World
2 Arizona cities named among top 100 in the world. Here’s where and why
What to know about Phoenix, Arizona, 5th largest city in US
Phoenix, Arizona’s capital, is the fifth largest city in the U.S. and a destination for world-class resorts, golf, spring training and award-winning restaurants.
The Republic
There are over 500 cities across the world with a population greater than 1 million people. And every year for the past 10 years, Resonance Consultancy, a real estate and tourism consulting firm, has released a report ranking the top 100.
In the 2025 World’s Best Cities report, two Arizona cities made the list, which is calculated using three broad categories: livability, lovability and prosperity.
Livability includes considerations like the density of bike trails and how apartment prices compare to median family income. Lovability is based on the number of attractions like nightlife, shopping and restaurants above a certain rating on Tripadvisor. Prosperity considers statistics like the educational attainment of the city and what percentage of people who participate in the labor force.
London came in at No. 1, with New York City right behind it. Here’s which Arizona cities made the list and why.
How does Phoenix rank on the list of best cities in the world?
Phoenix came in at No. 89 on the list, down from previous years. Phoenix was No. 49 in 2020, No. 55 in the 2021 report and No. 88 in 2023.
The report cited Phoenix’s high affordability ranking and thriving art and museum scene as reasons for the ranking. Phoenix’s fine dining scene also got a shout-out, with the report naming Sam Fox’s new hotel and the Arizona Biltmore, among others, as standouts.
“A growing roster of fine museums, a vibrant artist community and 300 days of sunshine make the city buzz like never before (failed NHL hockey team be damned),” the report read.
How does Tucson rank on the list of best cities in the world?
With a population of just over 1 million, Tucson is one of the smallest cities on the global list. And yet, it’s ranked No. 77 for its “bold city leadership and placemaking.”
Tucson’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, its national parks and its historic districts are all given as reasons for the ranking. Iconic chefs like Don Guerra of Barrio Bread and Maria Mazon of BOCA Tacos y Tequila are name-dropped, as well as efforts to reopen the historic Teatro Carmen.
“Fast-growing Tucson is getting its sun-kissed, well-toned arms around its distinct sense of place,” the report read.
Of the U.S. cities on the global list, Tucson is No. 28 and Phoenix is No. 38.
Reach the reporter at reia.li@gannett.com. Follow @Reialirui on X.
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