In 1.3 beta, you have decided to limit "repeatable" buildings to 1 per citylevel. This applies, for example, to studies and workshops. The implementation is completely separated from the careful balance of food vs output. Consider, that I can in a level 3 city, which requires 2 food, build 3 studies. Then consider that I need at the very least 7 food spent in a level 3 city to bring it to level 4 - assuming I have access to houses. But in a level 4 city, I can still only build 4 studies. So, there's a huge disconnect between the amount of food spent and what the city produces. As it stands right now, you have introduced a very clear deterrent to ever going above city level 3. Even taking all the city levelup bonuses and assuming the player spends a lot of his time researching city improvements, I would still say it is not worth it simply because if you fill the land with low-level cities you'll produce more than you do with high-level cities. Not only this, but every city looks the same because there's no point specializing a city any more (at least not for technology or arcane research).

Also consider, that a level 1 city which costs NO food, can still build 1 of each of these repeatable buildings. In this manner, you are creating a very clear incentive for players to "cityspam" level 1 cities to build these repeatable buildings for free.

Suggestions: I would strongly suggest that you reconsider the numerical limit on repeatable buildings in citylevels, and that you base your decision primarily on the amount of food it takes to reach that citylevel. I would also suggest that you consider adding 1 food cost to each new city founded.