Toulouse, known as the aerospace capital of Europe, is a dynamic city in southern France. With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and growing role in technology and innovation, Toulouse is emerging as a key player within the region.
But how is Toulouse performing in terms of city reputation and influence, business attractiveness, and sustainability, according to leading rankings and indices?
Overview of Toulouse’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Toulouse’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 |
| Resonance Europe’s Best Cities | – | – | – | – | 73 | 68 | 74 |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 140 | – | – | – | 192 | – | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | – | – | – | – | 33 | 32 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | – | – | – | 110 | 121 | 95 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 99 | 111 | 93 | 132 | – | 108 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | – | – | – | – | – | 68 |
City Brand Strength
Toulouse, renowned as the aerospace capital of Europe, ranks 74th in Resonance ’s 2025 Europe’s Best Cities, highlighting its growing influence as a hub of innovation and culture. Set along the Garonne River, the city blends historic charm with cutting-edge research, anchored by its role as the headquarters of Airbus and a strong university ecosystem.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Toulouse, often called the “Pink City” for its distinctive brick architecture, is an emerging hub of innovation and industry in Europe. Ranked 192nd in 2Thinknow’s Innovation Cities 2023 Index, the city is steadily building its reputation in research, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, anchored by its status as home to Airbus and a vibrant university sector.
Appeal to Talent
Toulouse offers a balanced quality of life, combining cultural richness, innovation, and a strong regional economy with the charm of its southern French setting. Ranked 32nd in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2024, the city is recognized for its safety, healthcare, and accessible public services. Its 68th place in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025 highlights a generally favorable standard of living, though challenges such as housing affordability and urban congestion persist. On the cost side, Toulouse ranks 95th in Mercer’s Cost of Living Index 2024 and 108th in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025, reflecting a relatively moderate cost profile compared to larger global cities.
Urban Sustainability
Toulouse is gradually advancing in sustainability and urban innovation, leveraging its strong aerospace and research sectors to support greener technologies and infrastructure. The city is focusing on energy-efficient transport, eco-friendly urban planning, and improved public mobility, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact while fostering a high quality of life.
Our Key Takeaways
Toulouse is a dynamic regional hub in southern France, recognized for its aerospace industry, research excellence, and growing cultural and innovation ecosystem. The city thrives in technology, engineering, and creative sectors, supported by leading universities, research institutions, and a skilled local workforce. Its appeal is enhanced by a high quality of life, vibrant cultural scene, and strong regional connectivity. However, Toulouse faces challenges related to housing affordability, urban congestion, and limited global visibility compared with larger European cities.
- Strengths: World-renowned aerospace and research hub, skilled workforce, strong cultural and regional identity.
- Weaknesses: Transport congestion, limited global influence.
- Opportunities: Growth in high-tech and green industries, sustainable urban development.
- Threats: Economic fluctuations, competition from other European innovation centers.
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 Toulouse’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.
