Tracing spatial variations in ecological and economic benefits to support basic dimensions of wellbeing during urban expansion

• Framework traces ecological and economic benefits across analytical levels. • Source–flow–sink theory enables spatial mapping of economic benefits. • Both benefits rose regionally in Ordos, except for water purification. • District-level results reveal strong spatial imbalance between east and west. • Trade-offs concentrated in eastern Ordos; synergies limited to western areas. Cities exist to support the multidimensional wellbeing of their residents. However, urban expansion has been accompanied by a rapid increase in economic benefits (EBs) and a decline in ecosystem services (ESs), both of which are essential for achieving multidimensional human wellbeing. Most existing studies have focused on regional-level changes in EBs and ESs due to the lack of reliable methods for spatially mapping the distribution of EBs. However, human activities and wellbeing are highly localized, shaped by fine-level environmental features and land use patterns. We propose a framework to trace spatial variations in EBs and ESs across analytical levels during urban development, aiming to identify win-win opportunities and support informed spatial planning. In Ordos, China, we found that EBs and ESs generally increased at the regional level, except for water purification. However, at the district level, a pronounced spatial imbalance emerged. In the eastern districts, urban expansion coincided with improvements in all EBs but reduced carbon storage and water purification. In contrast, the western districts showed ecological recovery despite substantial declines in economic supply capacity from 2010 to 2020. Grid-level analysis further revealed specific locations of trade-offs and synergies. Trade-offs were widely distributed across Ordos, particularly concentrated in parts of the east, while synergies were limited to small, clustered areas in the west. We suggest that future urban green infrastructure restoration and multi-functional community construction be prioritized in Ordos’ eastern districts, whereas natural vegetation replantation should take place in western ecologically fragile districts. Overall, our framework has the potential to guide sustainable urban development and reform within China and beyond.