By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 15: Singapore has been named the most expensive city in the world in 2025, followed by Hong Kong and Zurich, according to a curated global cost-of-living list published by luxury travel brand Luxury Gold.
The list dated Jan 27, 2025, combines data and insights from multiple sources, including Mercer’s Cost of Living Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and Numbeo, to provide an overview of the priciest cities around the globe—all of which also double as luxury travel destinations.
While Mercer’s official 2024 report ranked Hong Kong as the most expensive city, followed by Singapore, Luxury Gold’s 2025 compilation placed Singapore in the top spot, highlighting its status as a sleek, futuristic metropolis known for high-end living and architectural marvels like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.
Here is the Top 10 list of the world’s most expensive cities in 2025, as curated by Luxury Gold:
1. Singapore – With world-class infrastructure, luxury retail, and elevated living costs, Singapore leads the 2025 list.
2. Hong Kong – A perennial top contender, known for its dense skyline, fine dining, and high housing prices.
3. Zurich – A mainstay in global cost-of-living rankings due to high transport and housing costs in Switzerland’s financial centre.
4. Geneva – Lakeside luxury and diplomatic prestige drive prices high in this elegant Swiss city.
5. Copenhagen – Denmark’s stylish capital blends Nordic charm with premium pricing.
6. Paris – The romantic capital of France remains costly for both visitors and residents alike.
7. New York City – High rents, taxes, and luxury appeal keep NYC in the global top 10.
8. London – With tight housing supply and global demand, London remains among Europe’s costliest.
9. Nassau – The Bahamas capital is expensive due to its exclusivity, tourism demand, and real estate market.
10. Los Angeles – LA rounds off the list with its high living costs, especially in affluent areas like Bel-Air.
At the opposite end, Mercer’s 2024 data showed Islamabad, Lagos, and Abuja among the cities with the lowest cost of living globally.
Luxury Gold noted that the list serves as both a guide for global corporations managing international assignments and a curated look at premium travel destinations for affluent explorers. — DayakDaily
