It turns out that there are many expensive cities around the world. Some say that living there pays off, but others are willing to leave these cities in leave elsewhere so they can save some money. We don’t want to suggest anything with this guide you are about to read – we are just trying to share the facts.
There are expensive cities on almost every continent even though the most expensive cities are usually located in Europe. Some of these cities are very big while others are small. If you have no idea which cities are expensive, you’ve come to the right place.
- Learn more about the cost of living in the most expensive cities
- Find out the latest prices in these cities
- Check the facts about the most expensive cities to live in
We have included cities from three continents – Europe, Asia, and North America. There are cities that have a population of a few millions while others have just a few hundred thousand inhabitants. These cities are known for different things and have different climates. Check our guide of 8 really expensive cities to live in before making a plan to move from the city where you are living at the moment.
1. Basel, Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Population: around 178.000
Area: 23.9 square kilometers
Elevation: 366 meters
Climate: Temperate oceanic
If you are thinking about moving to Basel, Switzerland, you should know that this is one of the most expensive cities in the world. That makes sense because Switzerland, in general, is a very expensive country. This is not a very populous city, but it’s the 3rd most populous city in Switzerland. People there speak German, but you will find many ex-pats from different countries too.
We must say that Basel has an excellent transportation system. People can use modern roads, railways, the international airport, ferries, tram network, buses and other means of transportation. Basel is located close to Germany and France. It’s worth mentioning that this is a very successful economic region with strong banking, chemical, air, and media industries.
As for the prices, it’s not too much to say that you won’t be able to find almost anything cheap in this city. The price of properties is extremely high and it’s better to rent an apartment than to buy one in the long run. Even the prices of food and restaurants are very high.
- Basel is the third most populous city in Switzerland
- This city is located in an area which is known as an advanced economic region
- Basel is often listed as one of the most expensive cities in the world
Cost of living in Basel
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 92 Euros
Milk: 1.4 Euros
Bottle of wine: 14 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 175 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 1100 Euros per month
2. Oslo, Norway
Continent: Europe
Population: around 1 million (Urban area)
Area: 480 square kilometers
Elevation: 23 meters
Climate: Humid continental climate
Even the capital cities can make to the list of really expensive cities to live in. That’s the case with Oslo, the capital city of Norway. This is also the economic center of this country. The shipping, banking, and trading industries are especially strong in this area.
As expected, Oslo is also one of the best cities in the world in terms of quality of life. There are warm summers and cold winters in this area. It’s also good to know that people can find many parks and recreation areas in this city. We should also mention that Oslo is one of the safest capitals in Europe, although the crime rates in the recent period have been increased.
When it comes to prices and the cost of living, the only thing that’s not very expensive in this city is transportation and only if you are using public transportation. The rest of the expenses can be quite high. For example, you can expect to pay a huge amount of money for renting an apartment in the center of this city and the same goes for purchasing an apartment or a property in this city. Don’t expect to get better prices if you are looking for a property in the suburbs.
- Oslo is the capital city of Norway
- This is one of the safest capitals in Europe
- The only thing that can be considered cheap here is public transportation.
Cost of living in Oslo
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 75 Euros
Milk: 1.8 Euros
Bottle of wine: 14 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 156 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 1210 Euros per month
3. Arhus, Denmark
Continent: Europe
Population: around 273.000 (Urban area)
Area: 91 square kilometers
Elevation: 50 meters
Climate: temperate oceanic climate
Aarhus is the second-most populous city in Denmark right after the capital city – Copenhagen. This is a city with a long history that serves as one of the most important economic and cultural hubs in this area today. However, living in this city is not cheap. On the contrary, this is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
It’s good to know that the Port of Arhus represents one of the biggest industrial ports in Europe. This city is popular among tourists too and most of them are visiting this city to check the Tivoli amusement park, Old Town Museum, and ARoS Art Museum. In the recent period, Arhus is used by many companies involved in the biomedical and IT sectors. When we add these things to the fact that Arhus is a city with very modern infrastructure and excellent healthcare, we will know why this city is among the most expensive cities you can live in.
One of the things that will surprise you here is the high cost of basic utilities. Using a taxi is expensive too. We can say that same for the price of apartments. Frequent trips to nice restaurants will not be an option for those who are not earning well.
- Arhus is home to one of the largest ports in Europe
- This city is the second-largest city in Denmark
- Arhus has one of the highest costs when it comes to basic utilities
Cost of living in Arhus
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 67 Euros
Milk: 1.14 Euros
Bottle of wine: 9 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 210 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 920 Euros per month
4. Tokyo, Japan
Continent: Asia
Population: around 13.9 million (Metro area)
Area: 406 square kilometers
Elevation: 40 meters
Climate: Humid subtropical climate
Many people might not mind the specific climate in this city or the fact that this is the most populous metropolitan area on our planet, but they will probably be a little bit worried when it comes to the cost of living in this city. Tokyo, the capital city of Japan is an incredible city with millions of inhabitants.
This city has an interesting history which was founded in the 12th century. Nowadays, this city is known as a tech hub that attracts visitors and ex-pats from all over the world. Another interesting thing about Tokyo is that it has the largest metropolitan economy on our planet. This is an important financial center too.
