Driven by the strength of the world’s largest economy, U.S. metropolitan centers dominate Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index, capturing 16 of the top 50 spots worldwide. New York claimed the #1 overall position for the second consecutive year, leveraging its sheer scale, high productivity and undisputed leadership across global finance, technology, media and culture.
Oxford Economics’ flagship Global Cities Index is researched and crafted by a global team of specialized economists. It provides an exhaustive, data-driven evaluation of the structural economic machinery behind the world’s largest metropolises. Bringing together five categories — Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance — the index features a thorough assessment of each city’s standing in the global landscape.
“New York’s dominance is anchored by an unmatched concentration of talent, top-tier universities and high-paying global industries,” said Liam
