{"id":199,"date":"2017-03-09T20:08:29","date_gmt":"2017-03-09T19:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/?p=199"},"modified":"2023-08-10T21:23:36","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T19:23:36","slug":"the-worlds-20-most-expensive-cities-to-live-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/the-worlds-20-most-expensive-cities-to-live-in\/","title":{"rendered":"These are the 10 Most Expensive Cities in the World in 2023\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Planning your well-deserved annual vacation, but don\u2019t want to break the bank? Or thinking about relocating for work or a life experience? If so, you might want to avoid the following 10 cities as they have been earmarked as the most expensive in 2023. A survey, conducted by the Economic Intelligence Unit from August 16 to September 16, 2022, tracks expenses including services and goods in 172 cities around the world. The results can be found in the report, The Worldwide Cost of Living 2022. The world is brimming with iconic cities and memorable international destinations. But which 10 cities are asking you for more of your hard-earned cash to spend time there? These cities offer history, culture, social lives, cuisine, and many amazing landmarks\u2014all are worth a visit in your lifetime. But do the costs justify your booking? Whether you are just holidaying or moving more permanently as an expat, exploring these cities is definitely going to be pricey. The costs and other figures listed below come from this source. All currencies have been converted to US $ in July 2023 unless otherwise stated. Let’s have a look at the 10 most expensive cities on planet Earth in 2023!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#10 Sydney, Australia<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Sydney, Australia<\/strong> – Source: aerodom.sk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sharing the spot for the 10th most expensive city with Copenhagen, Denmark is Sydney, not formally Australia\u00b4s capital (that is Canberra) but the biggest metropolis Down Under. One of the main reasons Sydney is expensive is the rental market\u2014expect to pay AUD $500 per week for a one-bedroom flat, over AUD $650 for a two-bedder. Buying property is also exorbitant due to high demand and low inventory. A single person\u00b4s estimated monthly costs, at a conservative estimate, is $1,776 without factoring in rental or mortgage payments. On average, a liter of milk is $2.68, and a loaf of bread is $3.96. The average monthly salary in Sydney is $5,967 after tax. This Aussie city now has a cost of living higher than London or New York. But while you are there, surf at the stunning range of city beaches, visit the majestic Opera House, and sail on salty Sydney Harbour under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Dine in fusion or European-style restaurants, or in one of the many Asian-style eateries, as Australia is in the region Oceania which is very close to Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#9 Paris, France<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Paris, France<\/strong> –\u00a0Source: globalholidays.us<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Hold onto your berets and baguettes! Paris is going to cost you. The City of Love has amazing art, architecture, food, fashion, and more, but the average net salary is \u20ac2,694 and a single person\u00b4s costs without accommodation is \u20ac1,042. A beer costs \u20ac7.00. There are only just over 2 million people residing in Paris, making it one of the least populated metropolises. The city has wide boulevards and the River Seine flowing through it. The city area of 41 square miles is ancient, with people living on the present-day site since 7,600 BC. Notre Dame and the Louvre are two of the many must-visit places in the world, and they are Paris icons. As an international cultural capital, you pay for the privilege of being there.\u00a0 Paris might put you in debt if you are not careful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#8 San Francisco, California<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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San Francisco, California<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0– Source: meetingsource.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A surprise entry placing second on our list of most expensive cities in the world, costs a whopping $4612, to live in, monthly. Over 70% of residents\u2019 cost of living is spent on rent, leaving little cash left over for other activities and pursuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#7 Geneva, Switzerland<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Geneva, Switzerland<\/strong> – Source: baomoi.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The home of the United Nations and the European \u201cluxury industry\u201d (think watches, and other high-end goods) Geneva is in the far southwestern corner of Switzerland that juts over into neighboring France. It has an area of 282 km of which 7 km cover the city proper. Geneva is the center of world diplomacy, scientific and non-government organizations and has a historic cultural presence in Switzerland and in Europe. A single person would likely spend \u20ac1,528 per month exclusive of rent, and rents are roughly between \u20ac1,700 and \u20ac2,000 for a one-bedroom flat. Average monthly salaries are about \u20ac5,000. A beer costs about \u20ac8. Enjoy the famous Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest alpine lake; Bains des P\u00e2quis, a popular beach, and outdoor baths; and the 12th century Cathedrale Saint-Pierre de Geneve, where John Calvin once preached in the 16th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#6 Z\u00fcrich, Switzerland<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Source: dealchecker.co.uk<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Coming in at the 6th most expensive city in the world is another Swiss metropolis, Z\u00fcrich, 278 km away from Geneva\u2014home of the Swiss National Museum, Z\u00fcrich Opera House, and Z\u00fcrich Zoo. The country’s financial capital, which sits at the north end of Lake Z\u00fcrich, is home to waterfront walkways, high-end boutiques, and, of course, fancy chocolate in all shapes and sizes. Average monthly salaries