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Global Cost of Living Rank of 300 International Locations World Wide September 2010

Tokyo is the costliest city in the world in which to live of 300 global locations, surveyed in September 2010 by Xpatulator.com. While Tokyo is relatively cheap for items such as alcohol & tobacco (ranked 145), it is the most expensive for groceries and healthcare, and household accommodation costs. Tokyo has always been relatively expensive. This trend has strengthened again recently, as a result of the Japanese Yen having gained in value by about 18% against the United States Dollar in the past two years.

As the most expensive city in the world, Tokyo has an overall cost of living index of 155.4 (New York = 100), while Dubai (ranked 60 in the world) has a cost of living index of 88.84. Therefore Tokyo's cost of living is 75% higher than Dubai. That means that an expatriate earning USD$5,000 per month in Dubai would need to earn USD$8,750 per month in Tokyo to enable them to have the same purchasing power, and therefore a similar standard of living as they had in Dubai. The cost of living for an expatriate is affected by both the availability and prices, of goods and services representative of an expatriate lifestyle, local inflation, and the exchange rate between the home and host country. As a result the cost of living has a significant impact of an expatriate's salary package.

Caracas has moved up the rankings to become the second most expensive city to live in. Caracas is most expensive place in the world for furniture and appliances, recreation and culture as well as for hotels restaurants and meals out. Caracas is the second most expensive place for alcohol and tobacco, groceries, and healthcare.

Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live in. The high overall cost of living rank for Hong Kong is primarily a result of two expensive basket groups. Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for healthcare, and is the second most expensive city in the world for household accommodation, which typically comprises 30% of an expatriate's expenses. Hong Kong is a good example of why many international organizations compensate separately for healthcare as well as household related costs such as housing rental, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes. Items that are provided by the employer should be excluded from a cost of living index calculation. The cost of living index for Hong Kong excluding healthcare and household related costs is substantially lower than it's overall cost of living index of 128.9 (New York = 100).

Hong Kong is relatively cheap for recreation & culture (ranked 241 in the world), education (ranked 259 in the world), as well as furniture & appliances (ranked 268 in the world).

Osaka, ranked fourth, is a new addition to the rankings. Osaka is most expensive for household accommodation (ranked 3 in the world), healthcare (ranked 5 in the world) and groceries (ranked 6 in the world).

Sao Paulo, another new addition to the rankings, is the fifth most expensive city in the world. Sao Paulo is the most expensive place in the world for education, and is ranked second most expensive for clothing. The Brazilian Real has strengthened by 11% against the United States Dollar in the past year, although it is still weaker than it was two years ago. Sao Paulo is ranked in the top 55 most expensive cities in the world for each of the 13 basket groups.

Asia-Pacific has 4 of the 10 most expensive cities in the world. Tokyo is first and Hong Kong the third most expensive location in the world (and most expensive in greater China), whilst Osaka is the third most expensive city in Asia-Pacific (ranked 4 in the world), followed by Nagoya (ranked 6 in the world).

Cities in mainland China remain relatively cheap, mainly due to the pegging of the Chinese Yuan to the US Dollar which has kept costs down. Within mainland China, Shanghai (ranked 15 in the world), and Beijing (ranked 116 in the world) are the most expensive locations. The cheapest city surveyed in China is Tianjin (ranked 281 in the world) with a cost of living index of 60.34 (New York = 100). The cheapest city in Asia-Pacific is Nuku'Alofa in Tonga (ranked 299 in the world) with a cost of living index of 54.45 (New York = 100).

Most expensive cities in Asia-Pacific (Global rank in brackets)
1. Japan, Tokyo (1)
2. China, Hong Kong (3)
3. Japan, Osaka (4)
4. Japan, Nagoya (6)
5. Japan, Yokohama (11)
6. China, Shanghai (15)
7. Singapore (20)
8. Australia, Sydney (22)
9. Korea Republic of, Seoul (24)
10. Australia, Canberra (25)

South Asia is the least expensive region in the world for expatriates to live in. The most expensive city surveyed is Mumbai (ranked 94 in the world), followed by New Delhi (ranked 127 in the world), and Chennai (ranked 129 in the world). The Indian Rupee has weakened by 7% against the United States Dollar over the past two years. The cheapest city in South Asia is Thimphu in Bhutan (ranked 298 in the world).

