Yerevan drops 31 places in Global Cities Index 2026 but improves in quality of life and environmental metrics
23.09.2026,
18:16
Yerevan ranked 514th out of the world's 1,000 largest cities in the Global Cities Index 2026, compiled by the international analytics firm Oxford Economics.
YEREVAN, September 23. /ARKA/. Yerevan ranked 514th out of the world's 1,000 largest cities in the Global Cities Index 2026, compiled by the international analytics firm Oxford Economics.
In the Global Cities Index 2024, the Armenian capital held 437th place; in 2025, it was 483rd; and in 2026, it ranked 514th. Thus, the city has dropped 77 places in the rankings over two years.
However, regarding quality of life, Yerevan actually rose from 492nd place in 2024 to 402nd in 2026. The most significant decline during this period was recorded in the human capital category—dropping from 401st to 628th place.
In the "Economy" category, Yerevan fell from 409th to 481st place, while in the "Human Capital" category, it dropped from 557th to 628th.
At the same time, the city's standing improved noticeably in quality of life—rising from 422nd to 402nd place—and in environmental conditions—moving from 782nd to 715th. Regarding public governance, Yerevan shifted from 517th to 552nd place.
Thus, the drop in the city's overall ranking occurred amidst mixed trends: the most notable deterioration in relative standing over the year was observed in the economy and human capital sectors, whereas quality of life and environmental metrics showed improvement. Oxford Economics evaluates the world’s 1,000 largest cities across five dimensions: economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. The index includes a forecasting component, utilizing not only historical data but also Oxford Economics’ own city-level forecasts. Consequently, a change in ranking reflects a city’s relative standing compared to other cities in the index, rather than merely a shift in its own performance metrics.
In the Global Cities Index 2024, the Armenian capital held 437th place; in 2025, it was 483rd; and in 2026, it ranked 514th. Thus, the city has dropped 77 places in the rankings over two years.
However, regarding quality of life, Yerevan actually rose from 492nd place in 2024 to 402nd in 2026. The most significant decline during this period was recorded in the human capital category—dropping from 401st to 628th place.
In the "Economy" category, Yerevan fell from 409th to 481st place, while in the "Human Capital" category, it dropped from 557th to 628th.
At the same time, the city's standing improved noticeably in quality of life—rising from 422nd to 402nd place—and in environmental conditions—moving from 782nd to 715th. Regarding public governance, Yerevan shifted from 517th to 552nd place.
Thus, the drop in the city's overall ranking occurred amidst mixed trends: the most notable deterioration in relative standing over the year was observed in the economy and human capital sectors, whereas quality of life and environmental metrics showed improvement. Oxford Economics evaluates the world’s 1,000 largest cities across five dimensions: economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. The index includes a forecasting component, utilizing not only historical data but also Oxford Economics’ own city-level forecasts. Consequently, a change in ranking reflects a city’s relative standing compared to other cities in the index, rather than merely a shift in its own performance metrics.
