São Paulo City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

São Paulo: how does one of the financial capitals of South America and Brazil’s largest and wealthiest city perform in international rankings of economic development, sustainability, and innovation? Let’s explore deeper how São Paulo positions itself on the world stage, drawing insights from data provided by TPBO partners and other reputable institutions.

Let’s take a closer look at:

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

São Paulo’s competitiveness and financial performance

How attractive is São Paulo as a place to work and do business?

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks São Paulo 106^th, falling seven positions from the previous ranking. It is currently sitting between Bahamas (105^th) and Budapest (107^th). São Paulo holds the 7^th position in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 São Paulo ranks 80^th, a jump of 54 positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits in between Oporto (79^th) and Nagoya (81^st).

São Paulo’s brand strength and global attractiveness 

Which subfactors hurt and help the brand of São Paulo? 

Resonance’s 2023 World’s Best Cities Report ranks São Paulo 27^th, it placed in the following Place Power Highlights: 5^th in Culture and 6^th for Restaurants. It currently sits just behind Budapest (26^th), and above Riyadh (28^th).

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks São Paulo 46^th, a drop of one position from the previous ranking. Also, the city ranks 101^st in the Global Cities Outlook, a jump of 23 positions since the previous ranking.

The comprehensive ranking of the Global Power City Index ranks São Paulo 39^th. In terms of function-specific rankings, the city ranks 43^rd in terms of Economy, 40^th in R&D, 17^th in Cultural Interaction, 21^st in Livability, 21^st in Environment, and 46^th in Accessibility. São Paulo ranks 3^rd for Nightlife Options. Lastly, São Paulo positioned 41^st in the Highly-skilled Workers, 43^rd in the Corporate Executive, 37^th in the Resident, and 23^rd in the Tourism categories.

According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, São Paulo ranks 75^th in the global ranking with a score of 59.5/100, sitting in between Chongqing (74^th) and Casablanca (76^th).

Livability: São Paulo’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

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

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places São Paulo 108^th, in between Johor Bahru (107^th) and Shanghai (109^th). The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks São Paulo 152^nd behind Jakarta (151^st), and above Tirana (153^rd). 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 determine the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks São Paulo 84^th overall, sitting in between Jakarta (83^rd) and Hanoi (85^th). São Paulo’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 44^th, People 94^th, and Profit 78^th.

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

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