Most expensive cities in South Asia (Global rank in brackets)
1. India, Mumbai (94)
2. India, New Delhi (127)
3. India, Chennai (129)
4. India, Calcutta (130)
5. Maldives, Male (135)
6. India, Hyderabad (142)
7. India, Bangalore (160)
8. Afghanistan, Kabul (194)
9. Bangladesh, Dhaka (263)
10. Pakistan, Lahore 276)

Europe's most expensive cities are those that are not on the Euro. The most expensive city in Europe is Geneva (ranked 8 in the world), while Zurich is Europe's third most expensive city (ranked 10 in the world), making Switzerland the most expensive country in Europe. The Swiss Franc has strengthened by 8% in the past year and by 16% over the past 2 years. Geneva is followed by Moscow (ranked 9 in the world), which had fallen in the cost of living rankings last year and shot back up to 6th most expensive city in Europe earlier this year. The Russian Rouble has strengthened 14% against the Euro in the past year.

Oslo is the fourth most expensive city in Europe (ranked 12 in the world), followed by Copenhagen (ranked 16 in the world). The cheapest city in Europe is Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ranked 292 in the world) with a cost of living index of 57.15 (New York = 100).

Most expensive cities in Europe (Global rank in brackets)
1. Switzerland, Geneva (8)
2. Russia, Moscow (9)
3. Switzerland, Zurich (10)
4. Norway, Oslo (12)
5. Denmark, Copenhagen (16)
6. Liechtenstein, Vaduz (17)
7. United Kingdom, London (23)
8. France, Paris (26)
9. Monaco, Monaco (29)
10. Jersey, Saint Helier (34)

The Middle East has experienced a drop in inflation in most cities over the past two years following a few years of relatively high inflation. The strong link of most regional currencies to the United States Dollar has resulted in many regional currencies strengthening against other major currencies. The United States Dollar has strengthened against the Euro by around 21% in the past two years making imports from Europe into the region cheaper.

Abu Dhabi (ranked 19 in the world) is the most expensive city in the Middle East, followed by Doha (ranked 28 in the world), and Bahrain (ranked 47 in the world). Dubai is the fourth most expensive city in the Middle East (ranked 60 in the world) with a cost of living index of 88.84 (New York = 100). Household accommodation, which comprises 30% of the 13 basket groups based on expatriate expenditure norms, has fallen dramatically in Dubai in the past year, as a result of over-supply, given the impact of the financial crises. The cheapest city surveyed in the Middle East (and cheapest in the world) is Sanaa in Yemen (ranked 300 in the world) with a cost of living index of 50.42, half that of New York which has a cost of living index of 100.

Most expensive cities in the Middle East (Global rank in brackets)
1. United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi (19)
2. Qatar, Doha (28)
3. Bahrain, Manama (47)
4. United Arab Emirates, Dubai (60)
5. Israel, Jerusalem (82)
6. Lebanon, Beirut (119)
7. Palestinian Territories, West Bank (141)
8. Syria, Damascus (146)
9. Iran, Tehran (158)
10. Kuwait, Kuwait City (163)

The Americas most expensive city is now Caracas, which is the world's second most expensive city to live in, largely as a result of the recent devaluation of the official exchange rate.

Brazil has 3 of the 4 most expensive cities in the Americas. New additions to the rankings, Sao Paulo (ranked 5 in the world), and Rio de Janeiro (ranked 7 in the world) are followed by Brasilia (ranked 13 in the world.

Nassau (ranked 18 in the world) is the fifth most expensive city, while New York (ranked 21 in the world) is the sixth most expensive city in the America's and most expensive in the United States of America. The cheapest city to live in the Americas is La Paz in Bolivia (ranked 294 in the world). The cheapest city surveyed in the United States of America is Indianapolis Ind (ranked 279 in the world).

Most expensive cities in the Americas (Global rank in brackets)
1. Venezuela, Caracas (2)
2. Brazil, Sao Paulo (5)
3. Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (7)
4. Brazil, Brasilia (13)
5. Bahamas, Nassau (18)
6. USA, New York NY (21)
7. Canada, Toronto (31)
8. Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain (32)
9. Bermuda, Hamilton (36)
10. Canada, Vancouver (42)

 

The full September 2010 list of all 300 international locations using all 13 basket groups is as follows:

