The Most Expensive Cities Worldwide – 2024. Hong Kong continues to hold the top spot as the most expensive city in the world for expatriates in 2024. It is followed by two American cities, New York and San Francisco, which have moved up in the rankings due to the strengthening of the US dollar. New York has risen from 7th to 2nd place, while San Francisco has climbed from 13th place in 2023 to 3rd place.
Expat Cost of Living Ranking
1. Hong Kong
Hong Kong retains its position as the most expensive city in the world for expatriates. The city’s high cost of living continues to dominate global rankings.
2. New York, NY, USA
New York has surged from 7th to 2nd place, bolstered by the strengthening of the US dollar.
3. San Francisco, CA, USA
San Francisco has also seen a significant rise, moving from 13th in 2021 to 3rd place, reflecting the strong US dollar.
4. Singapore
Consistently ranked among the most expensive cities, Singapore climbs to 4th place this year.
5. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, which held the 3rd position last year, remains the most expensive city in Europe.
Regional Rankings
Africa
- Luanda, Angola
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Conakry, Guinea
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Bangui, Central African Republic
- Djibouti, Djibouti
- Maputo, Mozambique
- Monrovia, Liberia
- Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ndjamena, Chad
Luanda is the most expensive city in Africa due to rising petrol prices and economic support from the IMF, which have increased the cost of living. Kinshasa maintains its position as the second most expensive city in the region.
Americas
- New York, NY, USA
- San Francisco, CA, USA
- Honolulu, HI, USA
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Washington, DC, USA
- Boston, MA, USA
- Miami, FL, USA
- San Diego, CA, USA
- Seattle, WA, USA
- Havana, Cuba
US cities dominate the top positions in the Americas due to the strong US dollar. Toronto remains the most expensive city in Canada, while Asunción, Paraguay, is the least expensive in the continent.
Asia-Oceania
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Beijing, China
- Shanghai, China
- Tokyo, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Guangzhou, China
- Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Sydney, Australia
Hong Kong is the most expensive city in Asia-Oceania, and globally. Tokyo has dropped significantly in the rankings due to the devaluation of the Japanese yen. Vientiane, Laos, is now the least expensive city in Asia.
Europe
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Moscow, Russia
- Zurich, Switzerland
- London, UK
- Lausanne, Switzerland
- Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Basel, Switzerland
- Bern, Switzerland
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Geneva leads as the most expensive city in Europe, followed by Moscow, which has climbed due to the strengthening of the Russian rouble. Copenhagen is the most expensive city in the European Union, while Krakow, Poland, is the least expensive in the region.
Middle East
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Jerusalem, Israel
- Amman, Jordan
- Beirut, Lebanon
- Doha, Qatar
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem top the Middle East rankings, with Beirut facing significant economic challenges, placing third. Amman and Doha also rank high for living costs in the region.
