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#1 Singapore, Singapore
Singapore, the Lion City, ties with New York as the most expensive city on planet Earth in 2023! At 728.6 square km, the situation is like Hong Kong, a scarcity of land and property driving up prices for real estate. Also, like Hong Kong, Singapore has the third highest population density in the world (Hong Kong has the fourth highest). The city also has very few natural resources and must rely on ports to ship necessities like water and natural gas electricity. Singaporeans earn an average of $5,000 monthly with rent on a one-bedder going from $2,100 to $3,400 whether inside or outside the city. A kilo of beef costs $20 and a beer? $7.50. In the 19th century, the British established trading ties and administration of the island, but it became independent in 1965 after the Japanese occupation in World War II and a brief merger with Malaysia. If you live in Singapore, or just visiting, you can visit the Katong neighborhood with its coffee houses, shops, and colorful, historic Peranakan houses from the early 20th century. There is the Art and Science Museum at Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Fort Canning Park plus delicious noodle bars and rooftop bars and all the best that Southeast Asia has to offer!