FX.co ★ 5 cities with most expensive lifestyle

Paris

For a few years in a row, the top rank is given to the capital city of France. Its cost of living index is assessed at 103 points. Among European capital cities, Paris offers the best opportunities for work and life. The other side of the coin is that people have to pay handsomely for such popularity. Paris residents should have an average income of at least €1,200 per month to cope with accommodation, commuting, meals, and leisure.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is ranked second on the list. The cost of living index is also measured at 103 points. This city-state is the special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. It means that China’s government rules its defense and foreign policies but the local authorities are responsible for the legislation, monetary system, and immigration policy. Such specifics have a serious impact on daily lives of residents. As a result, Hong Kong is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world. On average, a citizen of Hong Kong has to spend at least HK$15,000 or $1,900 per month.

Zürich

The third line on the list is occupied by Zürich. This is a rare case when it is cheaper to live in the capital city, Bern. The cost of living index comes in at 103 points as well. An average salary in Zürich amounts to €5-6,000 per month. At the same time, an average cost of living there is estimated at €1,200 per month on condition of modest consumer spending but excluding accommodation.

Singapore

Singapore is ranked fourth. A few years ago, this sovereign island city-state was rated as the most expensive city in the world. In the course of time, it has lost its leadership. Nowadays, the cost of living index amounts to 102 points. When it comes to average wages of residents, they earn differently. People with low-paid work earn roughly $1,200-1,400 per month on average. However, employees in the sectors with high earnings have monthly incomes of $5,000 to $10,000. To sum up, the cost of living in Singapore with average consumer spending equals nearly $600 per month excluding accommodation.

Tel Aviv

The 5th rank on the list of the most expensive cities goes to Tel Aviv, situated in the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. Experts assign it 101 points. An average salary there is as high as $3,000 per month. A person should spend $1,200 on average for a comfortable lifestyle. This package includes food from a supermarket with occasional eating out, accommodation rent in the residential area, public transport, GSM, health insurance, and entertainment.