Warsaw rises in Global Cities Index while Hel faces population decline

Warsaw has significantly improved its standing in the 2026 Global Cities Index, climbing 109 positions to reach 61st place. The city was identified by Oxford Economics as one of five European cities in the “cities worth noting” category, alongside Tallinn, Toulouse, Eindhoven, and Manchester. This recognition is driven by Warsaw's growing financial sector, technology, and business services.

In contrast, the Polish seaside resort of Hel is experiencing a notable population decline. Despite attracting 600,000 to 800,000 tourists annually, the town's population has dropped by nearly 36 percent since 2002. Factors contributing to this exodus include seasonal employment instability and high real estate prices, with average apartment costs reaching approximately 17,100 PLN per square meter in August 2026. Experts suggest Hel is a prominent example of a broader national trend where young people migrate from smaller towns to major metropolises due to limited professional opportunities.