Discover which cities top the global cost of living index and why they’re so expensive in 2025

Living abroad can be exciting, but the cost of daily life is a major factor for anyone considering relocation. Some countries and cities carry high rents, expensive groceries, utilities, and services that quickly add up. Knowing which destinations are the priciest helps travelers and expatriates plan and budget effectively.

Living expenses vary widely around the world, influenced by factors such as local wages, housing demand, import reliance, and taxation. While some destinations offer luxury and convenience, others provide more affordable options.

The Cost of Living Index by Numbeo, updated throughout 2025, compares everyday expenses in thousands of locations worldwide. Costs are measured against New York City, set at 100, meaning a score above 100 indicates higher prices than in NYC.

Based on the mid-year 2025 report, here are the ten most expensive places to live, ranked from least to most expensive.

10. Guernsey

The Bailiwick of Guernsey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands, features picturesque landscapes and luxurious residences. St. Peter Port, the main town, is filled with multimillion-dollar homes. While rent, groceries, and dining costs remain high, they are still slightly below New York City’s prices.

The island combines serene landscapes with strong community life, attracting expatriates seeking tranquility, safe neighborhoods, and access to local culture alongside moderately lower costs than major metropolitan hubs.

9. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis with a dynamic economy and abundant business opportunities. Rent and housing are particularly high due to limited land and population density. Dining out can be affordable in non-upscale restaurants, but overall living expenses remain elevated for residents and expatriates.

Hong Kong offers unmatched career opportunities, a dense international community, and vibrant cultural events, though residents must adapt to small living spaces and high urban congestion.

8. Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s strong economy drives up prices for groceries, dining, and other services. Higher wages help balance costs, while residents benefit from excellent healthcare and social support. The country combines high living standards with relatively manageable city sizes.

Luxembourg blends modern infrastructure with historical charm, providing top-quality education, international business presence, and secure neighborhoods that make the cost of living more tolerable for residents.

7. Denmark

Copenhagen is ranked among the top 15 most expensive cities globally, influencing Denmark’s overall cost index. Taxes and restaurant prices are high, though the country offers robust social support and quality healthcare, which contribute to its overall appeal despite the high living costs.

Denmark balances high expenses with excellent public transport, extensive social benefits, rich cultural life, and sustainable urban planning that enhances overall lifestyle satisfaction.

6. Norway

Norway’s major cities, such as Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, have high housing, grocery, and restaurant costs. Residents enjoy excellent public services, safety, and access to stunning natural landscapes. High expenses are offset by strong social systems and a high quality of life.

Norway’s natural scenery and outdoor recreation options complement high wages and strong welfare systems, offering residents health, safety, and well-being despite high living expenses.

5. Singapore

Singapore is a compact city-state with limited property, making housing and car ownership expensive. Public transport is efficient and relatively affordable, and hawker centers offer lower-cost dining. The city attracts global professionals with high salaries but equally high daily living costs.

Singapore combines efficient public services, green spaces, and safety with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, international schools, and job opportunities that attract global professionals despite elevated costs.

4. Bahamas

The Bahamas offers a tropical lifestyle, but life in Nassau and resort areas is costly. High rent and tourist demand drive prices up. Residents enjoy stunning beaches and an appealing climate, but everyday expenses remain elevated.

The Bahamas provides island leisure, abundant watersports, and a relaxed lifestyle, yet residents must navigate high utility costs and imported goods, especially in tourism-heavy areas.

3. Iceland

Iceland relies heavily on imports, which drives up grocery and fuel costs. Reykjavik exceeds New York City in restaurant prices. Despite the high costs, the country is considered one of the safest and happiest in the world, with remarkable landscapes and cultural appeal.

Nonetheless, Iceland blends extraordinary landscapes with a small, welcoming population, excellent healthcare, and low crime, making it desirable even with costly food and utilities.

2. Switzerland

Switzerland hosts some of the world’s priciest cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne. High rents, taxes, and general living costs are balanced by excellent infrastructure, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Residents accept the high expenses in exchange for stability and services.

Switzerland offers a combination of scenic beauty, robust public services, and stable economy, which offsets its high prices and appeals to residents seeking security and quality infrastructure.

1. Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands rank at the top of the list, attracting wealthy expatriates due to tax advantages and offshore financial services. Housing, food, and other living costs are significantly elevated. Those who can afford it gain access to luxurious amenities, pristine beaches, and stable economic conditions.

Cayman Islands feature exclusive beaches, offshore financial hubs, and high-end amenities, attracting wealthy expats, though everyday essentials and property come at premium costs.

Island nations like the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, and Guernsey tend to be expensive due to limited land, tourism, and import reliance. Scandinavian countries and Switzerland combine high salaries with elevated costs.

Urban financial hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong have high property prices and strong demand. Despite the costs, these locations generally provide high quality of life, excellent safety, and public services.

