The Most Expensive Cities In The World 2019

Hi guys! This is a post I really like updating every year, as it helps us have an idea of where the world is going. Well, it’s that time again, because the same magazine, The Economist, has published their new report with the most expensive cities in the world, 2019 update.

Most of us are aware the world has changed a lot in a very short time, with petrol prices having its ups and downs (more downs, let’s be honest!) and some countries now in deep recession – privet Russia, olá Brasil! The Difference in exchange rates during this period also plays a strong role in defining who’s gone up and who’s gone down the list. The report is based on the cost of living in each city, and takes New York as a benchmark. So, basically, it simply says which cities are more or less expensive than New York, from the perspective of someone who lives in each of the cities analysed. Sounds boring or too complicated? Nah, not really!

Since 2013, Singapore took the 1st place and this year it comes with a surprise. Six years ago, London wasn’t even on the list and Australia had two cities: Sydney followed very closely by Melbourne. But with the Australian dollar has suffered some depreciation and fallen to pretty much the same level it was 8 to 10 years ago. This year, the list has several countries sharing the same position, but we will stick to the absolute top to countries.

So, finally, here I show you the 10 most expensive cities in the world in 2019. Yay!

The 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World In 2019 (according to The Economist)

10- Los Angeles, USA

A stronger American dollar means the USA has become more expensive. Apparently, most American cities have analysed moved several places up the list. But LA keeps the same position as back in 2016.

10- Tel Aviv, Israel

Three years ago, Tel Aviv was the 15th most expensive city in the world. But shekel has experienced some appreciation, increasing prices if you compare to NYC. On a trip there a few years back, I found it very expensive, but now it’s reached another level.

8- New York, USA

It may sound slightly complicated, but New York prices are used as a benchmark. In 2013, when I first shared the list with you, New York didn’t even appear among the 10 most expensive cities. Although seeing it on 8th place is not much of a surprise, it does show how the American dollar has become stronger against many currencies.

8- Copenhagen, Denmark

Scandinavia is expensive – full stop. Usually all capitals come high on the list, but this time only Copenhagen made the top 10, in a shy joint 8th position.

8- Seoul, South Korea

 

 

5- Osaka, Japan

With Tokyo being top of the list for many years in a row, it’s quite understandable that Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, makes the list. However, it has become more expensive, as it was in 14th position three years ago.

5- Geneva, Switzerland

Always on the list, this year Geneva occupies a joint 5th position with Osaka.

4- Zurich, Switzerland

Fairytale-like Switzerland, the country of political neutrality, rich banks and Lindt chocolates has always been an expensive place to live and to travel to. This year the country’s two largest cities pretty much kept their positions from 3 years ago.

1- Hong Kong

Hong Kong? Really? Yes, the former British enclave in Asia has moved to a joint first place, moving up eight places since 2015. I may have to rethink my intended return to Victoria Harbour and Kowloon…

1- Paris, France

Back in 2016 Paris took 5th place but now appears in 1st. In fact, Paris has always been on the list since the beginning, unlike London, which missed the top 10 on several years, despite its reputation as an expensive city.

 1- Singapore

For the sixth year in a row, Singapore takes the top spot as the most expensive city in the world. Who would imagine? Have you been to Singapore? Did you think it was expensive?

Moscow, which used to be one of the world’s priciest cities years ago, has moved down the list several positions and today is in position 102. The same has happened to cities in South America, with some countries going through another recession. Rio de Janeiro now occupies 108th position and Buenos Aires 125th position. With the devaluation of the lira, prices have also come down in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, which is now in 120th position.

And you, did you find any big surprises on this list? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!

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