Are you one of those who complain about the high cost of living in your city? If so, then know and believe that it could be even worse when you visit these cities.
There are cities where life is much more expensive. The top 5 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit – EIU provide predictive and advisory services through research and analysis. The final rating was created based on thorough research, during which prices for 150 goods and services in 133 cities of the world were compared. These are pretty standard products such as bread, beer, men’s suits, women’s hairdressing, and transportation and utilities.
1. Singapore
This city-state, located on an area of 710 square kilometers, is home to 5.7 million inhabitants. In 1819 modern Singapore was found by Sir Stamford Raffles, occupied by the Japanese during World War II, later returned to the British administration. Briefly, they became part of the Federation of Malaysia and were expelled in 1965, resulting in an independent republic. And to this day.
Thus, Singapore is one of the most developed economies in the world, with a significant financial and transit hub in the Southeast Asia region and wonderful tropical parks.
With all of these facts, it’s no surprise that it ranks as the city with the highest cost of living globally. It is seven percent more expensive than American New York. Housing in Singapore is costly. For example, the approximate cost of a two-room apartment in the center is $ 800,000.
2. Paris, France
Back to Europe! According to EIU analysts, the most expensive European city is located on the Old Continent. The capital of France, Paris.
Many people would give almost anything for the opportunity to gaze at the famous Eiffel Tower every day, stroll the Champs Elysees to the famous Grand Arc de Triomphe, or gaze at the beautiful architecture from the summit of Montmartre. Perhaps that is why Paris is one of the most expensive cities globally, and it makes this list regularly.
If you also want to live in Paris, be prepared because, in addition to the traditional astronomical prices for renting an apartment, you will pay about $20 – $27: for each inexpensive lunch, $6 for 0.3 liters of beer, $3; for a trip by public transport.
3. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is one of the costliest places to live in, located on the shores of the South China Sea. Hong Kong, the crucial economical center, is home to over seven million people. Although Hong Kong is formally subordinate to China, it enjoys a high degree of autonomy under its constitution. This region is officially called the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Accommodation is quite expensive in Hong Kong. The price of lunch in a cafe, groceries will not seem high compared to New York or Stockholm prices. The minimum budget for traveling in Hong Kong can be considered $50/day – in this option; you will have to be content with the cheapest hotels and eat in eateries and fast food.
4. Zurich, Switzerland
Coincidentally, less than 300 kilometers to the northeast of Switzerland is the most expensive city globally, Zurich. It is the largest metropolis in this entire alpine country, renowned abroad for its delicious cheeses, chocolates, and reliable watches.
Compared to Geneva, beer is more expensive here, for example. A third of a liter of this golden drink costs an average of $3.25. An inexpensive lunch for one will cost an average of $26.2, and a big mac meal at McDonald’s – $13.6. A taxi ride will cost mean of $30.2.
5. Osaka, Japan
And in the Far East in Japan, there is another city that is considered one of the most expensive in the world – this time, it is the Japanese Osaka, located on the island of Honshu.
One of the most significant metropolitan areas in the Land of the Rising Sun boasts modern buildings hundreds of meters high and beautiful historical architecture. This Japanese metropolis is home to over 2.7 million people. The high cost of goods and services is explained by the fact that Honshu is an island: this makes commercial relations with other countries more expensive.