6000 Cities Now Drive Half of Global Consumer Spending – New Analysis from World Data Lab Highlights the strength of secondary cities.

Vienna, Austria – February 20, 2025 – New York City is the world’s largest consumer market. If it were a country, its total spending would rank between Canada and Russia, underscoring the economic power concentrated in urban centers. New data confirms that cities now account for 50% of global consumer spending, despite covering just 0.4% of the world’s landmass. With 70 million people moving to urban areas each year, economic activity is becoming increasingly concentrated in cities, solidifying their role as the primary drivers of global consumption.

World Data Lab projects that  major metropolitan areas continue to lead in overall consumer spending, mid-sized and smaller cities are growing at a faster rate. Over the next five years, mid-sized cities (1M-5M people) are expected to add $2.6 trillion in consumer spending, reflecting their increasing economic influence. Meanwhile, smaller cities (<1M people) are projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.6%, making them some of the fastest-growing consumer hubs. These trends suggest a structural shift in global demand, requiring updated strategies in areas such as retail, finance, and infrastructure investment.

Table 1: Consumer Spending Growth Rates by City Size

A national-level approach to consumer markets needs an urban complement. Economic activity is increasingly localized, with significant differences in per capita spending across cities. For example, New Delhi’s projected per capita spending for 2025 will reach $3,244—nearly 80% higher than India’s national average. Additionally, the allocation of spending varies widely, with some cities, prioritizing essential goods such as housing and food, while others show higher expenditures on transport, leisure, and luxury goods. For example, the average New Delhi resident spends 2.3x the amount of money on restaurants compared to the average Indian, but spends just 1.2x on clothing. These variations highlight the need for localized economic insights to inform policy and business decisions.

"Consumer spending is no longer just about national trends—it’s about city-level dynamics. While major metropolitan areas will continue to grow, mid-sized and smaller cities are becoming key drivers of new consumer demand. Businesses that rely on broad market trends risk overlooking the real opportunities. A data-driven, city-focused approach is essential for identifying and capturing the most significant growth markets."

— Jonathan Haigh, Vice President of Product, Technology & Insight, World Data Lab

Looking ahead, new consumer markets are expected to emerge in regions that have historically had lower levels of urban spending. By 2035, Cairo, Dubai, and Dhaka are projected to rank among the top 50 global spending cities, reflecting a broader shift in economic power. Additionally, by 2030, cities such as Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Tbilisi (Georgia), and Zhuji (China) are expected to surpass $10 billion in annual consumer spending, highlighting the growing significance of non-traditional urban markets. As global demand evolves, businesses and policymakers will need to closely monitor these emerging centers of economic activity to remain competitive.businesses must look beyond traditional mega-cities to capture the next wave of global demand.

For a deeper analysis of urban consumer spending trends, the Spending in the City report will be available after the webinar. Please contact the media representative below to request your copy.

Media Contact

Anne Mason
Senior Communications & Marketing
anne.mason@worlddata.io

About World Data Lab

World Data Lab (WDL) is a leading provider of consumer spending and demographic forecasting. Our proprietary platform, World Data Pro, delivers high-quality, forward-looking insights into 6,000+ cities and 3,300+ regions worldwide. By tracking shifts in urban consumption patterns, WDL helps businesses, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about market trends, emerging economies, and future consumer behavior.

For more information, visit www.worlddata.io.

Download the Spending in the City Webinar deck HERE