are around \u20ac6,000 and rents are about \u20ac2,400 for a one-bedroom in the city center. But\u2014beer is cheaper than in Geneva, at less than \u20ac3! Zurich is well known for its luxurious lifestyles and notable residents, like the late great Tina Turner, Albert Einstein, James Joyce, Richard Wagner, and countless eminent people famous in Switzerland and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#5 Los Angeles, California<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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The City of Angels in the USA, home to Hollywood (and the expensive lifestyles that celebrities support) has doubled in apartment rent costs (than the national average) since 2020. High taxes in the state and 9.5% sales tax means Los Angeles is only comfortable for people with a wad of cash. At average salaries of under $6,000 and a one-bedroom apartment renting for between $2,100 and $2,600, living in LA is challenging! Beer: $2.30 for a local brew, and food is not so expensive either. LA is the second biggest city in the USA after New York and has a population of over 12 million people. If it is your dream to visit Sunset Boulevarde, the amazing beaches, and canyons, and become a resident, you better roll up your sleeves! Los Angeles has the most diverse population of Buddhist sects in the world, a little-known fact. Another rare piece of information is that there are over 11 miles of tunnels running under the city, originally used to transport prisoners, and repurposed as LA\u00b4s metro system.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#4 Hong Kong, China<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Source: nets.eu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Honkers, once an island run by the British from 1841 to 1997, has been absorbed into China and ranks here as the fourth most expensive city in the world. It is officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Monthly average salaries are about $3,000 and rents are high at between $1,500 and $2,000 per month. Milk is under $3 a liter and a kilo of beef is under $25. Local beer is less than $2. You have Lantau Island and Nathan Road shops\u2014Hong Kong has areas that never sleep, with many bars staying open 24\/7. There is no slowdown over the weekend! Visit Victoria Peak and the Choi Hung Estate, The Junk Boat, and the Bruce Lee statue. There are more than 7.4 million people living in Hong Kong, on a landmass of 2,755 square km. This general shortage of land makes property pricey. It is a populous and bustling city of endless markets and nightlife, and if you can afford it, quite an experience to live there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#3 Tel Aviv, Israel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Source: estravel.ee<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It would take pages and pages to cover Tel Aviv\u00b4s historical, political, and religious significance. Suffice here to say the coastal capital of modern Israel has a high price tag for souls that live in this part of the world. There is no alternative economic hub in the country and many of Tel Aviv\u00b4s more than 4 million residents in 2022 demonstrated their discontent with the cost of living to the Israeli government. Currency issues with the new shekel against the US dollar are one reason for Tel Aviv being so expensive. Monthly average salaries are around $2,900 and rents are between $1,000 and $1,600 per month. Electricity, fuel, and about a tenth of the goods in supermarkets rose in price in 2021. A kilo of beef is $18, and a loaf of bread is $2.40. But\u2026a beer is about $9! The city has many 1930s Bauhaus buildings. Museums include Beit Hatfutsot, whose multimedia exhibits illustrate the history of Jewish communities worldwide. The \u201ccity which never sleeps\u201d is a Mediterranean center for culture, nightlife, cuisine, and liberalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#2 New York City, New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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New York City, New York<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0– Source: jmu.edu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In second place (well, tying with first place) for the world’s most expensive cities is New York. Big city, bright lights, big rent. Lease prices have gone up 5% in 2022, the sharpest rise in nearly a decade, hitting $3,700 for a one-bedroom in the city center, and $2,500 outside of the center of New York. A loaf of bread is $4.48, and a beer is $8 with the average New Yorker earning a net salary of $6,400. You can have breakfast at Tiffany’s (actually the Blue Box Cafe adjacent), visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and, of course, the theaters of Broadway! Central Park is made up of 843 acres and is full of places to explore, starting with its zoo, the mall, Bethesda Fountain, and Woolman Rink. Stroll along the Hudson River\u2014that is an activity that is free in this pricey town. New York is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, 72 to be exact! You can also of course eat at budget restaurants. Make the most of fabulous New York whether as a resident or tourist\u2014bring your wallet and maybe your resume to start work to pay the rent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#1 Singapore, Singapore<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Singapore, Singapore<\/strong> – Source: caak.mn<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Planning your well-deserved annual vacation, but don\u2019t want to break the bank? Or thinking about relocating for work or a life experience? If so, you might want to avoid the following 10 cities as they have been earmarked as the most expensive in 2023. A survey, conducted by the Economic Intelligence Unit from August 16 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":212,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,4],"tags":[28,27,29],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/199"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=199"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5369,"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/199\/revisions\/5369"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topexpensive.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}