Santiago, the capital and economic hub of Chile, is known for its dynamic business environment, cultural vibrancy, and geographical diversity. As one of Latin America’s key financial centres, the city balances modern infrastructure with a strong cultural and academic presence.
But what do international rankings and indices have to say about Santiago in terms of its economic performance, sustainability, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Santiago’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers a snapshot of Santiago’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 | – | – | – | – | 66 | 56 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 95 | – | – | 70 | 84 | – |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 93 | 81 | 69 | 88 | 96 | 99 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 136 | – | – | – | 330 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 60 | 62 | 58 | 55 | 51 | 53 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | – | – | – | 93 | 104 | 98 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 79 | 134 | 108 | 130 | 87 | 160 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 260 | 359 | 377 | 320 | 231 | 202 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 175 | 213 | 220 | 209 | 171 | 227 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | – | – | 66 | 68 | 75 | 91 | 89 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 80 | – | 81 | – |
City Brand Strength
Santiago enjoys a growing international presence, with its cultural and economic significance reflected in the Brand Finance Global City Index 2024, where it rose 10 places to be ranked 56 out of 100 globally.
In Resonance Consultancy‘s World’s Best Cities 2024 report, it ranks 84th. These rankings showcase its strong reputation in Latin America, and increasing global recognition.
Appeal to Business and Investors
Santiago maintains its position as a key financial centre in the region, ranking 99 out of 121 in the GFCI 37 Rank despite a decline of three places. In terms of global city competitiveness, it ranks 53rd in Kearney’s 2024 Global Cities Index.
However, innovation remains a challenge, as its position in the last 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index fell sharply to 330, a drop of 124 places.
Appeal to Talent
Santiago is home to top-tier universities and offers a competitive cost of living compared to many global cities. In the Mercer Quality of Living Ranking 2024, it fares 98, showing an improvement of six places. However, the cost of living is relatively moderate, ranking 160 in the Mercer Cost of Living Ranking 2024, a notable improvement in affordability compared to its 87th position the year before.
Other indicators, such as Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025, place Santiago at 227, while its Cost of Living Index 2025 ranks it 202, indicating a balance between affordability and liveability.
Urban Sustainability
Santiago demonstrates a moderate performance regarding urban sustainability. In the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2024, it ranks 81 out of 100 overall, and specifically: People (67), Planet (86), Profit (79), and Progress (31).
Additionally, its ranking in the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025 stands at 89, reflecting strengths in mobility and transportation, governance, and human capital.
Our Key Takeaways
Santiago de Chile presents a well-rounded profile as a global city, benefiting from a stable economy, a growing financial sector, and improving international recognition. While challenges remain in innovation and quality of life, the city has seen improvements in affordability and continues to invest in sustainability and governance.
- Strengths: Strategic economic hub in Latin America, improving governance, strong financial centre, increasing global recognition
- Weaknesses: Declining innovation ranking, quality of life challenges
- Opportunities: Growth in digital finance and fintech, investments in sustainable urban development, strengthening global brand perception
- Threats: Economic fluctuations, environmental challenges, potential stagnation in business competitiveness
Last updated in June 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Santiago’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.
