Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Oxford Index Highlights Delhi, Bengaluru Among Rising Global Cities
Oxford Economics compared 1,000 cities around the world.
It looked at their economies, people, quality of life, environment and governments.
New York was ranked first, followed by London and Paris.
New Delhi and Bengaluru were named cities to watch.
This means researchers think they could become more important in the global economy.
Many American cities scored strongly because of their economies and skilled workers.
European cities generally did better in quality of life, environmental performance and governance.
The report also said Indian and Chinese cities may continue rising as their economies and productivity grow.
New York, London and Paris retained the top three positions in Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index.
The index evaluates 1,000 cities across 163 countries on economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance.
New Delhi and Bengaluru were identified among 30 “Cities to Watch” expected to gain greater global economic importance.
Warsaw rose 109 places, while Bratislava and Sofia also recorded major improvements in the rankings.
Chinese and Indian cities are expected to keep advancing as GDP and productivity growth improve living standards.
- Who
- Oxford Economics assessed cities worldwide, with New York, London, Paris, New Delhi and Bengaluru among the cities highlighted.
- What
- The 2026 Global Cities Index ranked 1,000 cities and identified 30 “Cities to Watch.”
- When
- The findings are from Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index.
- Where
- The index covers cities across 163 countries, including cities in Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East.
- Why
- The report aims to compare cities’ economic, human-capital, quality-of-life, environmental and governance performance and identify cities with strong growth prospects.
- Publisher
- Oxford Economics
- Cities assessed
- 1,000 cities
- Countries covered
- 163 countries
- Ranking measures
- Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance
- Top three
- New York, London and Paris
- Cities to Watch
- 30 cities, including New Delhi and Bengaluru
- Largest stated climb
- Warsaw rose 109 places