Vienna City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

Vienna: how do the Austrian capital’s baroque architecture and musical heritage influence its positioning in rankings that study the cultural and economic competitiveness of cities? How well does Vienna perform in rankings that measure urban sustainability, innovation, creativity and the attractiveness of cities as business hubs?

Let’s explore deeper how Vienna 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:

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

Vienna’s competitiveness and financial performance

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

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks Vienna 61^st, falling ten positions from the previous ranking. It is currently sitting between Astana (60^th) and Gujarat (62^nd).

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 Vienna ranks 17^th, a jump of 5 positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits in between Munich (16^th) and Sydney (18^th).

Vienna’s brand strength and global attractiveness

Which subfactors hurt and help the brand of Vienna? 

Resonance’s 2023 World’s Best Cities Report ranks Vienna 21^st, scoring the following in the Place Power Highlights: 3^rd in Biking, and 11^th in Google Search. It currently sits in between Dublin (20^th) and Milan (22^nd).

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Vienna 29^th, jumping one position compared to last years’ publication. Vienna ranked 30^th in the Global Cities Outlook, when last year it held the 24^th position.

The comprehensive ranking of the Global Power City Index ranks Vienna 13^th. In terms of function-specific rankings, the city ranks 32^nd in terms of Economy, 29^th in R&D, 18th in Cultural Interaction, 5^th in Livability, 5^th in Environment, and 11^th in Accessibility. Admirably, Vienna ranks 7^th in terms of Urban Greenery. Lastly, Vienna positioned 14^th in the Highly-skilled Workers, 30^th in the Corporate executive, 1^st in the Resident and 12^th in the Tourism categories.

According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, Vienna ranks 24^th in the global ranking with a score of 70.7/100, sitting in between Madrid (23^rd) and Vancouver (25^th).

Livability: Vienna’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

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

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Vienna 1^st. The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks Vienna 25^th in between Chicago (24^th) and Bangui (26^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 determine the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

According to the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spot a Home, Vienna ranks 22^nd out of 56 global cities. It currently sits between Dublin (21^st) and Buenos Aires (23^rd).

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Vienna 23^rd overall, sitting in between Boston (22^nd) and Montreal (24^th). Vienna’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 23^rd, People 6th, Profit 56th. Its strengths are: affordability, connectivity., while economic development, employment, green finance, and job quality are areas which could be improved.

Last updated in January 2024. More city profiles here.

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