If you're still figuring out your travel plans for 2026, this list may help you choose your next destination!
Data research firm Resonance recently released its annual Best Cities report. They rank the most influential and affluent cities around the world.
They looked at more than 400 metro areas with more than 1 million people. Scores fall from three big categories: vibrancy, loveliness, and richness. Things like family-friendly locations, how easy it is to get around, public transportation, nightlife, and overall economic health play a role. They also explored real user content—photos, videos, reviews, and check-ins—from Google, Instagram, TikTok to see true popularity.
In the 2026 rankings, classics from Europe, America and Asia dominate the board. The Middle East also makes inroads. What is surprising? Hot spots like Mexico City and Miami could not even make the top 20.
Here's the full top 20 lineup:
#20 Istanbul (Turkey)
Population: 14.2 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $715
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $964
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $47
A cappuccino: roughly $3.81
#19 Hong Kong (China)
Population: 7.6 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,081
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $2,318
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $71
A cappuccino: roughly $5.14
#18 São Paulo (Brazil)
Population: 22.4 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $637
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $668
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $38
A cappuccino: roughly $2.14
#17 Toronto (Canada)
Population: 7.6 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,088
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $1,686
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $85
A cappuccino: roughly $3.91
#16 Shanghai (China)
Population: 28.5 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $588
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $908
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $32
A cappuccino: roughly $3.14
#15 Beijing (China)
Population: 21.3 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $578
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $985
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $28
A cappuccino: roughly $2.86
#14 Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Population: 3 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,330
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $2,460
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $115
A cappuccino: roughly $4.92
#13 Seoul (South Korea)
Population: 24.2 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,035
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $869
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $55
A cappuccino: roughly $3.61
#12 Los Angeles (USA),strong>
Population: 12.9 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,349
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $2,555
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $100
A cappuccino: roughly $5.74
#11 Sydney (Australia)
Population: 5.5 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,134
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $2,198
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $82
A cappuccino: roughly $3.52
#10 Barcelona (Spain)
Population: 5.1 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $911
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $1,549
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $69
A cappuccino: roughly $2.96
#9 Berlin (Germany)
Population: 5.1 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,141
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $1,421
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $72
A cappuccino: roughly $4.44
#8 Dubai (UAE)
Population: 6 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,129
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $2,459
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $82
A cappuccino: roughly $5.85
#7 Rome (Italy)
Population: 4.3 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,023
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $1,448
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $81
A cappuccino: roughly $2.09
#6 Singapore
Population: 6 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,126
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $2,967
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $69
A cappuccino: roughly $4.67
#5 Madrid (Spain)
Population: 7 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $929
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $1,513
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $69
A cappuccino: roughly $3.24
#4 Tokyo (Japan)
Population: 36.6 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $930
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $997
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $42
A cappuccino: roughly $3.26
#3 Paris (France)
Population: 13.2 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,207
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $1,609
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $75
A cappuccino: roughly $5.01
#2 New York (USA)
Population: 19.9 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,669
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $4,143
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $145
A cappuccino: roughly $5.72
#1 London (UK)
Population: 12.5 million
Monthly expenses for one person (no rent): about $1,394
One-bedroom rent downtown: around $3,112
Mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses): about $105
A cappuccino: roughly $5.27
Which one are you eyeing for 2026? Go ahead and choose your favorite getaway! ✈️
