We have made a list of the top ten most expensive cities in the world. We’ve also contained a section on living expenses based on Numbeo data. After the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the price of everything has risen to another level.
Please keep in mind that these data are subject to change, which is why we recommend conducting a comprehensive study when deciding to relocate to a specific place.
Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in the World:
10. Beijing
Beijing is widely recognized as a renowned city in Japan, offering similar price levels to several European capitals. This is particularly appealing for expatriates who are accustomed to a high standard of living and have a preference for imported goods.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,200
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $672
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $5.62
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $4.22
Cappuccino: $4.55
Beer: $4.08
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $2
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $2.08
Eggs (12): $1.79
Banana (1kg): $2.87
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $55
Internet: $21
9. Tokyo
Tokyo is definitely Japan is popular for its high living costs. Due to the famous metropolis that is consistently ranked among the world’s top most expensive cities, most residents spend a lot of money on high rent prices.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,050
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $600
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $4.83
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $6.90
Cappuccino: $3.18
Beer: $3.93
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $1.31
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $1.54
Eggs (12): $1.79
Banana (1kg): $2.87
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $154
Internet: $31.43
8. Singapore
Singapore is definitely eight known and the most expensive city in Asia. The land is definitely rare due to the small size of the country. In addition, Singapore has several natural resources and must rely on ports to import essential requirements such as water and natural gas energy.
Singapore is recognized as a global financial hub, which is the reason become a popular destination for digital nomads and expat employees from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $2,310
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $1,669
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $5.58
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $10.46
Cappuccino: $4.08
Beer: $6.97
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $2.27
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $1.27
Eggs (12): $2.52
Banana (1kg): $2.33
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $130
Internet: $31.87
7. New York
New York is definitely one of the North American cities on the list of the top 10 expensive cities. This city is the land of opportunities, attracting individuals f.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $2,941
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $2,359
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $10
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $25
Cappuccino: $5.30
Beer: $8
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $1.21
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $4
Eggs (12): $4
Banana (1kg): $2.62
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $175
Internet: $68
6. Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and world-class restaurants. Tel Aviv, Israel’s biggest city. You will get a reputation for being not just vibrant but also one of the most expensive cities, even for those whose income is dollars, euros, or other major currencies.
In this, you can always expect high rent in Tel Aviv. This is one of Israel’s most popular tourist destinations, and its standards are comparable to those of more expensive European cities such as Rome or Paris.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,625
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $1,270
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $15.36
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $18.15
Cappuccino: $3.95
Beer: $8.94
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $1.69
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $2.50
Eggs (12): $3.77
Banana (1kg): $2.22
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $261
Internet: $29
5. Bern
Bern, Switzerland is the capital city, this is another city that always gets a spot as the most expensive city in the world list. Bern is famous for its medieval architecture, fountains, and rich history and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,200
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $935
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $15.16
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.27
Cappuccino: $5.23
Beer: $6.07
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $1.58
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $2.72
Eggs (12): $5.84
Banana (1kg): $2.87
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $197
Internet: $51
4. Basel
Basel becomes Switzerland’s oldest university city has been located on the Rhine River, very close to the country’s borders with France and Germany, and hosts the world’s largest art market every June.
Basel has become a green city. You may enjoy sports, games, and relaxation all year long in small neighbourhood oases and city parks.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,391
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $1,148
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $16.17
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.27
Cappuccino: $5.23
Beer: $6.07
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $1.67
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $3.19
Eggs (12): $5.67
Banana (1kg): $2.56
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $271
Internet: $50
3. Geneva
Geneva is popularly known as the Jet d’Eau, the world’s biggest water fountain is a city along with dozens of luxury cafés and shopping for days. But all of that luxury comes at a great cost. Geneva has become an expensive city but the high expense of living doesn’t deter people.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,913
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $1,494
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $15.16
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.27
Cappuccino: $5.28
Beer: $7.08
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $1.57
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $2.71
Eggs (12): $5.35
Banana (1kg): $2.56
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $184
Internet: $53
2. Zurich
Zürich is you can tell the reason the most expensive city in the world. The financial capital, fetting located at the northern end of Lake Zurich popular as waterfront promenades, high-end shopping, and exquisite chocolate. It is also the most expensive city in Switzerland to find a house to rent.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,913
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $1,494
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $15.16
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.27
Cappuccino: $5.28
Beer: $7
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $1.71
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $3.04
Eggs (12): $5.60
Banana (1kg): $2.83
1. Hong Kong
Asia has become the top expensive city to live in, so it’s no surprise that Hong Kong takes the top spot. Hong Kong is noted for drawing some of the world’s most successful and wealthiest businessmen, as well as thousands of ex-pats.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $2,200
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $1,619
Restaurants
McMeal at McDonald’s: $5.10
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.64
Cappuccino: $5.02
Beer: $6.34
Markets
Milk (1 liter): $3.04
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): $2.24
Eggs (12): $3.41
Banana (1kg): $2.54
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): $196
Internet: $22
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FAQs
1. What factors make a city expensive to live in?
Several factors contribute to the high cost of living in a city, including:
• High housing and rental prices
• Expensive transportation and utility costs
• High food and dining expenses
• Luxury and lifestyle costs
• Economic conditions and inflation rates
2. Which city is currently the most expensive in the world in 2024?
As of 2024, the most expensive city in the world is Hong Kong, known for its high real estate prices, luxury lifestyle, and steep cost of living.
3. How is the cost of living index determined for cities?
The cost of living index is determined by comparing the prices of goods and services, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare, across different cities. It is usually benchmarked against a standard city (often New York City) to rank other cities relative to it.
4. Why do cities like New York and Tokyo often rank among the most expensive?
Cities like New York and Tokyo have high costs due to:
• High demand for housing and limited space, driving up real estate prices
• Being global financial hubs with a strong economy that attracts businesses and expatriates
• High wages but correspondingly high living expenses
5. Which other cities consistently rank as the most expensive?
Besides New York and Tokyo, cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Zurich, London, and Paris frequently appear on the list of the most expensive cities due to their expensive housing markets, strong economies, and luxurious lifestyles.