September 2010 Rank Country, City

1 Japan, Tokyo

2 Venezuela, Caracas

3 China, Hong Kong

4 Japan, Osaka

5 Brazil, Sao Paulo

6 Japan, Nagoya

7 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

8 Switzerland, Geneva

9 Russia, Moscow

10 Switzerland, Zurich

11 Japan, Yokohama

12 Norway, Oslo

13 Brazil, Brasilia

14 Angola, Luanda

15 China, Shanghai

16 Denmark, Copenhagen

17 Liechtenstein, Vaduz

18 Bahamas, Nassau

19 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

20 Singapore, Singapore

21 USA, New York NY

22 Australia, Sydney

23 United Kingdom, London

24 Korea Republic of, Seoul

25 Australia, Canberra

26 France, Paris

27 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby

28 Qatar, Doha

29 Monaco, Monaco

30 Vanuatu, Port Vila

31 Canada, Toronto

32 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain

33 Nigeria, Lagos

34 Jersey, Saint Helier

35 Russia, St. Petersburg

36 Bermuda, Hamilton

37 Solomon Islands, Honiara

38 Taiwan, Taipei

39 Australia, Melbourne

40 Australia, Perth

41 Azerbaijan, Baku

42 Canada, Vancouver

43 Guernsey, St Peter Port

44 Austria, Vienna

45 Germany, Munich

46 Kiribati, South Tarawa

47 Bahrain, Manama

48 Isle of Man, Douglas

49 Italy, Milan

50 United Kingdom, Glasgow

51 Gabon, Libreville

52 Finland, Helsinki

53 Canada, Calgary

54 Falkland Islands, Stanley

55 Sudan, Khartoum

56 Germany, Frankfurt

57 Italy, Rome

58 Micronesia, Palikir

59 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa

60 United Arab Emirates, Dubai

61 Cayman Islands, George Town

62 Chad, NDjamena

63 USA, San Francisco Calif

64 Saint Helena, Jamestown

65 Croatia, Zagreb

66 USA, Boston Mass

67 Germany, Cologne

68 Turkey, Istanbul

69 Canada, Montreal

70 United Kingdom, Birmingham

71 Belgium, Brussels

72 New Caledonia, Noumea

73 Mali, Bamako

74 Netherlands, Amsterdam

75 United Kingdom, Leeds

76 Slovakia, Bratislava

77 USA, Washington DC

78 Indonesia, Jakarta

79 San Marino, San Marino

80 Central African Republic, Bangui

81 Germany, Hamburg

82 Israel, Jerusalem

83 Australia, Brisbane

84 USA, San Jose Calif

85 Estonia, Tallinn

86 Ireland, Dublin

87 Luxembourg, Luxembourg

88 Kazakhstan, Almaty

89 Sierra Leone, Freetown

90 Iceland, Reykjavik

91 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome

92 Germany, Berlin

93 Germany, Bonn

94 India, Mumbai

95 Jamaica, Kingston

96 Djibouti, Djibouti

97 United Kingdom, Belfast

98 Congo, Brazzaville

99 USA, Anchorage AK

100 USA, Philadelphia Pa

101 Uruguay, Montevideo

102 New Zealand, Auckland

103 Liberia, Monrovia

104 Canada, Ottawa

105 Spain, Madrid

106 France, Lyon

107 Colombia, Bogota

108 Barbados, Bridgetown

109 Sweden, Stockholm

110 Martinique, Fort-de-France

111 Czech Republic, Prague

112 Cameroon, Douala

113 Australia, Adelaide

114 Vatican City, Vatican City

115 Turkey, Ankara

116 China, Beijing

117 Puerto Rico, San Juan

118 Nauru, Yaren

119 Lebanon, Beirut

120 Zambia, Lusaka

121 USA, Los Angeles Calif

122 France, Marseille

123 Cameroon, Yaounde

124 Cook Islands, Avarua

125 Spain, Barcelona

126 Guam, Hagatna

127 India, New Delhi

128 Samoa, Apia

129 India, Chennai

130 India, Calcutta

131 Ghana, Accra

132 Marshall Islands, Majuro

133 Cote DIvoire, Abidjan

134 Greenland, Nuuk

135 Maldives, Male

136 Hungary, Budapest

137 Malawi, Lilongwe

138 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat

139 USA, San Diego Calif

140 Rwanda, Kigali

141 Palestinian Territories, West Bank

142 India, Hyderabad

143 USA, Chicago Ill

144 Chile, Santiago

145 USA, Portland Ore

146 Syria, Damascus

147 Malta, Velletta

148 Peru, Lima

149 Tuvalu, Funafuti

150 Namibia, Windhoek

151 USA, Baltimore Md

152 Ukraine, Kiev

153 South Africa, Johannesburg

154 Portugal, Lisbon

155 USA, Seattle Wash

156 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam

157 Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre

158 Iran, Tehran

159 Togo, Lome

160 India, Bangalore

161 USA, Miami Fla

162 Guinea, Conakry

163 Kuwait, Kuwait City

164 Senegal, Dakar

165 Guinea-Bissau, Bissau

166 Comores, Moroni

167 Timor-Leste, Dili

168 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan

169 Cape Verde, Praia

170 Philippines, Manila

171 Madagascar, Antananarivo

