Tokyo has claimed top spot in the world’s richest city in 2025, with a gross domestic product of $2.55 trillion built on decades of technological innovation, ahead of a pack dominated by U.S. cities, according to CEOWORLD Magazine.
Why It Matters
The world’s biggest cities “form the economic backbone of the global economy—commanding capital, innovation, and influence at an unparalleled scale,” the magazine said in its survey of 300 cities.
What To Know
Urban wealth is a reflection of “innovation density, institutional strength, and capital fluidity,” not just a measure of population size or physical infrastructure, CEOWORLD said in its annual report released last week.
The economic might of Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is built on decades of innovation in technology, automotive engineering, and precision manufacturing, the magazine said.
“The city remains a benchmark for operational excellence, technological sophistication, and disciplined economic governance. Japan’s capital integrates innovation with infrastructure like few others—its transportation systems, financial networks, and industrial supply chains operate with unmatched precision,” it said.
The New York metropolitan area, which ranks second in the survey, is at the center of global finance and a dynamic startup ecosystem, while Los Angeles, coming third, has an entertainment economy that is complemented by a fast-growing technology and aerospace sector, the CEOWORLD said.
“Collectively, the top 10 cities alone represent nearly one-third of global GDP, demonstrating how economic might is increasingly concentrated in urban centers that drive innovation, capital flow, and global competitiveness,” it said.
U.S. cities dominated the top 25 spots, with Greater Chicago coming seventh, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area (9), Greater Washington (12), Dallas-Fort Worth (13), Greater Houston (14), Greater Boston (15), Greater Seattle (18), Greater Philadelphia (19), Metro Atlanta (20) and Silicon Valley (24).
Asia’s dominance in the 2025 rankings reflects a broad shift in global economic gravity, the magazine said.
Seoul, is the fifth-richest city in the world, highlighting South Korea’s advances in technology, electronics, and digital innovation.
The top Chinese city in the ranking is Shanghai, coming 10th, as it continues its transformation into a global financial and logistics hub, while China‘s capital, Beijing, came 11th.
What determines a city’s ranking often comes down to the quality of life and the ecosystem that supports wealth creation. Talent attraction, business climate, innovation capacity, and global connectivity all play critical roles, the magazine said.
What People Are Saying
Amarendra Bhushan Dhiraj, CEO and editorial director of CEOWORLD Magazine, told Newsweek in an email: “Cities that thrive in the new global economy are those that invest boldly in people, infrastructure, and ideas. Economic vitality now depends less on geography and more on a city’s ability to foster creativity, inclusivity, and long-term opportunity.”
What Happens Next
Sustainable urban planning, climate resilience, and technological adaptability are critical determinants of long-term prosperity, the magazine said, adding: “The most successful cities are those agile enough to pivot—balancing economic growth with sustainability and inclusivity.”