Rome City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

Rome, like few others, stands for a metropolis rich in history, culture, and potential. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant street life, Rome’s influence stretches far beyond its ancient walls. As one of the world’s most visited cities, the Italian capital continues to captivate visitors with its rich heritage and timeless charm. In recent years, Rome has emerged as a dynamic center for innovation and business, further enhancing its global reputation and appeal.

Let’s explore deeper how Rome positions itself on the world stage, drawing insights from data provided by leading rankings and indices.

Let’s take a closer look at:

• Rome’s economic competitiveness and financial performance
• Rome’s brand strength and global attractiveness
• Livability: Rome’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Rome’s competitiveness and financial performance

How does Rome compare in terms of economic performance and innovation?

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks Rome 55^th. Moving down only one rank from the previous year, Rome’s standing remains resilient, positioned between Casablanca (53^rd) and Wellington, New Zealand (56th). Rome’s Fintech ranking is equally stable, yet with potential for improvement: a minor setback of four positions places it 49th between Lugano, Switzerland (48^th) and Helsinki, the Finnish capital (50^th).

Rome secures the 48th position between Detroit (47^th) and Brussels (49^th) in the Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023, advancing an impressive 45 places, showcasing its notable progress in innovation.

Rome’s brand strength and global attractiveness

Which factors hurt and help the brand of Rome? 

Rome’s allure transcends time, as evidenced by its ranking in Resonance’s 2024 World’s Best Cities Report, where it holds the impressive 11^th position overall, perched between Seoul (10^th) and Prague (12^th). Notably, Rome excels in categories such as Sights & Landmarks, securing the 4^th spot globally. 

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Rome 37^th, between Geneva (36^th) and Vancouver (38^th). Rome also ranks highly in Kearney’s Global City Outlook ranking, bounding 39 places to take the 29^th position, between Osaka (28^th) and Vienna (30^th), reflecting its potential for future growth and development.

As a testament to Rome’s enduring cultural significance and global appeal, Brand Finance‘s City Index 2023 positions it 14^th between Barcelona (13^th) and Chicago (15^th), reaffirming Rome’s strong brand presence.

Livability

Which aspects of Rome’s urban living make it an attractive place to live, work and study?

Rome offers an enticing blend of affordable living and quality amenities, making it an attractive destination for students, professionals, and digital nomads alike. The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places the city 61^st, between Birmingham, UK (60^th) and Houston in Texas (62^nd). The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks Rome at 59^th, between Luxembourg (58^th) and Oslo (60^th).

In the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spot a Home, Rome ranks 26^th between Dublin and Sydney. Ranking highly in Average Rental Cost for a 1-Bedroom Apartment, Quality of Coworking Spaces, and Migrant acceptance.  

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Rome 68^th, between Shenzhen (67^th) and Athens (69^th). Rome’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 34^th, People 66^th, Profit 67^th.

In 2024, the Times Higher Education ranking placed the city’s strongest performing university, Sapienza University of Rome, in 181^st position, whereas The QS World University ranking positions Sapienza University of Rome 134^th.

Last updated in March 2024. More city benchmarking insights, profiles and reports in our City Observatory.

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