Vienna in a global context

Vienna ranks among the top in many international studies and rankings and regularly receives awards.

The Ferris wheel in the sunset, buildings behind it

Vienna ranks first in a renowned international quality of life comparison between cities:


City comparisons, studies and awards - overview

Ranking

Title

Year

Language

1 of 173

The Global Liveability Index - Economist

2024

English

1 of 241

Quality of living city ranking - Mercer

2023

English

1

European Capital of Democracy

2023

English

1

EU Organic Award

2023

English

2

Quality of Life Survey - Monocle

2024

English

1

Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2020

2022

English

1

Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation

2020

English

1 of 10

"World's 10 Greenest Cities 2020"

2020

English

1

Netexplo Smart Cities 2020 Prize - UNESCO

2020

English

1 of 153

Smart City Index - Roland Berger

2019

English

1 of 25

Best Cities For Startups - PeoplePerHour

2019

English

2 (Category: Middleweight)

Cities of Choice - Boston Consulting Group

2023

English

2

European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital)

2020

English

2 of 113

Prosperity and Inclusive City Seal and Award (PICSA)

2019

English

2 of 50

Anholt-Ipsos City Brand Index: Place

2022

English

4 of 120

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Performing Arts

2024

English

6 of 100

Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2022: People Ranking

2022

English

7 of 25

Europe's greenest capital cities - Compare the market

2020

English

9 of 150

Global 150 Cities Index

2020

English

11 of 59

Schroders European Sustainable Cities Index

2021

English

13

Global Power City Index 2023 - Mori Foundation

2023

English

14 von 150

QS Best Student Cities 2025

2024

English

Overall Attractiveness: 10 of 150
Lifestyle Rank: 14 of 150
Financial Rank: 35 of 150

Global 150 Cities Index - AIRINC

2024

English

17 of 500

Innovation Cities - 2thinknow

2022 to 2023

English

29 of 156

Global Cities Report - A.T. Kearney 2023

2023

English

21 of 100

WORLD'S BEST CITIES 2024 - Resonance

2024

English

What makes Vienna successful?

Quality of life and reputation

  • Affordable housing
  • Access to healthcare system and education
  • Infrastructure: water supply, waste management, electricity supply
  • Dense and affordable public transport network
  • General safety and security
  • Political stability
  • Social stability

The local population and guests both benefit from the good quality of life in Vienna: Seven important questions and answers on the Mercer study (German)

Business and innovation

Vienna is smart, sustainable and innovative. The city is one of the most attractive locations worldwide for employees and businesses.

Culture and tourism

Locals and guests love Vienna’s rich cultural heritage, magnificent architecture and wealth of activities.

Science and universities

Austria's capital is one of the major centres of knowledge in the world. Next to Berlin, it is the largest university city in the German-speaking region.

Further information

Contact for this page:
Chief Executive Office - European and International Affairs
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