Press Release: World Data Lab Unveils Groundbreaking Insights on Global Consumer Spending Trends in Cities

Vienna, Austria – February 20, 2025 – World Data Lab (WDL) is unveiling its latest research in “Spending in the City”, offering a data-driven look at how urban centers are reshaping global consumer spending. With cities now accounting for 50% of total global spending while covering just 0.4% of the world’s landmass, businesses must rethink their strategies to remain competitive.

Key Insights from the Webinar

• Cities Drive Global Consumption: The world’s economic activity is increasingly concentrated, with half of all consumer spending occurring in a tiny fraction of global landmass. This shift underscores the need for businesses to develop precision strategies to capture urban demand.
• Growth is Shifting: While major cities remain dominant, mid-sized cities (1M-5M population) are projected to see the highest spending growth in the next five years, while smaller cities (<1M) will grow at an even faster rate.
• Spending Varies Significantly by City: A national view misses the dramatic contrasts at the local level. For example, New Delhi’s per capita spending in 2025 will be $3,244—nearly 80% higher than India’s national average. Housing and food expenditures dominate in some locations, while transport and leisure lead in others.
• New Economic Powerhouses: By 2035, Cairo, Dubai, and Dhaka are projected to join the top 50 global spending cities, making them key markets for future investment. Additionally, five cities, including Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Tbilisi (Georgia), and Zhuji (China), will surpass $10 billion in annual spending by 2030.

Why Businesses Must Prioritize City-Level Strategies

"National trends only tell part of the story. Consumer spending is increasingly shaped at the city level, with mid-sized and smaller cities emerging as key growth drivers. Businesses that take a granular, city-focused approach will be better positioned to seize new opportunities and stay ahead of shifting market dynamics."

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

Exclusive Access to City-Level Consumer Data

The Categories module within World Data Pro provides an unparalleled view into spending trends across 6,000+ cities and 3,300+ regions, helping businesses anticipate category shifts, track demographic spending patterns, and refine their market-entry strategies.

Join the Conversation

The “Spending in the City” webinar on February 20, 2025, at 3 PM CET / 9 AM EST will feature insights from leading economists and industry experts, including:

• Dr. Homi Kharas, Co-Founder & Chief Economist, World Data Lab
• Jonathan Haigh, Vice President of Product, Technology & Insight
• Dr. Reshma Sheoraj, Vice President of Strategic Engagements (Moderator)

This event is essential for companies looking to refine their urban market strategies and capitalize on the fastest-growing consumer segments.

Register now to access exclusive insights: https://marketing.worlddata.io/wcocategories

For media inquiries, please contact:

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

About World Data Lab

World Data Lab (WDL) is a leading data analytics company specializing in global consumer spending and demographic forecasting. Our proprietary platform, World Data Pro, delivers granular, forward-looking insights into 6,000+ cities and 3,300+ regions, helping businesses, policymakers, and investors make data-driven decisions with precision. With a mission to make global economic data accessible and actionable, WDL provides the most consistent and credible estimates for market trends, urban spending, and future consumer behavior.

For more information, visit www.worlddata.io