There are many expensive things when it comes to the cost of living in Tokyo. People can expect to save a little bit of money when they are using restaurants, even mid-range ones, in Tokyo. However, the cost of renting apartments or buying apartments as well as consumer prices, in general, are quite high.
- Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world
- The capital city of Japan is an Asian financial center
- The price of properties (even for renting) in Tokyo is very high
Cost of living in Tokyo
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 42 Euros
Milk: 1.6 Euros
Bottle of wine: 11.5 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 165 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 1100 Euros per month
5. New York City, USA
Continent: North America
Population: around 8.1 (Metro area)
Area: 34.490 square kilometers
Elevation: 10 meters
Climate: humid subtropical climate
As the popular song goes – if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. But, the truth is that in order to make it in New York City, you have to be prepared to pay a lot of money because this is one of the most expensive cities in the world. At the same time, New York City is the most populous city in the United States of America.
Blending in this city won’t be a problem because this is one of the most diverse cities in terms of ethnicity and race. There are five boroughs in this city and each of them has a unique history. With a humid subtropical climate, New York City is a good place to live for most people. The same goes for the economy of this city because this city is an international hub of commerce and business and one of the most influential cities when it comes to trade, finance, banking, and media.
But, it turns out that all these advantages come with one disadvantage and that’s the high cost of living. There are things like restaurant prices and utilities that are somewhat reasonable, but the price of properties is one of the highest in the world.
- New York City is the largest and most populous city in the United States
- This is the world’s most diverse city in terms of race and ethnicity
- New York City is known for expensive properties
Cost of living in New York City
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 72 Euros
Milk: 1 Euro
Bottle of wine: 13.6 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 120 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 2850 Euros per month
6. Luxembourg City
Continent: Europe
Population: around 119.000
Area: 51 square kilometers
Elevation: 300 meters
Climate: oceanic climate
The list of the most expensive cities to live in would be incomplete without Luxembourg. The capital city of the small European country that bears the same name is also one of the least populated capitals in the world. Yet, most of the people from this country live here. Luxembourg City is known as one of the cities with the highest per capita GDP.
The city also serves as one of the capitals of the European Union. You can find many institutions from the EU there. Luxembourg City is an important financial center and even though it’s a small city, it still has many interesting attractions visited by thousands of tourists every year.
Those of you considering moving there should know that the cost of living is very high. If we look at the stats, you’ll notice that buying an apartment there is very difficult. Basic utilities and restaurants are expensive too. The good thing is that the price of transportation and groceries is relatively reasonable.
- Luxembourg City is one of the capitals of the European Union
- The city is an important European financial center
- The cost of real estate is high and the groceries come at reasonable prices
Cost of living in Luxembourg City
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 70 Euros
Milk: 1.4 Euro
Bottle of wine: 9 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 225 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 1500 Euros per month
7. San Francisco, USA
Continent: North America
Population: around 4.7 million (Metro area)
Area: 9,128 square kilometers
Elevation: 16meters
Climate: warm-summer Mediterranean climate
SF, The City, or The City by the Bay – these are some of the nicknames of one of the most iconic American cities. But, did you know that this city is also one of the most expensive cities to live in? San Francisco is known as one of the most walkable cities in America too. Of course, public transportation works quite well especially the Municipal Railway (Muni).
San Francisco provides access to many activities, cultural events, spectacular views and great quality of life. Yet, this city is avoided by many as a place to live in due to the extremely high apartment rental prices. Of course, purchasing a property there is an option only for those who have a lot of money. If it wasn’t for the cheap groceries, SF would have been avoided by most people.
Yet, the ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as the spectacular attractions found here (Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, etc.), are making this city one of the most desired destinations.
- San Francisco is an icon American city
- This city has extremely high apartment rental prices
- Some of the most famous American attractions are located in this city
Cost of living in San Francisco
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 73 Euros
Milk: 1 Euro
Bottle of wine: 13.7 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 126 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 3150 Euros per month
8. Paris, France
Continent: Europe
Population: around 12.5 million (metro area)
Area: 105 square kilometers (urban area)
Elevation: 75 meters
Climate: oceanic climate
The city that doesn’t need a special introduction is also among the most expensive cities on our planet. The capital city of France, Paris, also known as the City of Lights, is visited by more than 12 million foreign visitors every year. From the Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Basilique du Sacre Coeur and the Eiffel Tower, Paris has a wide range of impressive attractions that make people from around the world visit this city every year.
The special charm of this romantic city is making many people consider moving to it. This is a place where you can have long thrilling walks, experience a unique Christmas celebration, use modern public transportation and do many other things that will improve the quality of your life. However, all these things have a price and that price can be very high for some people. It’s interesting that while buying properties is expensive, renting apartments is relatively inexpensive. And let’s not forget that you can find cheap, yet tasty red wine here.
Paris has great educational system and this is especially true when it comes to colleges. They are a city that has great history when it comes to education. You also don’t have to worry about healthcare. In addition, you should keep in mind that Paris is a financial center and home to many international companies.
- Paris is the capital city of France and home to many attractions
- This place is a popular holiday destination
- It has decent rental prices
Cost of living in Paris
Meal for two people in a good restaurant: 55 Euros
Milk: 1.2 Euro
Bottle of wine: 8 Euros
Basic utilities for a two-bedroom apartment: 170 Euros
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city: 1200 Euros per month
