 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 74 | – | 80 | – |
City Brand Strength
The World’s Best Cities 2025 report by Resonance ranks Istanbul 28th overall, with strong performances in Liveability and Lovability, but lower in Prosperity.
According to Brand Finance’s Global City 2024 Index, Istanbul ranked 51st overall.
Appeal to Investors and Business
The GFCI 37 Rank features Istanbul 107th, reflecting a relatively modest position in the global financial landscape. While it serves as a major regional hub bridging Europe and Asia, its lower ranking suggests room for improvement in financial sector competitiveness, transparency, and regulatory frameworks.
Istanbul shows stronger performance in innovation, placing 53rd in the 2023 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index, indicating a dynamic and growing ecosystem of startups, creative industries, and digital services.
Appeal to Talent
Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024 ranks Istanbul 134th, reflecting challenges in living conditions. Mercer’s Cost of Living Index 2024 places the city at 130th, up by 45 positions, indicating a relative increase in living costs.
In Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025 it ranks 217th, while it is 188th in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025, highlighting its rising cost of living.
Urban Sustainability
Istanbul ranks 80th in the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2024, performing moderately in Planet and People, with particular room for improvement in Profit.
In the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025, it ranks 97th overall, with notable strengths in International Profile and Technology. Challenges remain in Social Cohesion and Environment.
Our Key Takeaways
Istanbul stands out as a culturally rich and globally connected city, with strong international appeal grounded in lifestyle, heritage, and emotional connection. Its rising innovation profile and entrepreneurial energy make it a promising hub for startups and digital industries. However, challenges persist in financial competitiveness, urban liveability, and environmental sustainability.
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Strengths: High international visibility, strong international profile and tech readiness.
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Weaknesses: Rising cost of living without corresponding improvements in quality of life, limited financial centre competitiveness.
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Opportunities: Position as a regional innovation hub between Europe and Asia, urban regeneration focused on sustainability.
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Threats: Widening gap between talent appeal and affordability, geopolitical instability.
Last updated in June 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Istanbul’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.
