San Francisco City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

San Francisco, one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the USA, is also the financial center and cultural hub of the country’s West Coast. A popular tourist destination for its location, climate, and architecture, it is also known for its openness. Famous for its innovative environment, several technology companies have chosen San Francisco as their base, putting it in close competition with Silicon Valley.

But how do leading rankings and indices assess San Francisco in terms of reputation and influence, business attractiveness and sustainability?

Let’s take a closer look at:

• Economic competitiveness and financial performance
• City brand strength and reputation
• Livability: San Francisco’s appeal for digital nomads and locals
  

San Francisco’s economic competitiveness and financial performance

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks San Francisco 5th, positioning the same as the previous ranking. It is currently sitting between Hong Kong (4^th) and Los Angeles (6^th), holding the second place in the North American region – just behind New York City. The city holds a strong standing in the following areas of competitiveness: Human Capital (5^th), Reputational & General (5^th), Business Environment (9^th) Infrastructure (12^th), and Financial Sector Development (12^th).

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 San Francisco ranks 9^th, a jump in three positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits in between Seoul (8^th) and Houston (10^th).

City brand strength and global attractiveness

Resonance’s 2023 World’s Best Cities Report ranks San Francisco 7^th, scoring the following in the Place Power Score subfactors: 5^th in Prosperity, 20^th in Livability, and 28^th in Lovability. It currently sits in between Dubai (6^th) and Barcelona (8^th).

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks San Francisco 17^th, falling two positions compared to last years’ publication. However, it has managed to surpass London and take over the first position for Global Cities Outlook, when last year it held the 13^th position.

The Global Power City Index ranks San Francisco 27^th. In terms of function-specific rankings, the city ranks 7^th in terms of Economy, 7^th in R&D, 38^th in Cultural Interaction, 39^th in Livability, 43^rd in Environment, and 30^th in Accessibility. Admirably, San Francisco ranks 2^nd in terms of most award winners in Science and Technology.

According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, San Francisco ranks 8th globally, sitting in between Tokyo (7^th) and Dubai (9^th).

Livability: appeal for talent, locals, visitors

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places San Francisco 37^th, between Lyon (38^th) and Brussels (36^th). The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks it 14^th, behind Shanghai (12^th) and Beijing (13^th). The cost living survey reports that factors such as currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices are key to determining the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

According to the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spot a Home, San Francisco ranks 8th out of 56 global cities. It currently sits between Madrid (7^th) and Wellington, New Zealand (9^th).

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks it 9^th overall, sitting in between Paris (8^th) and Amsterdam (9^th). San Francisco’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 35^th, People 38^th, Profit 4^th. The city ranks highest on education, transport, air pollution, electricity and economic development, while work-life balance and income inequality are areas which could be improved. 

Lastly, San Francisco is home to two of the best universities in the world. According to The Times Higher Education ranking, Stanford ranks 2^nd and UC Berkeley 9^th. The QS World University ranking positions Stanford in 5^th and UC Berkeley in 10^th.

Last updated in December 2023. More city profiles here.

Enjoyed our summary of global rankings and indices on San Francisco’s economic performance, its sustainability, attractiveness for digital nomads, brand strength and reputation? Thanks for sharing!