Zürich (or Zurich) is Switzerland’s most populous city and arguably its most well-known. Located near the eponymous lake, Zürich is situated in the (Swiss) German-speaking part of the country. Though famous as a financial centre, it boasts many other strengths.
But how does Zürich perform in terms of image, reputation, influence, business attractiveness, liveability, and sustainability, according to leading rankings and indices?
Let’s take a closer look at:
- Zürich’s competitiveness and financial performance
- Its brand strength and global reputation
- Its livability and appeal for investors, talent, and visitors
Economic Competitiveness
Zürich ranks 16th in the GFCI35 ranking, improving by two places, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s leading financial centres. In the GFCI Fintech ranking, Zürich also ranks 16th.
According to 2Thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index, Zürich ranks 54th, a jump of 16 positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits between Istanbul (53rd) and Phoenix (55th).
In Switzerland, the city ranks 1st in Wüest Partner’s Bilanz City Ranking 2022. This ranking is based on economic performance, innovation, and quality of life.
Zürich ranks 10th in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index.
City Brand Strength and Reputation
Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Zürich 18th, a rise of one position from the previous ranking, placing it right behind New York City (17th) and above Phoenix (19th). The city also ranks 32nd in the Global Cities Outlook, a one-position improvement since the previous ranking.
The comprehensive ranking of the Global Power City Index ranks Zürich 19th. In function-specific rankings, the city ranks 5th in Economy, 24th in R&D, 45th in Cultural Interaction, 32nd in Livability, 8th in Environment, and 18th in Accessibility. Zürich also ranks 8th for Urban Greenery. Lastly, Zürich is positioned 12th in the Highly-Skilled Workers category, 5th in Corporate Executives, 18th in Residents, and 36th in Tourism.
According to the Brand Finance City Index 2023, Zürich ranks 17th, sitting between Melbourne (16th) and Berlin (18th).
Resonance’s 2024 World’s Best Cities report ranks Zürich 33rd, with notable rankings in Prosperity (21st), Livability (42nd), and Lovability (112th), reflecting its well-rounded appeal to both residents and businesses.
Zürich also ranks 11th in the Resonance’s 2024 Europe’s Best Cities and was ranked 5th in 2023, further solidifying its position as one of Europe’s top cities.
The Expat Insider ranks the city 16th in 2023, indicating an upward trend as it rose from 34th in 2021 to 20th in 2022.
How Attractive for Talent, Visitors, and Locals?
The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Zürich 2nd, just behind Vienna (1st). The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks Zürich 3nd, behind Singapore (2nd) and Hong Kong (1st).
Additionally, Zürich ranks 1st in the Numbeo City Cost of Living Index and 8th in the Numbeo City Quality of Living Index.
Condé Nast Traveller’s 2021 story, This is the Best European City for Expats ranks the city 10th.
In Spotahome’s Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads, Zürich ranks 45th overall, with strong performances in Internet Speed, Quality of Coworking Spaces, and Migrant Acceptance.
Zürich ranks 2nd in the Happy Cities Index, emphasising the city’s high satisfaction among its residents.
In the SRF Quality of Life 2023 rankings, Zürich’s shows strength in key areas such as Child care (3rd), Income levels (1st), Public transport stop density (3rd), Green spaces (5th), and Theft (5th). However, there are issues in categories like Street noise (3rd), Cultural offerings (8th), Vacancy rate (9th), Traffic accidents (8th), Doctor density (6th), and Distance to stores (6th).
The Global Liveability Index 2024 ranks Zürich 3rd.
The QS World University Ranking recognises Zürich for its academic environment and ranks 8th in the Best Student Cities 2025 index. The presence of top-tier institutions such as ETH Zürich (7th) and the University of Zürich (109th) contributes to its appeal as a vibrant academic hub attracting students from around the world. Meanwhile the Times Higher Education ranking places ETH Zürich (11th) and the University of Zürich (80th).
Urban Sustainability
The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Zürich 11th overall, sitting between Amsterdam (10th) and Rotterdam (12th). In the pillar rankings it ranks 9th in Planet, 2nd in People, and 51st in Profit.
Zürich ranks 1st in the Smart City Index 2024, reflecting its leadership in technological infrastructure and smart city initiatives.
In the IESE Cities in Motion Index, Zürich ranks 12th overall, with strengths in Social Cohesion (7th), Technology (19th), and Economy (15th). However, its ranking in Mobility and Transportation (54th) and Urban Planning (61st) indicates areas where further development is needed.
Last updated in September 2024. More city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Zürich’s economic and cultural landscape and facilitate comparison over time. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, we are not responsible for any typographical errors or inaccuracies. The data is provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind. Users should verify any information before relying on it for decision-making purposes.
