Any tourist visiting this or that city naturally compares the quality of service, the work of public transport, the cleanliness of the streets, and, importantly, the prices. But it’s one thing to visit the city on a tourist or business trip, and it’s completely different to live in it constantly, feeling the pricing policy of the state. Employees of the analytical section of the popular British magazine “The Economist” annually conduct research and publish a rating of the most expensive cities in the world, taking as a basis the main indicators of living standards.
1
Singapore
Over the past few years, the top 10 most expensive cities in the world have been headed by Singapore. The most interesting thing is that this is one of the best cities in the world for living, but in it you have to pay for literally everything, and quite a lot of money.
The high cost of the Asian city is due to the fact that it directly depends on the prices of the world commodity market, because the resources of Singapore itself are sharply limited.
The city has one of the lowest crime rates, it is clean and comfortable, and the culture of communication will pleasantly surprise any tourist. But it turns out that for a high standard of living you have to pay a considerable amount.
2
Hong Kong
The special administrative status and features of the economy brought Chinese Hong Kong to second place in the top 10 most expensive cities. The fact is that as a separate administrative unit of the PRC, the Hong Kong authorities independently from the official authorities decide on social and economic development, which determined the high cost of services and goods.
At the same time, Hong Kong is attractive for foreigners in that it is easy to do business here, as there is a simplified taxation system and no import tax is levied. Young people from neighboring countries and all of China are eager to come here to receive a quality education.
The goods are mainly imported, because the price is too high. But Hong Kong's pricing policy is offset by high salaries, both for local residents and experts invited by them.
3
Zurich
The capital of the German canton of Switzerland tops the list of expensive European cities. We also note that Switzerland is the most expensive country in the world, despite the high standard of living.
Even the Swiss, having the highest GDP, due to high real estate prices, for the most part do not buy housing, but rent, which is much more profitable and economical.
Tourists, setting off to see the sights of the ancient city of Europe, must keep track of costs, since hotel services, food and transportation will require significant costs, and are two to three times higher than similar services in other parts of Europe.
4
Tokyo
Despite the fact that the yen has recently strengthened against the dollar, life in the Japanese capital remains quite expensive. Again, as in Singapore, this is due to the limited raw material base of the rising sun.
A high-tech country requires large cash investments. But Tokyo is one of the most developed cities. Comfortable, efficient transport, comfortable hotels, well-developed infrastructure are all signs of a modern eastern city. But all this was achieved by the incredible diligence and determination of its inhabitants.
The Japanese, apparently, are accustomed to shell out large sums of money for a high standard of living and the high economic pace of the country's development.
5
Osaka
The third most populated city in Japan received city status in 1956, and in recent years has firmly established itself in second place among the most expensive cities in Japan.
A developed industrial center with more than 200 thousand enterprises, in addition, it can offer tourists to visit unique sights. Note that for some goods and services tourists will pay a larger amount than in Tokyo.
A comfortable city to live in has become a leader in terms of living, for which you have to pay a lot. But all this is commensurate with the high incomes of the population who live and work in Osaka.
6
Seoul
An advanced, both culturally and economically, the city of South Korea, is one of the most expensive in the Southeast region. Naturally, the quality of life in it is significantly different from other Korean cities.
Prices for basic goods and services in Seoul are higher than in Chinese cities, but lower than in Japan. Almost a quarter of the country's population lives in Seoul; the prices for utilities and medical care are quite high. There is also a special relation to tourists, but living and getting to know city sights can result in a considerable amount.
Korea has long become a center of plastic surgery, and the prices for operations are lower than in Europe and the United States, because many who want to improve their appearance come here.
7
Geneva
The list, which included the most expensive cities in Europe, also included prosperous Geneva. But this in no way scares the locals who believe that high prices and taxes are the key to their own well-being and success of the country.
Switzerland has long established itself as a reliable business partner, because investors are happy to invest heavily in well-known brands and the country's economy. In addition, half the world keeps their savings in Swiss banks.
A tourist, being in the center of Europe, feels the high Geneva prices, but the quality of service and life easily make up for this inconvenience.
8
Paris
The tourist mecca of Europe can offer tourists a variety of leisure activities, from visiting cultural and historical centers to having fun in nightclubs and variety shows.
Paris is also famous for its gastronomic delights, for which, however, you will have to pay a lot. In addition, the prices for visiting museums and theaters are quite high, but significantly lower than in Zurich.
High prices for housing, transport and other services are due to the fact that Parisians have long and successfully learned to earn money from tourists. Although the Parisians themselves, life in a luxurious city is not cheap. Not in vain, after all, some movie stars prefer to change their citizenship so as not to pay large taxes.
9
New York
We leave the largest megacities of Europe and Asia, and go overseas to business and multi-storey New York, which today is the most expensive city in the United States.
Perhaps the dear life in New York is due to the fact that it is itself the financial and economic center of the world. There are rather high prices for real estate, transport and other services. A city with a population of 20 million has to maintain its status with high prices.
The United States leads the list, which includes the most expensive countries in the world. Despite the high cost of life, many dream of living in New York, considering this city, however, this can be argued, the capital of the world.
10
Copenhagen
Recent studies by leading agencies show that Denmark has one of the highest living standards. In addition, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. But for the beauty and quality of life, residents of Copenhagen pay a high price.
High rents and utilities are among the highest in the world. But Copenhagen learned to earn money from tourists, replenishing the city budget, the funds from which go to the improvement and maintenance of order.
High prices are leveled by an effective social program of the state, which has learned to earn a lot, and not spare money to support its citizens. But Copenhagen firmly holds the 4th position in which the most expensive countries of Europe are located.
So our list of the most expensive cities in the world has come to an end. In conclusion, we note that there are various ratings in which different criteria are taken as the basis for determining the cost of living. For example, according to studies by the ECA International agency, Moscow ranks 65th in the list of expensive cities, and St. Petersburg is far behind the first hundred. Some cities often include many cities in Italy, and even the northern cities of Russia because of the high cost of products.
American researchers like to take the price of certain products as a basis, so fries, a hamburger with a bottle of cola in London will cost $ 7.2, but in New York you will pay $ 5.6 for the same set. And in the most expensive city in Europe, Zurich, to easily have a snack with fried potatoes and a hamburger with a drink, your wallet will become thinner by $ 15.
And in what expensive city in the world would you like to live? We will be glad, if our reader, to share your opinion in the comments!
Article author: Valery Skiba