Conclusion

The world’s most expensive places require careful budgeting and planning for anyone considering relocation. From tropical islands to financial metropolises, high living costs are offset by safety, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Understanding the relative expenses helps expats and travelers make informed choices about lifestyle, accommodation, and daily spending.

For prospective expats, understanding the nuances of each destination is crucial. High-cost locations like the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, and Singapore may offer higher salaries or tax advantages.

Smaller regions such as Guernsey and the Bahamas provide lifestyle perks despite steep day-to-day expenses. Budget planning is essential.

Celebrate World Tourism Day 2025 by exploring 10 offbeat destinations across India and the world—hidden villages, surreal landscapes, and untouched adventures await.

Travel isn’t just about ticking boxes on a map—it’s about discovering places where silence tells stories, where landscapes shape culture, and where the journey feels personal. Celebrated every year on September 27, World Tourism Day 2025 is the perfect occasion to step off the tourist trail and wander into villages above the clouds, valleys frozen in time, and landscapes so surreal they could belong to another planet. From India’s hidden corners to remote wonders across the globe, here are ten destinations waiting to enchant the explorer in you.

1. Nongjrong, Meghalaya, India

Imagine waking up above a floating sea of clouds—that’s Nongjrong in the East Khasi Hills. Untouched by commercial tourism, this tiny village offers sweeping valley views and a calmness that feels like stepping back in time. The hospitality of the Khasi community adds warmth to the breathtaking scenery.

What to explore: Sunrise viewpoints, traditional Khasi culture, and tranquil hikes through mist-draped hills.

2. Faroe Islands, Denmark

Halfway between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands look like something out of a Norse saga. Turf-roofed cottages perch on emerald cliffs, seabirds sweep across dramatic fjords, and waterfalls tumble straight into the sea. It’s raw, moody, and wildly photogenic—a perfect escape for those who crave solitude in nature.

What to explore: Mulafossur Waterfall, the village of Gásadalur, puffin-spotting, and hiking across windswept cliffs.

3. Hanle, Ladakh, India

At 14,000 feet, Hanle is a hidden jewel of Ladakh’s Changthang region. Known for the Indian Astronomical Observatory—the highest of its kind—it’s a stargazer’s paradise where the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. Add to that a centuries-old monastery and vast open valleys, and Hanle becomes a place where silence itself feels sacred.

What to explore: Stargazing under crystal-clear skies, Hanle Monastery, and high-altitude drives across remote passes.

4. Socotra Island, Yemen

Socotra often feels like it belongs to another world. Nicknamed the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” it’s home to alien-like Dragon Blood trees, pristine white-sand beaches, and species found nowhere else on Earth. Remote and largely untouched, it’s a living museum of biodiversity and culture.

What to explore: Dragon Blood tree forests, Qalansiyah Beach, Detwah Lagoon, and hidden caves echoing with folklore.

5. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Ziro Valley is where pine-clad hills meet lush rice paddies, and where tribal heritage thrives. Home to the Apatani tribe, it offers a slow, soulful travel experience far from the rush of city life. Famous for the Ziro Music Festival, it’s equally enchanting in its everyday rhythm of farming and folk traditions.

What to explore: Tribal villages, paddy walks, pine forests, and folk experiences beyond the festival.

6. Matera, Italy

Matera, carved from limestone cliffs in southern Italy, is a city that seems frozen in time. Its Sassi cave dwellings, once abandoned, now hum with boutique hotels, art studios, and candlelit restaurants. Walking here feels like wandering through a living museum where history and modern creativity coexist beautifully.

What to explore: The Sassi districts, rupestrian churches, Palombaro Lungo (underground cistern), and cinematic backdrops used in films.

7. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

Patagonia is the ultimate adventure landscape—where granite towers rise above turquoise lakes, glaciers groan into fjords, and endless pampas stretch to the horizon. It’s wild, untamed, and unforgettable, attracting explorers who crave both adrenaline and awe. The region’s sheer scale makes you feel small yet profoundly alive.

What to explore: Torres del Paine treks, Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, and wildlife safaris spotting guanacos and condors.

8. Svalbard, Norway

Tucked deep in the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is a world of ice, auroras, and polar bears. Life here moves to the rhythm of the midnight sun in summer and endless night skies in winter. Remote and extreme, it’s a rare chance to witness Earth’s rawest edges.

What to explore: Polar bear safaris, Northern Lights, glacier hikes, dog-sledding, and abandoned Arctic settlements.

9. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Step onto Salar de Uyuni after rain, and you’ll find yourself walking across the sky. This vast salt flat transforms into the world’s largest natural mirror, creating a surreal horizon where heaven and earth merge. Even when dry, the landscape is striking, like a dazzling white desert of infinity.

What to explore: Mirror-like salt flats, Incahuasi Island with giant cacti, salt hotels, and nearby colored lagoons.

10. Chopta, Uttarakhand, India

Nicknamed the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a Himalayan haven of rolling meadows, ancient temples, and crisp mountain air. Less crowded than other Uttarakhand spots, it offers both spirituality and adventure. Whether you’re chasing sunrise over Chaukhamba peaks or trekking to Tungnath Temple, Chopta is pure Himalayan bliss.

