Los Angeles is famous for its entertainment industry and mild climate, but it is much more than just that. As one of the largest North American cities, it is home to a leading port, among the busiest in the United States.
But what do international rankings and indices have to say about Los Angeles in terms of its economic performance, sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Los Angeles’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Los Angeles’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 | – | – | – | – | 4 | 7 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 9 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 10 | 13 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 7 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 4 | – | 20 | – | 6 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 7 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 66 | – | – | – | 70 | 44 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 18 | 17 | 20 | 17 | 11 | 10 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 50 | 69 | 59 | 52 | 17 | 17 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 122 | 154 | 139 | 140 | 96 | 166 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 16 | 16 | – | 22 | – | 39 | 36 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 14 | – | 53 | – |
| Global Power City Index | 12 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 22 | – |
City Brand Strength
Los Angeles remains a prominent global city brand, blending cultural influence, creative leadership, and economic dynamism. It ranks 7th in Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024 and also holds 7th place in Kearney’s Global Cities 2024 Report, reflecting its strong international connectivity and economic significance. In Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 report, it places 14th, praised for its entertainment industry, lifestyle appeal, and cultural diversity. Although positioned 22nd in the Global Power City Index 2024, Los Angeles continues to wield substantial soft power through its global media presence, innovation capacity, and evolving role in sustainability and technology.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Los Angeles continues to strengthen its global profile in both innovation and finance. Ranked 6th in the 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index 2023, the city benefits from a dynamic ecosystem of technology firms, creative industries, and top-tier research institutions. Its 7th place in the GFCI 37 Rank highlights Los Angeles’ growing importance as a global financial centre, offering access to venture capital, a robust business environment, and expanding professional services that complement its creative and tech-driven economy.
Appeal to Talent
Los Angeles delivers a vibrant yet challenging urban experience, marked by cultural richness and economic opportunity alongside high living costs and urban sprawl. In Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025, the city ranks 166th, while Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024 places it 44th—reflecting a strong offering in healthcare, education, and entertainment, but also ongoing issues with congestion, inequality, and housing affordability. Cost pressures are significant: Los Angeles ranks 10th globally in Mercer’s Cost of Living Ranking 2024 and 17th in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025, underscoring its position as one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Urban Sustainability
Los Angeles demonstrates ongoing efforts toward urban sustainability and smart city development, though challenges remain. It ranks 53rd in the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2024, indicating room for improvement in areas such as public transport, environmental resilience, and resource management. In the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025, Los Angeles holds the 36th position, reflecting moderate progress in urban governance, technology adoption, and global outreach.
Our Key Takeaways
Los Angeles stands as a major global city, renowned for its cultural influence, creative economy, and growing innovation landscape. While not leading across all global indices, it consistently ranks among the world’s top cities for brand strength, entertainment, and economic potential. Its diverse population, global media reach, and expanding role in tech and sustainability make it a key player in the global urban network.
- Strengths: Global entertainment capital, diverse and creative talent pool, strong startup ecosystem, cultural and media influence.
- Weaknesses: High cost of living, traffic congestion, income inequality, limited public transit reach.
- Opportunities: Growth in clean tech and digital media, investment in sustainable urban development, strengthening ties with Asia-Pacific economies.
- Threats: Climate vulnerability, housing unaffordability, widening inequality.
Last updated in July 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Los Angeles’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.
