The High Price of Living in the World's Most Popular Destinations
If you're thinking about moving abroad, it's important to consider the cost of living in your chosen destination. While some cities offer a high quality of life, they often come with a hefty price tag.
For some, the exciting lifestyle, vibrant culture, and abundant career opportunities in these high-cost cities make the expense worthwhile. However, others prefer more affordable destinations where they can enjoy a comfortable life without overspending. That said, with careful research and planning, even the most expensive cities can become more budget-friendly.
Whether you're looking to indulge in luxury living or avoid costly locations to stay within your budget, our list of the 20 most expensive cities in the world for 2025 can help you decide where to live. To provide a balanced perspective, we’ll also highlight some of the most budget-friendly cities for comparison.
If you're thinking about moving abroad, it's important to consider the cost of living in your chosen destination. While some cities offer a high quality of life, they often come with a hefty price tag.
For some, the exciting lifestyle, vibrant culture, and abundant career opportunities in these high-cost cities make the expense worthwhile. However, others prefer more affordable destinations where they can enjoy a comfortable life without overspending. That said, with careful research and planning, even the most expensive cities can become more budget-friendly.
Whether you're looking to indulge in luxury living or avoid costly locations to stay within your budget, our list of the 20 most expensive cities in the world for 2025 can help you decide where to live. To provide a balanced perspective, we’ll also highlight some of the most budget-friendly cities for comparison.
The 20 Most Expensive Cities to Live in 2025
A city’s cost of living index reflects the price of housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials needed to maintain an average standard of living.
It’s a key factor for anyone looking to live comfortably while managing their budget. The cost of living in a city can influence everything from the overall quality of life for residents to a company's decision to set up business there.
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While cost-of-living figures continually fluctuate due to inflation, real estate trends, exchange rates, and geopolitical factors, some cities consistently rank among the most expensive places to live.
According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index for 2025, the 20 most expensive cities in the world are:
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Lausanne, Switzerland
- Geneva, Switzerland
- New York, NY, United States
- Basel, Switzerland
- Bern, Switzerland
- San Francisco, CA, United States
- Honolulu, HI, United States
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Boston, MA, United States
11. Singapore, Singapore
12. Seattle, WA, United States
13. Washington, DC, United States
14. London, United Kingdom
15. San Diego, CA, United States
16. Trondheim, Norway
17. Los Angeles, CA, United States
18. Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
19. Sacramento, CA, United States
20. Oslo, Norway
Read More: The Cost of Living Abroad
Swiss Cities Take the Lead in 2025
Although nine U.S. cities appear on the list of the world's most expensive places to live, Switzerland ranks as the most expensive country overall in 2025, with five of its cities – Zurich, Lausanne, Geneva, Basel, and Bern – making it into the global top ten.
Zurich and Geneva, in particular, are renowned for their world-class infrastructure, healthcare, and education, which attract foreigners seeking a premium lifestyle, albeit at a steep cost.
The high housing prices, food costs, and everyday expenses in these cities are largely driven by Switzerland’s strong economy and excellent living standards.
Despite these high expenses, Switzerland remains one of the best countries to live in, ranking #6 on the Global Peace Index and claiming the #10 spot in the World Happiness Report in 2024.
For many, the exceptional quality of life, political stability, excellent public services, and the country’s renowned safety and cleanliness make these high costs worthwhile.
Read More: Moving to Switzerland
High Costs but Big Rewards in the U.S.
The United States plays a significant role in the cost of living rankings, with New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Boston all appearing among the top ten most expensive cities in the world.
While these cities offer diverse job opportunities and vibrant cultures, they come with steep housing prices and high daily expenses.
For example, New York and San Francisco are known for their excellent career prospects, but they are notoriously expensive, particularly when it comes to rent and real estate.
Similarly, cities like San Diego, Washington, DC, and Honolulu remain popular among residents and newcomers despite their high cost of living.
The escalating cost of living in many of America’s top cities can be a major obstacle for many, driving individuals and families to seek more affordable options abroad.
As housing prices continue to soar and daily expenses rise, more people are choosing to relocate overseas in search of a better balance between quality of life and cost.
Read More: The Cost of Living in the US
Read More: 10 Best Places to Live In The USA
Singapore Ranks as Asia's Priciest City
Singapore stands out as the most expensive city in Asia and one of the priciest in the world. As a major financial hub, it offers a high standard of living, with its iconic skyline, vibrant culture, and strong economy drawing expats, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
However, these benefits come with a hefty price tag, as high real estate prices and a strong demand for luxury goods drive up the city’s cost of living.
Although Singapore boasts excellent public transportation, a low crime rate, and a reputation for cleanliness, many residents struggle with affordability, particularly those in lower-income brackets.
This can be a significant challenge for those hoping to live comfortably on a budget, including expats. As a result, they may want to consider more affordable destinations that might be better options for long-term living.
