The world's most expensive cities: where does life cost the most?
Where in the world can you pay more for an ordinary life than elsewhere? Some cities hold an ugly lead.
Source: iStockphoto - metamorworks
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07.05.2025 | K. Keller
San Francisco: a tech paradise where life isn't cheap
San Francisco is the home of Silicon Valley. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment downtown exceeds $3,000 a month.
Source: Shutterstock - UVL
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Tel Aviv: Startups, sunshine and expensive tomatoes
Tel Aviv is known for its high-tech scene, but also for its high housing and food prices.
Source: Shutterstock - Protasov AN
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Los Angeles: sun, stars and an empty wallet
Los Angeles, the City of Angels, where housing eats up a huge portion of the budget. A one-bedroom apartment costs $2,500 to $3,000.
Source: Shutterstock - UVL
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New York: the city that never sleeps... or spends too little
New York is a metropolis where everything is possible - except the cheap life. Rent in Manhattan is around $4,000.
Source: Shutterstock - Igor Link
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Bern: A quiet city where the budget is restless
Bern is a peaceful city, but the cost of living is high. The average rent is $2,200, lunch is $30.
Source: Shutterstock - DaLiu
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Basel: A city of museums where you pay extra for everything
Basel, the cultural centre of Switzerland, attracts with its architecture, but life is expensive. Apartment rent over 2,300 USD, family expenses over 5,000 USD.
Source: Shutterstock - Sean Pavone
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Geneva: Luxury, diplomacy and really expensive beer
Geneva, a city of diplomats and luxury, where rents for an apartment range from USD 2,500 to USD 3,200 per month.
Source: Shutterstock - Sean Pavone
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Zurich: Banks, watches... and relentless prices
Zurich: one-bedroom apartment in the centre for USD 3 000 per month. Current expenses without rent over USD 1 600. Espresso for USD 5.
Source: Shutterstock - AlexAnton
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Singapore: a future utopia where nothing is cheap
Singapore is a modern country where everything works - just not your savings. An apartment rents for $3,500, a car for over $100,000.
Source: Shutterstock - TTstudio
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Hong Kong: And the winner in the drachot category is...
Hong Kong is a city of skyscrapers and extreme costs. Renting a one-bedroom downtown? $4,000 to $5,000.