By Mihran Kalaydjian, CHA

Consultant, Strategist, and Writer

 

Singapore is the most expensive city in the world for expatriates, according to new data from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

It takes the title from Tokyo, thanks in part to inflation, high transportation costs, high utility costs, and an excess of luxury retailers.

Tokyo remains the priciest location for everyday food items, while European cities tend to be priciest for recreation and entertainment.

New York City ranked #26 in EIU’s ranking, a jump of only one spot from 2013. In comparison, it rose 19 spots the previous year.

The survey calculates cost of living based on prices for 160 products and services, including food, clothing, rent, and transportation. Each cost of living index is set in relation to New York’s, which is fixed at a base of 100. We’ve selected a few price points to highlight costs in the world’s most expensive cities.

#10 Copenhagen

Copenhagen ranked #15 last year. The current cost of living index is 117.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $4.82
• Last year: $4.47
• 5 years ago: $3.82

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $13.70
• Last year: $12.03
• 5 years ago: $10.79

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $2.18
• Last year: $2.07
• 5 years ago: $2.05

#6 (tie) Tokyo

Tokyo ranked #1 last year. The current cost of living index is 118.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $7.12
• Last year: $9.06
• 5 years ago: $7.55

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $12.53
• Last year: $15.95
• 5 years ago: $12.13

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $1.73
• Last year: $1.97
• 5 years ago: $1.69

#6 (tie) Melbourne

 

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $4.43
• Last year: $4.87
• 5 years ago: $3.77

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $22.28
• Last year: $25.03
• 5 years ago: $17.45

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $1.35
• Last year: $1.49
• 5 years ago: $1.28

#6 (tie) Geneva

Last year, Geneva ranked #11. The current cost of living index is 118.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $6.38
• Last year: $5.63
• 5 years ago: $5.86

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $8.39
• Last year: $8.19
• 5 years ago: $7.42

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $1.96
• Last year: $2.04
• 5 years ago: $1.69

#6 (tie) Caracas

Caracas ranked #9 last year. The current cost of living index is 118.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $11.02
• Last year: $9.40
• 5 years ago: $6.98

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $22.41
• Last year: $18.14
• 5 years ago: $14.61

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $0.02
• Last year: $0.02
• 5 years ago: $0.05

#5 Sydney  

Sydney ranked #3 last year. The current cost of living index is 120.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $4.65
• Last year: $5.03
• 5 years ago: $3.52

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $22.58
• Last year: $25.38
• 5 years ago: $18.27

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $1.35
• Last year: $1.50
• 5 years ago: $1.28

#4 Zurich

Zurich ranked #7 last year. The current cost of living index is 125.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $6.19
• Last year: $6.08
• 5 years ago: $5.13

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $15.82
• Last year: $16.74
• 5 years ago: $12.24

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $2.06
• Last year: $2.01
• 5 years ago: $1.69

#3 Oslo

Oslo ranked #4 (tie) last year. The current cost of living index is 128.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $5.91
• Last year: $6.31
• 5 years ago: $5.33

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $17.13
• Last year: $17.58
• 5 years ago: $16.63

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $2.41
• Last year: $2.61
• 5 years ago: $2.05

#2 Paris

Paris ranked #8 last year. The current cost of living index is 129.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $8.44
• Last year: $8.95
• 5 years ago: $7.31

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $11.45
• Last year: $9.45
• 5 years ago: $8.62

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $2.50
• Last year: $2.38
• 5 years ago: $2.44

#1 Singapore

Singapore ranked #6 last year. The current cost of living index is 130.

Loaf of white bread:

• Today: $3.36
• Last year: $3.25
• 5 years ago: $2.90

Bottle of table wine:

• Today: $25.04
• Last year: $25.65
• 5 years ago: $22.52

1 liter unleaded petrol:

• Today: $1.73
• Last year: $1.74
• 5 years ago: $1.36