Tel Aviv Ranks 34th Globally in 2026 Oxford Economics Index
Tel Aviv ranked 34th globally in the 2026 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, leading the Middle East and North Africa. Haifa and Jerusalem placed 144th and 179th respectively.
Tel Aviv has ranked 34th globally in the 2026 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, which evaluates 1,000 cities worldwide. This achievement makes Tel Aviv the highest-ranking city in the Middle East and North Africa.
Two other Israeli representatives entered the index: Haifa, which ranked 144th, and Jerusalem, which placed 179th.
The annual index compares the world's major cities by evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, and future growth potential. The ranking aggregates indicators across five core categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. Oxford Economics relies on future forecasts alongside historical data to reflect both current conditions and developmental trajectories.
Economic Strength and Human Capital
Tel Aviv's most prominent performances were recorded in the economic sector, where it ranked 16th globally, and in human capital, securing 31st place. The report estimates Tel Aviv's economy at roughly $267 billion, with a GDP per capita of approximately $86.3 thousand. The scale and productivity of industries operating within the city place it in the global top decile for both total GDP and GDP per capita.
"Tel Aviv benefits from one of the highest higher education rates in the Middle East and North Africa, driven by a skilled workforce and a high concentration of high-paying technology jobs."
The technology sector and the proliferation of startup companies serve as primary drivers for the city's high standing. Academic institutions such as Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University significantly contribute to research and development.
Quality of Life and Housing Challenges
In the quality of life category, the index notes that high-paying jobs contribute to strong per capita income in Tel Aviv. High life expectancy and advanced healthcare systems are highlighted alongside soaring housing costs, which remain an ongoing challenge.
Governance proved to be the weakest category for all three Israeli cities, which recorded low and comparable ranks: Haifa at 399th, Tel Aviv at 401st, and Jerusalem at 403rd, largely influenced by the geopolitical situation and security instability.
