Five of the top 10 most expensive cities to live in are in Europe, with four in Switzerland

As the cost of living continues to rise, some cities are feeling the pinch more than others, driving the cost of rent, food and utilities to unprecedented levels. According to Mercer’s latest ranking, these are the ten most expensive cities to make your home.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR)

Hong Kong, Singapore and Zurich remain the most expensive cities, retaining their top spots in Mercer’s 2023 cost of living rankings. Given Hong Kong’s small size, affordable housing is hard to come by. Owning and driving a car in Hong Kong is not a good idea either, as parking is both expensive and limited.

Despite the high cost of living, Hong Kong still offers an excellent quality of life thanks to its efficient transportation system, excellent food options, and attractions. Outdoor travelers can explore the Hong Kong Trail and Victoria Peak and visit the Bruce Lee statue along Tsim Sha Tsui’s Walk of Stars.

Singapore, Singapore

Singapore is next on the list of most expensive cities. Rents in Garden City are among the most expensive in the world. Living costs for a single person can reach up to $3,000 per month.

Fortunately, Singapore’s healthcare and tax systems allow residents to enjoy a high quality of life. Adapting to life in Singapore won’t be a hassle, as many signs in the diverse city-state are in English.

Singapore is also home to Changi Airport, one of the best airports in the world. When visitors have time, they can explore the Temple of the Buddha’s Tooth Relic, Supertree Grove and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

Zurich, Switzerland

Five of the top 10 most expensive cities for international workers are in Europe, with four in Switzerland. Living in Zurich, Switzerland can take a toll on the wallet as the average cost of living for one person is around $3,380 per month. Meals cost even more. A typical fast food meal costs $18.50 and a dinner for two around $114.

Thanks to Zurich’s efficient public transportation, safe environment, and excellent medical care, residents can probably keep the expensive costs of living down. The city is also home to stunning natural wonders such as Lake Zurich and Uetliberg, and historical landmarks such as Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Lindenhof.

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is the second Swiss city on this list of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. Life here is as expensive as in Zurich; the average cost for a single person is about $3,266 per month. Visitors may want to bring a little extra when going out on a date. Dinner for two would cost more than $124.

Thanks to its excellent transportation options and green policies, living in Geneva can still be enjoyable. Those thinking of moving to this beautiful city can import a car duty-free or duty-free for up to two years if you list it as part of your personal effects. The city’s bike-friendly infrastructure also makes exploring Geneva on two wheels an attractive option.

Geneva is also the birthplace of watchmaking, which expanded in the 16th century, and is home to the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations.

Basel, Switzerland

Another Swiss city has made Mercer’s list of the world’s most expensive cities to live in. Basel is a “cheaper” alternative compared to Geneva and Zurich, as the average monthly cost of living for one person is around $2,820.

While living in Basel can be expensive, the city makes up for it with its safe streets, rich culture and delicious cuisine. Basel is home to over 30 museums and boasts a thriving nightlife thanks to the pubs, live music clubs and bars along Klein-Basel. Some points of interest include Basel’s Old Town, home to century-old buildings, including the stunning Basel Cathedral.

Bern, Switzerland

Bern, the fourth Swiss city on our list, is the “cheapest” of the four Swiss cities, as the average monthly cost of living for a person is around $2,569. Meals are cheaper here than in other Swiss cities, as a dinner for two is around $93.60 and a fast food meal is around $17.

Like most cities in Switzerland, Bern’s efficient transport system, including well-connected railways and trams, offset the expensive cost of living. You can even borrow a bike for free in Bern, thanks to its bike lending initiative called Bernrollt.

Bern, or the “City of Fountains”, boasts over 100 public fountains in the Old Town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Emmental — the valley, not the cheese! — is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, and the small town and castle of Laupen is a great place to walk around and explore the cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.

New York City, United States of America

The focus is on the United States, where New York City is one of the most expensive places to live in the world. In this densely populated city, rent and affordable housing are almost impossible to find. A “cheap” one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,805 per month, and a typical one-bedroom apartment would cost over $2,597. That doesn’t even include utilities like internet and electricity.

Traffic congestion is a common problem in the Big Apple, so walking is a practical option despite the availability of buses and trains. The city offers endless activities: catch an award-winning show on Broadway, ride your bike across the Brooklyn Bridge, stroll through Central Park, or explore the art collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

London, United Kingdom

London is the UK’s most expensive city to live in, with an average cost of living of more than $3,321 for a single person per month. London’s health care system and robust public transport options such as trains, trams, buses and ferries offset the expensive costs of living.

Although London is an expensive city to live in, it remains an attractive option due to its rich culture and iconic landmarks. The city offers breathtaking views from the London Eye, the chance to visit Buckingham Palace and the opportunity to explore the extensive collections at the British Museum.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is the only Caribbean city on Mercer’s list of the world’s most expensive cities. While it’s the best city in the Bahamas, it comes at a price: the average cost of living for one person in Nassau is about $2,311 per month.

Despite the high cost of living, the Bahamas remains a popular place to move to because of its pristine beaches and fun activities. Sunny walks along Saunders Beach, Arawak Cay and Junkanoo Beach provide the perfect escape. A trip to nearby Exuma’s Pig Beach offers the unique experience of meeting the famous swimming pigs.

Los Angeles, California

Although Los Angeles is popular for its great weather, palm trees and beaches, it is also famous for its astronomical cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment costs more than $2,215, and a family of four earning $100,000 annually is a “low-income household.”

Traffic congestion, lack of good public transportation options, and high taxes are also an option for people looking to move to Los Angeles. Climate change also increases the risk of natural disasters in the city, such as fires and flash floods.

Although living in Los Angeles comes with a high price, the city rewards its residents with delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Los Angeles offers an endless variety of food options, from Asian cuisine to Mexican and European cuisine. City attractions include Griffith Park, Venice Beach, the Getty Center, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.