The world's best cities in 2025

Global ranking of the best cities 2025

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Resonance and Ipsos published their annual ranking of the world's best cities. The real estate and market analysis firms choose the top 100 cities from thousands of towns.

The most notable cities in the report

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

The ranking asks for the opinions of over 22,000 people from 30 countries, considering economic opportunity, quality of life, and new experiences. All the cities have more than a million residents. Here are the top 20.

20. Milan, Italy

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Milan is quickly becoming a European investment destination. It has a growing portfolio of luxury real estate and quick connections to the rest of the continent. Milan will also host the 2026 Winter Olympics.

19. Seattle, United States

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Although it faces a housing crisis and high vacancy rates, its population is growing as Amazon (pictured) and Zillow selected it for their offices. It is one of the ranking leaders in income and education, driven by the University of Washington.

18. Vienna, Austria

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Vienna leads the ranking in sustainability with an ambitious plan to achieve carbon net zero by 2040. Half of its population has access to public housing. It has invested in renovating the Vienna Museum and adding new gastronomic and hotel spaces.

17. Chicago, United States

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Chicago has led corporate investment for 11 consecutive years. Major initiatives are transforming the city's south side and reinforcing its growth. It is well-connected and vibrant.

16. Seoul, South Korea

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Seoul shines as the global epicenter of K-culture and sophisticated cuisine, with 176 Michelin-starred restaurants. It also leads in connectivity and houses many multinationals and startups. It is also a major tourist destination in Asia.

15. Toronto, Canada

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Toronto is experiencing intense urban expansion. It is redefining its skyline with a Green Roof ordinance and revitalizing its key cultural spaces. The city is also transforming its waterfront with environmental regeneration projects.

14. Los Angeles, United States

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Los Angeles is preparing for a historic decade of sporting events, with the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games as key events. The city is expanding key museums and modernizing its transportation system.

13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, attracts visitors and investors with stunning real estate developments. The city is known for its luxury, but it also plans to become a "20-minute city" that brings services closer together and improves quality of life.

12. San Francisco, United States

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

San Francisco faces critical challenges, with a dying downtown and security issues. Still, it remains highly desirable thanks to its leading entrepreneurial ecosystem, sustainability, and local mentality. It is also a global center for artificial intelligence.

11. Amsterdam, Netherlands

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Amsterdam prioritizes quality of life and neighborhood well-being. To reduce party tourism, it has restricted nighttime hours, cannabis consumption, and the sex industry. The city has many more attractive cultural experiences.

10. Sydney, Australia

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Sydney is under transformation. The city is adding green spaces, improving transportation, and renewing historic buildings. The artistic scene and technology ecosystem are also growing, reinforcing its profile as a global city.

9. Berlin, Germany

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Berlin reinforces its diverse and vibrant identity as a magnet for talent and immigration. A cultural and festive capital, it boasts nearly 200, more than 4,000 startups, and is a symbol for diversity in Europe.

8. Barcelona, Spain

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Barcelona is experiencing a pivotal moment. It faces the challenge of rethinking its tourism industry to tackle overtourism, banning platforms like Airbnb while renovating its key landmark, the Sagrada Família.

7. Madrid, Spain

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Madrid is promoting an ambitious, sustainable urban transformation. It plans to inaugurate a metropolitan forest of approximately 76 km and modernize its electric mobility. The city is also becoming a hub for international investment.

6. Rome, Italy

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Recent archaeological discoveries reaffirm Romes's legacy as a historic city. But the Italian capital also tops global rankings for its quality of life and appeal, with touristic flair and gastronomic excellence.

5. Singapore

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Singapore, fifth in income, shines as a commerce and gastronomy destination, with massive investments from technology companies like Google and Microsoft. The city is also committed to sustainability and logistical efficiency.

4. Tokyo, Japan

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

The country's economic engine, the Japanese capital, is experiencing a tourism boom, attracting millions of visitors. Tokyo is committed to creating green spaces and innovative pedestrian projects before 2030.

3. Paris, France

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

Paris tops the ranking of monuments and iconic sites. The city is also firmly committed to sustainable mobility. It is a tourist magnet and a hub of innovation, with multimillion-dollar investments in infrastructure and technology.

2. New York, United States

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

The report credits New York for its remarkable resurgence after the pandemic: offices filled up again, and tourism returned. Despite the city's real estate pricing crises, the ranking values its diversity, cultural activities, and financial ecosystem.

1. London, United Kingdom

20. Milan, Italy, 19. Seattle, United States, 18. Vienna, Austria, 17. Chicago, United States, 16. Seoul, South Korea, 15. Toronto, Canada, 14. Los Angeles, United States, 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12. San Francisco, United States, 11. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10. Sydney, Australia, 9. Berlin, Germany, 8. Barcelona, Spain, 7. Madrid, Spain, 6. Rome, Italy, 5. Singapore, 4. Tokyo, Japan, 3. Paris, France, 2. New York, United States, 1. London, United Kingdom

London has led the ranking for two years. It is a leading destination for tourism, investment, and technology. It is expanding its infrastructure and sustainability.

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