Munich, the capital of Bavaria in the South of Germany, is known for its strong economy, high quality of life, and cultural appeal. As a major European city, Munich consistently ranks well in global indices for livability, innovation, and sustainability.
But how does Munich perform in terms of image, reputation, influence, business attractiveness, liveability, and sustainability, according to leading rankings and indices?
Let’s take a closer look at:
- Munich’s economic competitiveness and financial performance
- Its city brand strength and global reputation
- How appealing it is to live, work, and study
Economic Competitiveness
Munich ranks 36th in the GFCI35 ranking, dropping by ten places, indicating a slight decline in its status as a financial hub. In the GFCI Fintech ranking, Munich ranks 51st, also falling by 17 places, reflecting challenges in maintaining its position in the growing fintech sector.
However, Munich remains a powerhouse for innovation, ranking 16th in 2Thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index, with an impressive improvement of 23 places, showcasing its leadership in research and development.
Munich ranks 32nd in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index.
City Brand Strength and Reputation
Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Munich 31st, declining by four places, and 9th in the Global Cities Outlook, reflecting strong future growth potential despite a five-place drop.
Brand Finance‘s City Index 2023 ranks Munich 29th, highlighting its solid global reputation.
Resonance’s 2024 World’s Best Cities ranks Munich 30th overall, performing particularly well in Livability (22nd) and Lovability (61st). It ranks 40th in Prosperity, underlining its appeal as a well-rounded city for residents and businesses.
Munich also ranks 13th in the Resonance’s 2024 Europe’s Best Cities and was ranked 14th in 2023, further solidifying its position as one of Europe’s top cities.
How Attractive for Talent, Visitors, and Locals?
Munich ranks 7th in the Mercer Quality of Living Index, reflecting its high livability. However, the city ranks lower in the Mercer Cost of Living Ranking at 38th, dropping five, indicating that living expenses remain high compared to other cities.
In the Numbeo City Cost of Living Index, Munich ranks 44th, while it ranks 15th in the Numbeo City Quality of Living Index.
Condé Nast Traveller’s 2021 story, This is the Best European City for Expats ranks the city 5th.
The Expat Insider ranks the city 38th in 2023, a strong, stable position as it ranked 38th in 2022 and fell only three places from to 35th in 2021.
Munich ranks 10th in the Happy Cities Index, showing that it provides a generally positive living environment for its residents.
In Spotahome’s Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads, Munich ranks 29th overall, with strong performances in Internet Speed, Quality of Coworking Spaces, and Migrant Acceptance. However, the city’s relatively low Startup Score and limited Cafes with free Wi-Fi suggest room for improvement in its digital infrastructure and startup ecosystem.
Munich is also a major academic hub, ranking 4th in the Best Student Cities 2025. This high ranking reflects its strong educational institutions, vibrant student life, and appeal to international students.
Lastly, Munich is home to some of the best universities in the world. According to The Times Higher Education ranking, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) ranks 30th and Ludwig Maximilian Universität (LMU) 38th. According to the QS World University ranking, TUM ranks 37th and LMU 54th.
Urban Sustainability
Munich ranks 19th in the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index, performing particularly well in the Planet sub-category (12th) but facing challenges in the Profit sub-category (27th), indicating opportunities for improvement in financial sustainability.
The city ranks 21st in the Smart City Index 2024, reflecting its leadership in technological infrastructure and smart city initiatives.
In the IESE Cities in Motion Index, Munich ranks 14th overall, with strong rankings in Social Cohesion (9th), Environment (8th), and Urban Planning (11th). However, the city ranks lower in Economy (43rd) and Governance (52nd), suggesting areas where further improvement is needed to maintain its competitiveness.
Last updated in September 2024. More city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Munich’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.
