Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal have earned global recognition in the 2025 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, placing among the top 50 cities worldwide. The ranking evaluates the world’s 1,000 largest cities across five categories: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance.
These results reflect Canada’s global competitiveness in education, innovation, diversity, and livability — even as its cities face challenges around housing and climate change.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Full rankings for Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal
- Strengths and weaknesses for each Canadian city
- Economic and population data
- Insights into livability and future challenges
- Frequently asked questions
Toronto – 20th Globally
Toronto ranks as Canada’s highest-scoring city in 2025, earning a place in the global top 20. It ranks:
- Economics: 19th
- Human Capital: 13th
- Quality of Life: 240th
- Environment: 224th
- Governance: 27th
Toronto stands out for its stable yet fast-growing economy and large foreign-born population — the largest share in North America. As a hub for finance, communications, and education, the city is home to major corporations and world-class universities, including the University of Toronto.
However, its rapid population growth has placed major stress on the housing market, keeping affordability near historic lows. Despite this, its strong governance, life expectancy, and income equality help maintain a relatively high Quality of Life ranking.
Key Figures:
- GDP: US$451 billion
- GDP per capita: US$62,800
- Population: 7.2 million
Vancouver – 37th Globally
Vancouver earns high marks for livability and environmental leadership. Its scores are:
- Economics: 53rd
- Human Capital: 52nd
- Quality of Life: 186th
- Environment: 61st
- Governance: 27th
The city is known for its natural beauty and attracts global talent, especially in tech. Many U.S. tech firms have opened offices in Vancouver to hire international workers, helping drive educational attainment and diversity.
Air quality is high, and the city has ambitious environmental policies. However, like Toronto, it struggles with housing affordability, and its economic reliance on real estate and tech may limit future stability.
Key Figures:
- GDP: US$172 billion
- GDP per capita: US$55,900
- Population: 3.1 million
Montréal – 43rd Globally
Montréal, Canada’s largest French-speaking metro, also made the top 50. It ranks:
- Economics: 58th
- Human Capital: 48th
- Quality of Life: 148th
- Environment: 300th
- Governance: 27th
Montréal is a hub for AI, video game development, and education. McGill University and Université de Montréal are major research centres. Although its population is older than Toronto and Vancouver, it boasts high life expectancy and strong income equality.
Lower average wages and an emissions-heavy transport sector weigh on the city’s rankings. However, its cultural scene, healthcare, and affordability relative to other Canadian metros make Montréal an attractive place to live.
Key Figures:
- GDP: US$240 billion
- GDP per capita: US$52,200
- Population: 4.6 million
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index?
It’s a global ranking of the 1,000 largest cities based on five pillars: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance.
Which Canadian city ranked highest in 2025?
Toronto ranked 20th globally — the highest among Canadian cities — due to its strong economy, global talent base, and corporate leadership.
Why does housing affect these cities’ rankings?
Toronto and Vancouver face some of the world’s highest housing costs, which reduce their Quality of Life scores due to high income spent on rent or mortgages.
Why did Montréal rank lower in Environment?
Montréal’s large transport sector leads to higher emissions. Its northern climate also brings more temperature anomalies, affecting its environmental ranking.
What do these rankings mean for newcomers?
They show that Canada’s major cities are competitive, welcoming, and dynamic — but also facing growing pains, especially around affordability and infrastructure.
