Whether you’re trying to save money for a financial goal or simply feeling the pinch, it will probably not be a good idea to live in any of the cities mentioned in this list. According to the Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey 2013, these 10 cities are currently the most expensive to live in:
10. Sydney, Australia
One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, Sydney is also one of the most expensive. A cup of coffee with service charges will cost you $5.16 in this city and a hamburger will be around $9.20. However, residents still love living here because of its many cultural amenities, its galleries, museums and its warm climate.
9. Bern, Switzerland
Switzerland is always known to be an expensive destination and this list proves that again. Bern offers excellent quality of life and is home to a very large number of foreign nationals. It is known for its many heritage sites and its beautiful architecture. However, it is also the 9th most expensive cities in the world.
8. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is one of the largest financial centers in the world and its population consists of 30.9% foreign nationals. However, if you plan to buy a pair of simple blue jeans, be ready to shell out an average of $141.26!
7. Geneva, Switzerland
The third city of Switzerland in this list, Geneva is the costliest of them all. If you plan to watch a film in Geneva, a single seat will be $18.48. A cup of coffee will be $6.52. However, Geneva is also the 8th best city in the world when it comes to quality of life. It is home to several international organisations and financial institutions.
6. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the smallest but very highly populated cities in the world. It is also home to the most skyscrapers in the world. Renting an unfurnished two bedroom apartment in Hong Kong will cost you a whopping $7,091.69! This alone justifies its position as the 6th most expensive city to live in.
5. Singapore
Singapore is home to a large number of Philippines, Thailand, India, Malaysia and China nationals and also one of the best places in the world to conduct business. However, this tiny city-state is also one of the most expensive in the world to live in.
4. N’Djamena, Chad
Although Chad is among the poorest countries in the world, N’Djamena is definitely a pricey city to live in. The city is a central location for fish, livestock and cotton. If you’re planning to buy a simple club sandwich in the city, be ready to shell out $25.51.
3. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo has always secured a spot in the top 10 most expensive countries in the world. This year, it took the third place in the list. This megacity is home to the largest number of Michelin Star restaurants in the world and is home to the Japanese government. However, it definitely proves to be quite brutal on the pocket considering that a single cup of coffee can cost you $6.98.
2. Moscow, Russia
Moscow is known as the world’s billionaire capital. This oil rich city is also expected to soon become Europe’s largest economy. Along with its brutally cold weather, Moscow is also the second most expensive city to live in. A two bedroom apartment in the city can cost you $4,600 a month while a pair of jeans can cost an average of $169.13.
1. Luanda, Angola
Angola’s capital Luanda took the first spot in this list. While the city has grown considerably due to diamond and oil trade, very few residents of the city have benefited from it. Renting an unfurnished two bedroom apartment in the city can cost $78,000 a year while a pair of jeans can cost $204.41.
Image Credits: Amy N Harris/BigStock.com
