Whether you want to experience luxury living or opt for a more modest lifestyle, our 2026 ranking of the most expensive cities in the world can help you plan your next move abroad.
The High Price of Living in the World’s Most Popular Destinations
If you’re thinking about moving abroad, it’s essential 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 many, the exciting lifestyle, culture, and abundant career opportunities in these locations make the expense worthwhile. Others, however, may prefer more affordable options that suit their budget.
Whether you want to experience luxury living or opt for a more modest lifestyle, our 2026 ranking of the 20 most expensive cities in the world can help you make an informed decision.
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.
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 2026, the 20 most expensive cities in the world are:
Although eight U.S. cities appear on the list of the world’s most expensive places to live, Switzerland ranks as the most costly country overall in 2026, with six of its cities – Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano, 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 primarily 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 #5 out of 110 countries on the latest Global Peace Index and #13 out of 147 nations in the most recent World Happiness Report.
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.
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, Honolulu, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, DC, San Jose, Boston, and Charleston all appearing among the world’s 10 most expensive cities.
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 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.
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 at a hefty price, as high real estate prices and 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.
Small Countries with Big Price Tags
The latest cost-of-living rankings show that size doesn’t always equal cost. Capital cities like Reykjavik in Iceland, Oslo in Norway, and Copenhagen in Denmark show 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.
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 2026 Cost of Living Index, starting with the most costly.
Europe
Bergen, Norway
Trondheim, Norway
Stavanger, Norway
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Aalborg, Denmark
North America
Oakland, CA, United States
Berkeley, CA, United States
San Diego, CA, United States
Anchorage, AK, United States
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Central America
San Jose, Costa Rica
Monterrey, Mexico
Panama City, Panama
Mexico City, Mexico
Querétaro (Santiago de Querétaro), Mexico
South America
Montevideo, Uruguay
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Caracas, Venezuela
Cordoba, Argentina
Santiago, Chile
Asia
Ramat Gan, Israel
Jerusalem, Israel
Haifa, Israel
Petah Tikva, Israel
Beersheba, Israel
Africa
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Pretoria, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Oceania
Sydney, Australia
Canberra, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
Gold Coast, Australia
Adelaide, Australia
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 2026, the following cities stand out as some of the least expensive places to live:
Coimbatore, India
Lucknow (Lakhnau), India
Indore, India
Surat, India
Kochi, India
Jaipur, India
Bhopal, India
Kolkata, India
Bhubaneswar, India
Patna, India
India dominates this list, with cities such as Coimbatore, Lucknow, Indore, and Surat offering affordable living and vibrant cultural experiences.
Other cities, including Kochi, Jaipur, and Kolkata, combine modern amenities with rich heritage, while smaller cities like Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Patna stand out for their lower costs and slower pace of life.
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.
Even if you’re not moving to one of the most expensive cities in the world, it’s essential to create a detailed budget covering housing, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment in your new home.
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, living costs will impact your discretionary spending, the type of housing you can afford, and even influence your career opportunities.
That’s why it’s essential 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 significantly from country to country.
Even if you plan to move to one of the most expensive cities in the world, public healthcare may fall short of the standards you are used to, with long wait times or language barriers making access to 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 by providing access to quality care and covering unexpected medical expenses. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency care.
Sophie Pettit is Head of Content at ICI and brings extensive experience in content strategy and management within the expat and travel space. She has led major websites across Europe and Southeast Asia and creates content that inspires readers to explore with confidence.
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