And if it's not what I managed to communicate effectively, I can assure you it is not at all my intended meaning.
Which would then falisify your own premise.
But I’d argue NYC has more culture than say Edinburgh, Scotland despite the later having a far more extensive history.
Contrast though US cities of roughly comparable population (506,000 for Edinburgh), say, Sacramento, CA; Kansas City, MO; Mesa, AZ; or Atlanta, GA. Two of those are also state capitals, roughly matching Edinburgh's political status.
Remmeber that size was another key factor. Again, not sole, but key.
Global cities ratings gives additional ratings and bases for same:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_city
GWAC ranks Edinburgh above all of the US cities, save Atlanta, which is just above it. Mesa and Sacramento are not ranked.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization_and_World_Cities...
I mean, NYC has a ton of culture but it's a young city.
I disagree with you premise.