Bergen ranks as top European city in Global Cities Index

The 2026 Global Cities Index, produced by Oxford Economics, evaluates 1,000 major cities across five key categories: economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance.

In terms of quality of life, Bergen, Norway, ranked as the top European city and second globally, trailing only Canberra, Australia. Bergen’s high ranking is attributed to its combination of high income levels, low income inequality, and a strong work-life balance facilitated by its proximity to mountains and fjords.

On the broader global scale, New York, London, and Paris continue to lead the index due to their strong capital markets and stable institutions. Other high-ranking cities include Seattle, Dublin, and Boston. The report also notes a shift in economic geography toward Asian cities such as Shenzhen, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur, which are identified as cities to watch for future growth.