4 Asian cities among top 10 world’s most powerful metropolises

Four Asian powerhouses have cemented their status among the world’s most influential urban centers in the 2026 Global Power City Index, a benchmark that gauges how effectively cities attract people, investment, and enterprise. The index rates 48 leading cities using 72 indicators grouped into six pillars: economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility.

Tokyo overtakes New York for the first time

Tokyo vaulted to No. 2 overall with a score of 1535.1, marking its highest position in the index and its first time surpassing New York since the rankings began. Although Tokyo’s economy sub-score slipped to 12th, the city surged elsewhere: it ranked first worldwide for livability and nightlife, and second for cultural interaction. Environmental performance also improved sharply, leaping from 18th to 7th—an upswing that reflects growing investment in greener urban systems and quality public space.

Singapore holds 5th, with standout urban nature

Singapore maintained 5th place, buoyed by a robust economy profile and diverse workplace options. Its environmental credentials stood out even more: among the top 10 cities, Singapore scored highest on biodiversity and urban greenery—attributes that contribute to cooling, flood mitigation, and overall resilience. However, living costs weighed on its livability score, which fell to 31st amid inflation pressures that have strained households in many affluent cities.

Seoul at 6th: a research titan with rising cultural appeal

Seoul secured 6th place, underpinned by world-class research and development. It ranked second for patent output and third for researcher density, underscoring its central role in technology and innovation. Cultural and tourism amenities also improved, broadening the city’s appeal to international visitors and skilled professionals.

Shanghai climbs to 8th on connectivity and R&D

Shanghai rose three spots to 8th, propelled by stronger research performance and better accessibility. Gains in air passenger traffic and airport connectivity, paired with a more compelling tourism profile, enhanced the city’s magnetism for both business and leisure travel. The upgrade signals a deepening role in regional and global networks.

London extends its lead; New York slips to 3rd; Paris steady at 4th

London retained the top position for a 14th consecutive year, continuing to dominate cultural interaction and accessibility. New York, meanwhile, dropped to 3rd—the sharpest fall among the top 10. It still leads globally in economy and R&D, but its livability score dragged down the overall ranking, with price levels ranked last among all surveyed cities. Paris held 4th, buoyed by a modest score increase tied to the momentum of the 2024 Olympics and a renewed tourism wave. Notably, Paris climbed to second in accessibility, overtaking New York.

What the rankings reveal about urban futures

The 2026 results highlight how the balance of urban power increasingly hinges on quality-of-life, cultural vitality, and climate resilience—alongside the traditional strengths of finance and research. Tokyo’s rise underscores the advantage of safe, well-connected neighborhoods and strong cultural ecosystems, while Singapore’s biodiversity and greenery point to the growing premium placed on nature-based solutions in dense cities. Seoul and Shanghai illustrate how investment in research and transport connectivity can amplify global pull.

As cities face compounding pressures—from high living costs to climate risk—the index suggests that the most “magnetic” urban areas are those pairing economic opportunity with livability and environmental progress. Accessible public transport, resilient infrastructure, and urban nature are no longer amenities; they are competitive necessities shaping where talent and capital choose to go.