172 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou

173 Thailand, Bangkok

174 Mexico, Mexico City

175 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown

176 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

177 Andorra, Andorra la Vella

178 Greece, Athens

179 French Polynesia, Papeete

180 Guatemala, Guatemala City

181 Lithuania, Vilnius

182 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi

183 Somalia, Mogadishu

184 USA, Phoenix Ariz

185 Honduras, Tegucigalpa

186 Montenegro, Podgorica

187 South Africa, Pretoria

188 Egypt, Cairo

189 Guyana, Georgetown

190 USA, Las Vegas Nev

191 South Africa, Cape Town

192 Poland, Warsaw

193 Armenia, Yerevan

194 Afghanistan, Kabul

195 Haiti, Port-au-Prince

196 Gibraltar, Gibraltar

197 Cuba, Havana

198 Cyprus, Nicosia

199 Jordan, Amman

200 Fiji, Suva

201 USA, Detroit Mich

202 Benin, Cotonou

203 USA, Denver Colo

204 Grenada, Saint Georges

205 Palau, Melekeok

206 Seychelles, Victoria

207 Panama, Panama City

208 South Africa, Durban

209 USA, Cleveland Ohio

210 Costa Rica, San Jose

211 Kenya, Nairobi

212 Belarus, Minsk

213 Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre

214 USA, Atlanta GA

215 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

216 Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan

217 USA, Charlotte NC

218 Iraq, Baghdad

219 Algeria, Algiers

220 Dominica, Roseau

221 Oman, Muscat

222 USA, Jacksonville Fla

223 Gambia, Banjul

224 Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Johns

225 USA, Milwaukee Wis

226 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo

227 Eritrea, Asmara

228 USA, Pittsburgh Penn

229 Botswana, Gaborone

230 Mozambique, Maputo

231 French Guiana, Cayenne

232 Serbia, Belgrade

233 Niger, Niamey

234 Slovenia, Ljubljana

235 USA, Tampa Fla

236 China, Wuhan

237 China, Shenzhen

238 Latvia, Riga

239 Saudi Arabia, Jeddah

240 USA, Dallas Tex

241 Vietnam, Hanoi

242 USA, Fort Worth Tex

243 Laos, Vientiane

244 USA, San Antonio Tex

245 Moldova, Chisinau

246 USA, Houston Tex

247 China, Dalian

248 Nicaragua, Managua

249 Burundi, Bujumbura

250 Belize, Belmopan

251 USA, Columbus Ohio

252 USA, St Louis MO

253 Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar

254 China, Macao

255 Romania, Bucharest

256 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo

257 USA, Austin Tex

258 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

259 Macedonia, Skopje

260 El Salvador, San Salvador

261 Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

262 Mauritania, Nouakchott

263 Bangladesh, Dhaka

264 USA, El Paso Tex

265 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek

266 Mauritius, Port Louis

267 Saint Lucia, Castries

268 USA, Memphis Tenn

269 Argentina, Buenos Aires

270 Paraguay, Asuncion

271 Kosovo, Pristina

272 Ecuador, Quito

273 Myanmar, Yangon

274 China, Guangzhou

275 Lesotho, Maseru

276 Pakistan, Lahore

277 Morocco, Rabat

278 Bulgaria, Sofia

279 USA, Indianapolis Ind

280 Swaziland, Mbabane

281 China, Tianjin

282 Zimbabwe, Harare

283 Pakistan, Islamabad

284 Nepal, Kathmandu

285 Suriname, Paramaribo

286 Albania, Tirana

287 Uzbekistan, Tashkent

288 Pakistan, Karachi

289 Uganda, Kampala

290 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang

291 Tajikistan, Dushanbe

292 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

293 Libya, Tripoli

294 Bolivia, La Paz

295 Cambodia, Phnom Penh

296 Sri Lanka, Colombo

297 Tunisia, Tunis

298 Bhutan, Thimphu

299 Tonga, NukuAlofa

300 Yemen, Sanaa

 

Notes:
Figures used in this report were taken from the Xpatulator.com cost of living database as at 1 September 2010. The ranks are based on the overall cost of living index using all 13 basket groups with New York as the base city (Cost of living index = 100).

About the Author

Steven Coleman is Chief Instigator at Xpatulator.com the most comprehensive global relocation calculator available, an internet service that is used primarily to calculate expatriate salary levels for global assignments, which can be found at Xpatulator.com

Detailed rankings for each of 13 Basket Groups can be found per location at http://www.xpatulator.com/outside.cfm?page=Locations

Biography, Mission, Vision ~ 1 of 2 ~ Dr. Myles Munroe