Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, is recognized for its high quality of life, extensive beaches, and active cultural scene. It houses one of the most significant ports in South America, contributing notably to the country’s economy and cultural identity. The city features a mix of architectural styles, including colonial, Art Deco, and modernist buildings, reflecting its historical development.
But how does Montevideo fare in terms of innovation and sustainability performance, livability, city brand strength, and reputation, according to leading rankings and indices?
Let’s take a closer look at:
- Montevideo’s economic competitiveness and financial performance
- How appealing it is to talent, visitors, and locals
Economic Competitiveness
In 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023, Montevideo improved by 11 positions and ranked 401st. Despite this progress, there is certainly room for further innovation to make it more relevant on the global stage.
How Attractive Is It to Live, Work, and Study?
The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Montevideo a respectable 89th, 11 positions ahead of its regional competitor, Buenos Aires (100th). Meanwhile, the Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks the city 54th, a significant improvement of 69 positions.
In the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2024, the city ranks 119th overall and performs best in Environment (51st) and Social Cohesion (106th). There are opportunities to improve in Economy (143rd), International Profile (131st), Mobility and Transportation (124th), and Technology (123rd).
Montevideo is home to the country’s leading universities. In 2024, the Times Higher Education Ranking positioned ORT Uruguay University in the 601st-800th bracket, in terms of impact. On the other hand, the 2025 QS World University Ranking placed ORT Uruguay University in the 851-900 bracket. In the same university ranking, the University of Montevideo was ranked 741-750th globally, and 57th within Latin America.
Last updated in July 2024. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Montevideo’s economic and cultural landscape and facilitate comparison over time. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, we are not responsible for any typographical errors or inaccuracies. The data is provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind. Users should verify any information before relying on it for decision-making purposes.
