- Resonance and Ipsos released the 2026 World’s Best Cities Report after analysing more than 270 cities with populations above one million
- Cities were ranked using the “Place Power Score”, which is based on liveability, loveability and prosperity
- London ranked first globally, followed by New York City and Paris, with Tokyo and Madrid completing the top five
Elijah Ntongai, an editor at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of financial, business, and technology research and reporting experience, providing insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.
Resonance and Ipsos released the 2026 World’s Best Cities Report after evaluating more than 270 cities with populations over one million.
Source: Twitter
Resonance, a multinational advisor in real estate, tourism, and economic development, and its research partner Ipsos analyzed hundreds of global destinations based on hundreds of metrics.
The destinations were evaluated based on metrics such as airport connectivity and economic output, culture, nightlife, and online popularity to determine which destinations are shaping global urban living.
How were the best cities ranked?
The research team evaluated the destinations using a metric system they called the “Place Power Score,” which was built on three pillars: liveability, lovability, and prosperity.
Resonance said the methodology was expanded to account for rising trends, including startup ecosystems, digital engagement, cultural depth, climate resilience, and social media platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu, to broaden its global perspective.
Which are the world’s best cities in 2025?
London topped the ranking with a strong performance in prosperity, culture, and global connectivity, retaining its stature as what Resonance calls “the capital of capitals.”
The report highlighted the city’s robust post-pandemic recovery, increased foreign investment, particularly from the US, and leadership in tech, tourism, and fine dining.
New York City came in second overall and first in the US, boosted by its diversified economy, cultural dominance, large-scale infrastructure upgrades, and sustained visitor interest.
The city ranked high for theaters, museums, dining, and global influence.
Paris, which placed second in 2024, dropped to third but remains a top performer on liveability and cultural appeal.
Below are the top 20 best cities to live, work, and visit, according to the 2025 edition:
1. London, United Kingdom 2. New York City, US 3. Paris, France 4. Tokyo, Japan 5. Madrid, Spain 6. Singapore, Singapore 7. Rome, Italy 8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 9. Berlin, Germany 10. Barcelona, Spain | 11. Sydney, Australia 12. Los Angeles, California 13. Seoul, South Korea 14. Amsterdam, Netherlands 15. Beijing, China 16. Shanghai, China 17. Toronto, Canada 18. São Paulo, Brazil 19. Hong Kong, China 20. Istanbul, Turkey |
Which cities are in Kenya?
In other news, Kenya is home to a variety of cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
Nairobi is the biggest city, with a population of over four million, and covers 696.1 km².
Mombasa is the second largest city and the oldest in the country, known for its beaches, ports, and historical sites.
Nakuru has a population of 570,674 and is famous for its farmlands, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Menengai Crater.
Eldoret, with 475,716 residents, is a major agricultural hub and home to Moi University.
Kisumu has 397,957 people and serves as a key economic and cultural centre on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
