Houston is once again making headlines, but this time it's for climbing the ranks in the world's urban pecking order. The city has leaped back into the top 50 of the "World's Best Cities" list for 2025, according to a report from Resonance Consultancy. The report, which measures livability, loveability, and prosperity among other metrics, has situated Houston at number 40 globally, as per ABC13. Coming from its previous rank of 66, this is a significant rebound for Texas's most populous city.
Last year’s dip in rank, might've been a tough pill for Houstonians to swallow but this year's ranking reaffirms the city's standing as an epicenter for culture and economic prosperity. Resonance Consultancy has not only pegged Houston in the 40th position but has also suggested that residents "make more money and can sock more away," according to details obtained by CultureMap Houston. While the income and savings prospects in Houston look favorable, it is important to highlight the city's stride in the economic sector, with the report ranking it No. 9 in the world for GDP per Capita.
The survey, which included perception-based data for the first time, was a joint effort by Resonance and global market researchers Ipsos. Over 22,000 participants across 30 countries were surveyed to gauge the most desirable places to live, visit, or work, an initiative marking the 10th anniversary of the consultancy’s "World's Best Cities" reports. Moreover, Houston's ranking was buoyed by being placed in the top 10 in Resonance’s 2024 "America's Best Cities" list, as reported by CultureMap Houston.
Apart from Houston’s ascent, the report also highlights the changes for other Texan cities. Dallas made a similar leap to Houston, rising from the 73rd spot to rank No. 55. However, Austin experienced a slight dip, falling from 43rd to 53rd position. The report's praise for Houston’s vast cultural diversity and its emphasis on the city's "economic heft and wealth" is further brought to light by the presence of a commendable number of Fortune 500 companies within the city black, an "overall Prosperity index ranking of No. 36," according to CultureMap Houston.
In the greater context of global urban hierarchies, London continues to wear its crown as the No. 1 city in the world for 2025, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Singapore, respectively. While Houston has made a noteworthy ascension on the list, these cities represent further heights that locales around the world aspire to reach, with their blend of economic vitality, cultural vibrancy, and urban robustness.
