Germany’s 2024 livable city rankings are released! You would never guess!


Swiss economic research company Prognos and Handelsblatt, one of Germany's largest business and economic newspapers, jointly released the "German City Rankings 2024." These rankings cover 71 German cities with a population of more than 100,000. These cities currently house nearly one-third of Germany's population, and this proportion continues to rise.

The Prognos City Rankings analyze more than just the dynamics of these cities. They use 28 indicators across five key thematic areas: ecology, transport, society, work, and digitalization. These indicators are drawn from multiple official sources and scientifically calculated and compared to ensure transparency and fairness.



First place: Einstein's hometown! Ulm

Ulm is a major city located in the central part of the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bayern, one of the most scenic regions in southern Germany. The Danube River forms the border between the two states, with Ulm situated on the left bank of the river. Along with Neu-Ulm, located across the river in Bavaria, Ulm serves as the cultural and commercial center of the region. The city is also the birthplace of German-American physicist Albert Einstein.

This small city is home to numerous research institutions, including the Ulm Helmholtz Institute and the Institute for Finance and Actuarial Science. It also houses research centers for major international companies like Daimler, Nokia, and Siemens, and boasts the prestigious University of Ulm, renowned for its actuarial science. It truly is a gathering place for all the enviable talents of the Dragon Country!



Second place: Germany’s version of Tsinghua University! Munich!
Munich, ranked second, is likely associated with "expensive" by many . While the cost of living in Munich is relatively high, thanks to the influx of highly qualified employees, salaries are generally well above the national average. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is known for its picturesque architecture, beer gardens, and the world-famous Oktoberfest. This prosperous city offers a high standard of living and a strong job market, making it an attractive destination for professionals. The city also boasts a rich cultural life and numerous holiday events, making it a pleasant place to work, study, and live. Technical University of Munich (QS Global Ranking 28) and University of Munich (QS Global Ranking 59). Technical University of Munich is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities of science and technology since the Industrial Revolution. It is not only Germany's leading university for science and engineering, but also a world-renowned institution. It ranks 55th in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and 43rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Furthermore, it has produced numerous outstanding individuals, including 17 Nobel Prize winners and 20 Leibniz Prize winners. Isn’t this a great place with beautiful scenery and outstanding people!

Third place: Audi’s hometown!
Ingolstadt, a non-county city in the German state of Bavaria, lies along the Danube River. With a population of approximately 130,000, it ranks sixth in Bavaria. It is a vibrant and charming city, a near-perfect blend of history, tradition, and modernity, exuding a unique charm. It is also the hometown of the century-old automobile brand Audi.
Audi is a unique brand that embodies honor and passion, yet has weathered adversity and been reborn. Its resilience and continuous growth have forged its current glory. Its name comes from the ancient Latin word for "listen." It's precisely by constantly listening to consumers and meeting their needs that Audi's products have achieved victory after victory in the ever-innovating automotive market, becoming a widely recognized brand.

Fourth place: Erlangen
Located in the Greater Nuremberg region of Franconia in northern Bavaria, the city is dedicated to pharmaceutical R&D and research and is developing into a federal pharmaceutical capital. The city boasts a renowned university medical school, over 20 hospitals, various medical research centers, and pharmaceutical companies. The city is home to the renowned University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and one of Siemens' three R&D headquarters, and their buildings can be seen throughout the city.
5. Regensburg
Regensburg is a municipality in Bavaria, Germany, the capital of the Upper Palatinate administrative district and the Regensburg district. It is the fifth-largest city in Bavaria, after Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, and Würzburg. Regensburg's main industries are processing, including automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, and microelectronics. The Old Town of Regensburg was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

In 2024, Germany faces not only challenges like climate change, energy transition, economic and housing issues, and gender equality, but also a struggle to navigate the crises of global political change, business integration, and digitization. How cities will navigate these challenges is a burning question for leaders. But don't you all agree that these towns, home to exceptional schools, will continue to attract attention for years to come?

Source: Baopu Finance, September 24, 2024