Oslo, Norway’s capital, is a dynamic and forward-looking city that blends Scandinavian design, natural beauty, and urban innovation. Surrounded by forests and fjords, it offers a rare combination of outdoor lifestyle and metropolitan sophistication. As a hub for clean energy, technology, and sustainability, Oslo is positioning itself as a model for future-ready cities. Its high quality of life, efficient public services, and commitment to social equity make it one of the most liveable and progressive cities in the world.
But how does Oslo fare according to international rankings measuring economic performance and sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Oslo’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Oslo’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 | – | – | – | – | 45 | 46 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 73 | 57 | 60 | 44 | 26 | 26 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 61 | 70 | 39 | 33 | 53 | 59 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 42 | – | 25 | – | 34 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | – | 54 | 54 | 53 | 49 | 54 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 25 | – | – | – | 24 | 20 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 61 | 76 | 55 | 27 | 60 | 52 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 7 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 29 | 20 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 87 | 80 | 83 | 60 | 20 | 58 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 14 | 12 | – | 9 | – | 7 | 8 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 1 | – | 6 | – |
City Brand Strength
Oslo is steadily enhancing its global city brand, blending Nordic quality of life with innovation, sustainability, and cultural appeal. Ranked 46th in Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024 and 26th in Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2025 report, Oslo is increasingly recognised for its liveability, green leadership, and emerging international profile.
Kearney’s Global Power City Index 2024 places the city at 54th, reflecting its growing influence in governance, business, and global connectivity.
Appeal to Investors and Business.
Oslo is carving out a growing role in global finance and innovation, supported by a stable economy, strong digital infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainability. Ranked 59th in the GFCI 37 Rank, Oslo is a rising financial centre in the Nordic region, offering a transparent regulatory environment and increasing access to venture capital and green finance.
In the Innovation Cities 2023 Index Oslo ranks 34th, reflecting its strengths in clean technology, digital services, and research-driven development.
Appeal to Talent
Oslo offers a high-quality urban lifestyle characterised by strong public services, environmental sustainability, and a well-functioning infrastructure. Ranked 20th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024 and 20th in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025, the city is recognised for its healthcare, safety, green spaces, and overall livability.
While Oslo is not among the cheapest capitals in Europe, it maintains a balanced cost profile—ranking 52nd in Mercer’s Cost of Living Index 2024 and 58th in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025.
Urban Sustainability
Oslo is emerging as a global frontrunner in urban sustainability and innovation, combining forward-thinking governance with environmental stewardship. Ranked 6th in the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024, the city is recognised for its ambitious climate policies, extensive green infrastructure, and low-emission transport systems.
Its 8th place in the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025 further highlights Oslo’s strengths in areas such as mobility, governance, and technology adoption.
Our Key Takeaways
Oslo is steadily rising as a leading Nordic capital, known for its quality of life, progressive urban planning, and environmental leadership. The city combines economic stability with a strong social model, offering a balanced and inclusive urban environment. Its innovation ecosystem and green agenda continue to attract international attention. However, Oslo must navigate the pressures of urban growth and ensure housing affordability keeps pace with demand.
- Strengths: High quality of life, strong environmental and social governance.
- Weaknesses: High cost of living, limited global corporate presence compared to larger cities.
- Opportunities: International positioning as a model for sustainable urbanism.
- Threats: Dependence on oil-related revenues during transition to a green economy.
Last updated in August 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Oslo’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.
