The 15 Most Expensive Cities: Can You Afford to Live Here?

Luxury, innovation, and career opportunities attract people to these cities, but the extreme cost of living puts them out of reach for many.

Is your dream city on the list?

San Diego, California, USA

Located in Southern California, right on the Mexican border.

• Beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and a booming job market make it a desirable place to live—pushing housing prices sky-high.

• High taxes and an overall expensive cost of living make it tough on the wallet.

London, United Kingdom

The capital of the UK and one of the most international cities in the world.

• Home prices are astronomical, especially in central London, where wealthy investors snap up real estate.

• Everything from transportation to food and entertainment comes at a premium.

Washington, D.C., USA

The capital of the U.S., where politicians, diplomats, and lobbyists set the agenda—and the prices.

• A high number of well-paid jobs means intense demand for housing, driving costs up.

• Restaurants, groceries, and transportation are especially expensive in upscale neighborhoods.

Seattle, Washington, USA

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is known for its thriving tech industry and coffee culture.

• Major companies like Amazon and Microsoft have made the city highly attractive, but also incredibly expensive.

• Taxes, food, and transportation are costly—so is that Starbucks coffee.

Singapore

A tiny island nation in Southeast Asia, yet one of the world’s most important financial hubs.

• Limited space means real estate is outrageously expensive.

• Strict regulations and high taxes contribute to the hefty price tag on everything from food to transportation.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

One of the oldest cities in the U.S., renowned for its education and innovation sectors.

• Home to Harvard and MIT, which attract top talent but also drive up rent prices.

• Groceries, healthcare, and public transportation rank among the most expensive in the U.S.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Iceland’s capital and the only real urban center in the country—but it’s far from cheap.

• Nearly everything has to be imported, making food, fuel, and consumer goods extremely pricey.

• Housing costs have surged due to the growing tourism industry.

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

The capital of Hawaii—paradise, but with a hefty price tag.

• Everything must be shipped in from the mainland, making food and fuel incredibly expensive.

• Rent is high due to the constant demand for homes near the beaches and stunning weather.

San Francisco, California, USA

The heart of the tech industry and one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.

• The Silicon Valley boom has sent real estate prices soaring.

• Food, transportation, and taxes are outrageous—even a simple burrito can cost half a day's wage.

Bern, Switzerland

Switzerland’s capital, known for its high quality of life—and equally high prices.

• Wages are high, but so are taxes and overall living costs.

• Healthcare, transportation, and groceries are significantly more expensive than in most European cities.

Basel, Switzerland

Located near the borders of France and Germany, Basel is a major hub for the pharmaceutical industry.

• High-paying jobs make the city attractive, but also push real estate prices up.

• Everything from groceries to public transportation is more expensive than in neighboring countries.

New York, USA

The city of all cities—but also one of the most expensive.

• Housing in Manhattan costs a fortune, and rent is sky-high across the entire city.

• Everything is pricey—from food and entertainment to transportation and services.

Geneva, Switzerland

Known for the United Nations, luxury, and its status as a global financial center.

• A hotspot for wealthy individuals, leading to intense demand for housing and skyrocketing prices.

• Groceries, healthcare, and transportation cost significantly more than in most European cities.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering breathtaking views and a high quality of life—at a price.

• Large companies and universities drive up housing costs.

• Public transport, food, and leisure activities are expensive, but the lifestyle keeps people from leaving.

Zürich, Switzerland

Switzerland’s largest city and one of the most expensive places to live in the world.

• The financial sector attracts wealthy residents, further inflating housing prices.

• Groceries, public transport, and healthcare rank among the most expensive globally.