This U.S. metropolis was just crowned the world’s best city, beating London, Paris and Tokyo

From cultural investment to cutting-edge technology, the best cities topping the 2026 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index reveal what makes a great place to live, work and visit. The report evaluates 1,000 cities across five categories—Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance—and one U.S. city took the top spot, yet again.

Yes, New York has retained its position at the head of the global pack, thanks to earning a perfect score in the Economics category. As a global financial hub, the city is packed with major company headquarters, top universities and job opportunities. High housing costs still make life expensive for everyday residents, but New York’s massive business engine and cultural energy kept it ahead of London and Paris.

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Aside from New York—powered by big businesses, world-famous universities and huge economic output—the U.S. performed exceptionally well, taking half of the spots in the global top ten. Seattle came in at number four, with its booming tech scene driving high incomes and spots like the Seattle Art Museum and a new 20-acre Waterfront Park adding plenty of cultural charm. San Francisco took the number five spot. The tech and innovation hub scored near the top for both economic strength and educated talent. Boston, home to world-class universities and major healthcare, biotechnology and finance industries came in at number seven. San Jose's tech industry has created high average incomes and steady local growth, earning the Silicon Valley city the number eight spot.

The rest of the global top ten includes London (at No. 2), Paris (No. 3), Dublin (No. 6), Tokyo (No. 9) and Zurich (No. 10). Overall, the 2026 report shows that while high living costs remain a challenge in major hubs, cities with strong job markets, top schools and modern infrastructure continue to lead the world.

World's 10 best cities of 2026, according to Oxford Economics' Global Cities Index:

1. New York
2. London
3. Paris
4. Seattle
5. San Francisco
6. Dublin
7. Boston
8. San Jose
9. Tokyo
10. Zurich