In the latest Oxford Economics Global Cities Index for 2026, cities from Europe and North America take the lead, filling 78 out of the top 100 spots. Among these, Europe boasts 44 entries, while the United States has 30 and Canada contributes four.
This ranking evaluates how major cities excel in balancing economic opportunities with quality of life, a skilled workforce, environmental resilience, and reliable governance. In the top ten, London holds the second spot, followed by Paris in third, Dublin in sixth, and Zurich in tenth position. Notably, five cities from the U.S. — New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, and San Jose — also made it into this elite list.
European cities like Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen ranked high as well. Liam Sides, director of City Services at Oxford Economics, noted that U.S. cities shine in economics and human capital, while European cities excel in quality of life, environmental factors, and governance.
For those who value quality of life, environmental health, and strong governance, European cities are particularly appealing. Paris earned high marks for quality of life, with Dublin doing well in environmental initiatives and governance. Zurich and Oslo also received commendable governance scores, with Oslo leading in this category among all cities assessed.
On the other hand, U.S. cities generally have an edge in economic performance and the availability of talent. New York clinched the highest economics score in the index, while Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose scored well in this area too. Los Angeles managed to combine a solid economics score with a relatively decent quality of life ranking.
Interestingly, London stands out in Europe with the highest human-capital score in the index, benefiting from its strong universities and business scene, which attract skilled workers. However, the city struggles with quality of life, slipping in this category.
One significant challenge facing both regions is the issue of housing affordability. The report highlighted that London, Dublin, and New York are dealing with high housing costs, which detracts from their overall quality of life scores, despite the high incomes their residents earn. Cities that offer more affordable living could attract more residents; Toulouse, for example, is drawing people away from Paris due to its lower costs.
### Rising Stars in Europe
Compared to last year, Dublin has made impressive gains, climbing seven spots to sixth place thanks to improvements in its economy, quality of life, and environmental standards. However, it still battles high housing prices, ranking poorly in global affordability.
Warsaw saw the biggest leap in Europe, rising 109 places to 61st. Istanbul climbed 42 places to reach 64th, and Madrid and Budapest improved by 14 spots, landing at 30th and 111th respectively. Helsinki and Brussels also made gains, while some cities like Frankfurt, Rome, and Lisbon experienced declines.
### Cities to Watch
Oxford Economics has flagged five European cities as ones to watch: Warsaw, Tallinn, Eindhoven, Manchester, and Toulouse. Warsaw, which has emerged as a key finance and business hub, is expected to grow its economy significantly in the coming years and is predicted to surpass Paris in average income per person soon.
Tallinn is poised for strong GDP growth, thanks to its focus on technology and professional services. Eindhoven is becoming a leader in research and advanced manufacturing, particularly in semiconductor technology. Manchester has seen notable job growth and productivity, outpacing other UK cities. Lastly, Toulouse is noted for its aerospace industry and is growing in popularity due to its lower living costs and pleasant climate.
### The Impact of AI on City Growth
The rising influence of AI technology is contributing to economic growth in cities that are leading in development, according to Sides. While U.S. cities have a strong advantage in this sector, several European cities are also positioned to benefit. For instance, London and Eindhoven have significant human-capital scores and thriving tech industries.
Cities around the globe, like Taipei and Kuala Lumpur, are also climbing the rankings thanks to their robust tech sectors. Oxford Economics suggests that cities effectively leveraging AI and technology, such as Shenzhen and Bengaluru, could experience rapid growth.
### Asia’s Growing Role
Though Europe and North America currently dominate the rankings, Asian cities are emerging as key players in urban expansion. They combine large populations with increasing productivity and income, moving into sectors like technology and advanced manufacturing. By 2050, cities in China and India are expected to generate more global GDP than those in Europe, with significant growth forecasted for cities like Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City.
As these dynamics shift, the landscape of global cities continues to evolve, highlighting the need for innovation and adaptability in urban planning and development.
