The Cities Putting People First: What the 2025 Global Cities Index Really Reveals

The 2025 Global Cities Index from Oxford Economics has landed — and at first glance, it looks like business as usual. New York tops the list for the second year in a row, followed closely by London and Paris. But look closer, and a different story begins to emerge: Could it be that the world’s leading cities are no longer defined by economic power alone. What could start to set truly great cities apart is a commitment to people-first urban policies to liability in the form of safe streets, green transport, equitable public space, and sustainability.

Across the top 10, cities are rising in the ranks not just because of GDP or university rankings, but because they’re designing themselves around the needs of the people who live there. Whether it’s bikeable infrastructure in Paris, congestion pricing in New York, or green urbanism in Copenhagen, the best cities today are the ones putting humans — not cars — at the center of planning.

“The 2025 update of the index provides invaluable, data-driven insights for policymakers and business leaders, enabling them to unlock the potential of urban economies,” said Anthony Bernard-Sasges, Senior Economist, City Services at Oxford Economics, and lead author of the report.

A Shift Toward People-First Metrics

The Global Cities Index ranks the world’s 1,000 largest cities across 27 indicators in five broad categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. While economic might still plays a major role, many of the top-performing cities are seeing their biggest gains in quality of life and environmental performance — thanks to bold investments in cycling networks, clean transport, housing access, and cultural vibrancy.

It is hard to attract top talent to a city that is overly car-centric and not active and liveable. Without the talent, it is hard for businesses to thrive.

Let’s break down what the leaders are getting right.

New York City: Still #1, But Changing How It Moves

For the second year in a row, New York tops the index — thanks in large part to its economic heft, high-income levels, and concentration of corporate headquarters. But what’s more interesting is how the city is beginning to rethink mobility, sustainability, and public space.

In the last six years, NYC has rolled out one of the most ambitious expansions of cycling infrastructure in North America, adding dozens of miles of protected bike lanes to create a more fulsome safe cycling network for commuters from across the region. And it’s the fastest growing cycling city in America as a result. Major corridors across Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx have been redesigned to prioritize bikes and buses over cars. The city has also invested in expanding its greenways program, giving more space back to pedestrians and cyclists and making the city more liveable in the process.

But perhaps the boldest move is the upcoming congestion pricing system, as long as it holds strong. It’s a move straight from the playbooks of London and Stockholm, and it signals a major shift prioritising the health and well-being of the people who actually live in New York City not just those who drive in and work.

Paris: From Romantic Capital to Cycling Powerhouse

Paris ranks third overall, but it’s inarguably the top performer when it comes to reimagining city life for people.

Under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the city has embraced the “15-minute city” concept — making everything residents need accessible within a short walk or bike ride. Major avenues have been pedestrianized, thousands of parking spots have been removed, and car traffic in central areas has dropped significantly.

As a result of Hidalgo’s efforts, Paris is once again the envy of the world, but it’s for more than just croissants and art. It’s for liveability.

It’s a cleaner, safer, and more equitable city — and a model for urban transformation that’s being studied around the world.

The best kind of traffic in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Oslo, and the Nordic Blueprint

While not at the very top of the index, Nordic cities such as Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm consistently rank high in environment and governance thanks to their focus on sustainable transport and livability. In Copenhagen, nearly half of all commutes are by bike, supported by extensive networks of protected lanes, bike bridges, and parking infrastructure.

Oslo has removed cars from its city center entirely, replacing parking spots with green plazas, transit lanes, and public art. These cities are proving that climate policy and human-centered design can go hand in hand — and lead to global recognition in the process.

There’s a reason these cities are always also at the top of the world’s most liveable cities lists: They put people first.

London: Smart Policy in a Complex City

London remains at #2 overall, thanks to its vast education ecosystem and low emissions intensity. The city continues to expand its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, including protected “Cycle Superhighways” and quiet backstreet routes. While housing costs remain a major challenge, London is showing that smart regulation, strong public transport, and climate leadership can still elevate a dense, historic city.

Melbourne, Sydney, and the Rise of Active Cities

Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney rank in the top 10 due to high scores in human capital, livability, and environmental planning. Melbourne in particular is known for its green space access, walkable neighborhoods, and integration of cycling into its broader transport strategy. These cities are becoming models for climate-resilient, lifestyle-oriented urbanism — especially as they face increasing heat and environmental stress.

Other Standouts: Boston, Seoul, Toronto

Cities such as Boston, Seoul, and Toronto continue to climb the index due to their investments in public infrastructure, innovation, and equitable mobility. Boston, for instance, is pushing forward with zoning reforms and bus priority lanes, while Seoul is reclaiming space along its rivers and highways for parks, bikes, and pedestrians.

Of course, the list is fluid and cities like Toronto thanks to short-sighted leadership at the province of Ontario, are reversing some investments in safe cycling infrastructure and putting the commute times of suburban voters ahead of the well-being of people who live and work in the city. It’s a formula that has failed. Everywhere. And, is likely to impact the livability of the city going forward. And not in a good way.

The Takeaway

Does the 2025 Global Cities Index tell a bigger story than rankings. Is it signalling a global shift in what makes a city “great.”Economic power still matters — but in an age of climate urgency, inequality, and shifting lifestyles, the cities at the top are the ones putting people at the heart of planning.

Cycling lanes. Open streets. Congestion pricing. Affordable housing. Clean air. Green space. Are these the new pillars of urban excellence? We hope so.