Amsterdam climbs six places to 21st in Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index 2026
Published on 15 September, the index compares 1,000 of the world’s largest cities across five categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. Amsterdam rose from 27th in 2025 and now ranks just ahead of Berlin and Geneva. The city’s performance reflects a broad mix of strengths rather than dominance in any single category.
Why Amsterdam has risen in the ranking
Oxford Economics highlights Amsterdam’s combination of economic dynamism, a highly educated workforce, high quality of life and good governance. Together, these factors help shape the conditions in which businesses can attract talent, invest and grow.
The relationship between these factors is central to this year’s report. Oxford Economics describes how economic success can support improvements in quality of life, which in turn help cities attract skilled workers and sustain further growth. Amsterdam’s performance reflects the value of having several of these strengths in one place.
Amsterdam remains among Europe’s leading cities
New York, London and Paris retain the top three positions globally. Within Europe, Amsterdam joins cities including Zurich, Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen near the top of the index.
The index also points to a broader difference between cities on either side of the Atlantic. US cities generally draw their advantage from economic performance and human capital, while European cities often perform particularly well on quality of life, environmental performance and governance.
Amsterdam’s position reflects elements of both, a strong international economy combined with many of the wider qualities that make European cities attractive places to live and work.
What Amsterdam’s ranking means for its business environment
The improved ranking does not mean the city is without challenges. Beyond the ranking, Amsterdam faces constraints that will shape its future economic development. A tight labour market and limited physical space are putting pressure on the region’s capacity for growth, while its international economy remains exposed to developments elsewhere in the world.
Addressing these pressures calls for cooperation across the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, bringing together businesses, knowledge institutions and regional and national government. Maintaining the conditions that underpin Amsterdam’s appeal, while creating the space for its economy to keep development will be essential to supporting the city’s economy in the years ahead.
Explore the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026.