The 10 Smartest Cities in the World in 2026

The world’s smartest cities are not necessarily the ones with the most futuristic skylines or the most visible technology. The 2026 IMD Smart City Index focuses instead on how technology, infrastructure and public services improve daily life.

The index ranks 148 cities largely through residents’ perceptions of quality of life and their cities’ ability to address mobility, health, sustainability, governance and access to opportunities. IMD’s findings also point to transparency and public trust as important measures of how effectively cities use technology and infrastructure.

Zurich retained the top position for the seventh consecutive year. The Swiss city combines efficient infrastructure with technology and services designed around residents’ needs. Its public transport, green spaces, environmental management and digital government systems all contribute to its performance. Residents still identify affordable housing as a major concern amid the city’s high cost of living.

Oslo ranked second, with sustainability and environmental quality among its strongest features. The Norwegian capital has invested in renewable energy, cleaner urban mobility, electric-vehicle infrastructure and traffic management. Commuter traffic remains a concern as the city expands.

Geneva placed third, supported by reliable public services, healthcare infrastructure, sanitation and public safety. Its digital government systems allow residents to access civic documents and administrative services online. The list also includes London, Singapore, Dubai and Canberra, Australia’s capital. The ranking’s broader pattern favors cities that combine capable institutions and infrastructure with technology, rather than relying on technology alone.