London, as it has been for the past decade, has again emerged as the world’s best city. The title was accredited in the World’s Best Cities of 2025 Survey, courtesy of Resonance Consultancy Inc. in partnership with Ipsos. For this reason, the ranking represents those cities that are preferred by people around the world as administrative, business, and tourism centers due to many factors, such as the quality of life, job availability, and attractiveness. Following London, New York secured the second position, and Paris took the third spot, completing the top three rankings. Other prominent cities in the top 10 include Tokyo, Singapore, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, and Sydney, reflecting a diverse array of global urban excellence.
Survey Methodology and Goals
Resonance Consultancy, known for its expertise in real estate, tourism, and economic development, spearheaded this annual ranking. The survey aimed to identify cities where people aspire to live, visit, or work. To compile the list, the Resonance team conducted a poll of 22,000 individuals across 31 countries, focusing on various urban attributes such as cultural richness, economic opportunities, and overall livability. The results provide a snapshot of global urban aspirations and benchmarks for urban planning and development.
America’s Dominance in the Top 100
A diverse show of urban greatness saw thirty-six cities from the United States claim positions on the top 100 positions. This points to the fact that there is new potential for the country as a destination for such attributes as business opportunities, cultural events, and living standards. Global powerhouses, New York, L.A., and Chicago remain beacons while newer popular metros, Austin, and Denver among them are increasingly being identified as innovative and sustainable cities. This dominance reestablishes America in the minds of the global population as the land of opportunities and modern metropolitanism.
India’s Absence Raises Questions
Interestingly, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad – the Indian cities that could be considered the most developed – do not enter the list of one hundred cities with the highest quality of living. What is striking is that these cities had grossed the 5-10 years added a special cultural value, and contributed significantly to regional and national revenues, but they were not on the list. Reuters cited Resonance Consultancy CEO Chris Fair as to the fact that Indian cities were not eligible for the initial list of one hundred cities surveyed. To some extent, this exclusion has raised questions about infrastructure and quality of life in these urban centers of India; problems like pollution that undermine competitiveness could have affected these cities.
Challenges for Indian Cities
The omission of most Indian cities in the rankings shows the challenges other cities encounter to be on the list. Challenges such as poor urban structural development, environmental factors, and socioeconomic challenges still form a solid core. However, both Delhi and Mumbai have traffic congestion, and pollution, and sources are strained which may not be favored in the survey even though they are economically powerful cities and have cultural significance.
Global Urban Trends Reflected in Rankings
The 2025 rankings emphasize a growing preference for cities that offer a blend of livability, cultural experiences, and economic opportunities. Cities like Singapore and Tokyo, which prioritize innovation and sustainability, have consistently ranked high. European cities, including Rome, Madrid, and Berlin, remain attractive for their historical charm and quality of life. Meanwhile, Sydney exemplifies a balance between urban development and natural beauty, resonating with global audiences.
Lessons for Indian Cities
The exclusion of Indian cities from the top 100 presents an opportunity for introspection and growth. To gain a foothold in future rankings, Indian metropolises must address critical issues such as urban planning, pollution control, and infrastructure development. Improving their global image requires the development of Public transport, and infrastructure to include green areas as well as encouraging balanced growth. Being young and full of opportunities Indian city has the potential to provide urban plus ca change and set the standards that can be followed globally.
Looking Ahead
When cities of the world are in their race for rank, parameters such as the World’s Best Cities Survey are reference points for measuring city growth. That some Indian cities are not on this year’s list serves as a reality check of their competitiveness and the growth prospects before them. It is high time for India’s metropolises to act responsibly in favor of sustainable growth in combination with quality of life improvements, and try to improve their positions in the future ranking, as more and more they will add traditions and innovations to the international indices.