Read More: 6 Reasons to Move to Singapore
Read More: The Best Jobs in Singapore
Small Countries with Big Price Tags
The latest cost of living rankings show that size doesn't always equal cost. Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, and Norwegian cities like Oslo and Trondheim demonstrate that smaller countries with strong economies and high living standards can also have steep living costs.
Strong living standards, high taxes, and a limited housing supply in these locations contribute to the rising prices. However, these cities offer clean environments, excellent public services, and stunning natural scenery, making them worthwhile for many.
Countries like Israel and the United Kingdom also appear on the list, with Tel Aviv-Yafo and London ranking among the highest.
London, which is known as a global financial center, faces high housing costs, particularly in popular areas. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv is rapidly emerging as a tech and cultural hub, which is driving up living costs.
For those considering a move, these cities offer a high quality of life, but the cost of living may require careful financial planning and a willingness to adjust to the expenses.
Read More: The Cost of Living in the UK
Read More: The Cost of Living in London
Read More: Moving to the UK
The Most Expensive Cities by Region
If you've already decided on the country or region you want to move to but are still uncertain about which city to call home, we're here to help.
Below, we've listed the top five most expensive cities in each region (excluding those mentioned above) based on Numbeo's Cost of Living Index for 2025, starting with the most expensive.
Europe
- Bergen, Norway
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Paris, France
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Aarhus, Denmark
Read More: The Cost of Living in France
Read More: The Cost of Living in Paris
Read More: The Cost of Living in the Netherlands
North America
- Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Chicago, IL, United States
- Miami, FL, United States
- Atlanta, GA, United States
- Denver, CO, United States
Central America
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Panama City, Panama
- Monterrey, Mexico
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Mexico City, Mexico
Read More: The Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Read More: The Cost of Living in Mexico
Read More: Moving to Panama
South America
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Santiago, Chile
- Quito, Ecuador
Asia
- Hong Kong
- Jerusalem, Israel
- Haifa, Israel
- Seoul, South Korea
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Read More: The Cost of Living in Dubai
Read More: Moving to Dubai
Read More: The Best Places to Live in Dubai
Africa
- Harare, Zimbabwe
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Accra, Ghana
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Cape Town, South Africa
Read More: Moving to South Africa
Oceania
- Sydney, Australia
- Canberra, Australia
- Adelaide, Australia
- Melbourne, Australia
- Wellington, New Zealand
Read More: The Cost of Living in Australia
Read More: How to Immigrate to Australia
Read More: The Cost of Living in New Zealand
Read More: Immigrating to New Zealand
The Least Expensive Cities to Live in
Now that we've revealed the most expensive cities in the world, you might be curious about the most affordable places to call home.
Based on Numbeo's Cost of Living Index for 2025, the following cities stand out as some of the least expensive places to live:
- Coimbatore, India
- Alexandria, Egypt
- Lahore, Pakistan
- Karachi, Pakistan
- Lucknow (Lakhnau), India
- Jaipur, India
- Surat, India
- Kochi, India
- Bhubaneswar, India
- Cairo, Egypt
India dominates the list, with cities like Coimbatore, Jaipur, Surat, and Lucknow offering both affordable living and rich cultural experiences.
Pakistan and Egypt also stand out, with Lahore, Karachi, and Cairo providing budget-friendly options while serving as key cultural and economic hubs.
These cities prove that affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing amenities. In fact, many feature modern infrastructure, growing industries, and a high quality of life.
Whether you're seeking culture, a thriving economy, or simply a more affordable lifestyle, these cities are great options for those looking to live well on a budget.
Read More: The Cost of Living in India
Understanding the Cost of Living Abroad
If you're planning to move abroad, it's important to consider all aspects of living costs and create a detailed budget that includes housing, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment in your new home country.
Understanding the cost of living – from everyday expenses like groceries to greater costs like housing and healthcare – will help you make a more informed decision about your move.
After all, the cost of living will impact your discretionary spending, the type of housing you can afford, and even influence your career opportunities.
That's why it's important to balance these financial factors with the lifestyle and job prospects each city offers, ensuring they align with your long-term goals and expectations.
Planning for Healthcare Costs Before You Relocate
One key aspect of your budget that should never be overlooked is health coverage. The quality of healthcare and medical costs can vary greatly from country to country.
For instance, in some places, public healthcare may not meet the standards you're used to, and you might encounter long wait times or language barriers that can make accessing care more challenging.
That's why it's essential to plan for healthcare costs before you move. Investing in a global medical plan can help bridge these gaps, offering access to quality care and covering unexpected medical expenses. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency care.
Find the Best International Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Having the right coverage gives you peace of mind, knowing you're protected and ready for anything that comes your way. With that security in place, you can focus on enjoying your new adventure and making the most of your exciting journey ahead!
So, before you move, take the time to research and compare international health insurance plans to find the best option for your budget and needs. Contact International Citizens Group to request a free quote today!
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