What to explore: Trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila, birdwatching in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and meadow camping.

We’ve curated a list of 7 of the best countries to visit in October that will make your autumn getaway truly unforgettable.

October is almost here, and with it comes the breathtaking beauty of autumn. The atmosphere is filled with warmth and charm, making everything feel more vibrant and inviting. The crisp air, vibrant colours, and cosy atmosphere make this season a favourite for many. If you’re an autumn enthusiast looking for the perfect fall experience, you’re in luck! We’ve curated a list of 7 of the best countries to visit in October that will make your autumn getaway truly unforgettable. Take a look below!

1. Japan

Japan in October is a feast for the senses. The maple trees (momiji) transform temple gardens, mountainsides, and city parks into fiery shades of red and orange. Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove framed by autumn leaves and Nikko’s shrines surrounded by golden forests are must-sees. Pair the scenery with seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes for the full experience.

2. Canada

Few countries celebrate fall quite like Canada. The provinces of Ontario and Quebec are famous for their fall foliage, especially around Algonquin Provincial Park and the Laurentian Mountains. October also means fewer crowds at Niagara Falls and Banff, where the landscape glows in autumn tones against snow-dusted peaks.

3. Germany

Autumn in Germany is about more than just Oktoberfest. The Rhine Valley, with its vineyards and medieval castles, looks particularly enchanting in October. Bavaria’s alpine trails are wrapped in golden leaves, and towns like Heidelberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber offer fairytale-like views under the fall sun.

4. Italy

Italy’s countryside comes alive in October. Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and Umbria’s olive groves shine in warm autumn light, making it harvest season at its best. Beyond wine and truffles, head north to the Dolomites, where the jagged peaks are framed by forests bursting with autumn colour. The trees turn red and orange, creating a beautiful landscape.

5. United States

The United States is synonymous with fall foliage road trips. New England, particularly Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, is world-famous for its dramatic displays of crimson and gold. The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina also offer stunning hikes under fiery canopies. Pumpkin patches and Halloween festivities add to the charm.

6. France

October is wine harvest season in France, which means scenic vineyards glowing in shades of orange and red. Head to Burgundy or Alsace for countryside charm, or stroll through Paris where tree-lined boulevards and gardens like Jardin du Luxembourg radiate autumn warmth. The soft light of autumn makes France a perfect destination for a cosy and romantic getaway.

7. South Korea

South Korea’s autumn is short but dazzling. In October, Nami Island, Seoraksan National Park, and the palaces of Seoul are surrounded by brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange. Crisp weather makes it the perfect time to hike, explore, and enjoy seasonal treats like hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Why Is October Considered An Ideal Time To Travel?

• Perfect Weather For Sightseeing: Enjoy comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes, ideal for exploring cities, national parks, and outdoor attractions without the sweltering heat of summer.
• Fewer Crowds, More Relaxation: Beat the crowds and experience a more relaxed atmosphere at popular tourist spots, allowing you to soak in the sights and sounds without the chaos.
• Immerse In Seasonal Festivals And Harvest Celebrations: Join in the vibrant festivities and harvest celebrations that take place in October, offering a glimpse into local cultures and traditions.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: Witness the stunning autumn foliage, picturesque landscapes, and unique natural beauty that only appears once a year, making October a photographer’s paradise.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to plan a getaway, let this month be your window into fall’s most unforgettable views.

Discover 10 cities worldwide you can fully explore in just 24 hours, featuring compact layouts, iconic attractions, and vibrant local experiences perfect for a quick but memorable trip.

All cities cannot take days to explore. Others are full of history and culture as well as food and great iconic locations that can fit into a walkable district, so they are ideal when a quick yet memorable trip is needed. These are 10 cities that travellers can experience to the full within a day of 24 hours:

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges has medieval beauty, cobblestones and peaceful canals. In just one day of exploring, visitors can explore the Markt square, the Belfry, take a boat ride along the canals and taste the Belgian chocolates.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a mixture of bohemian culture and narrow streets. Travel activities that one can do in a day here can include visiting Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, visiting a local hot spring, and trying Icelandic food in the local cafes.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is easy to view in a day with its baroque architecture, locations of the Sound of Music, and the views of the fortresses. Take a walk at Mirabell Gardens, see the birthplace of Mozart and walk around the old town.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The castle and the Holyrood Palace are connected by the historic Royal Mile of Edinburgh. Travellers can visit the castle, the National Museum, the hiking trails on the top of Arthur’s Seat, and have fun in the bustling pubs in the city in a single day.

Kyoto, Japan (Central Districts).

Although Kyoto may be a big city, its inner areas consist of temples, tea houses, and markets that can be totally visited as a day trip. In 24 hours, visitors can visit Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the historic streets of Gion.

Florence, Italy

Florence is pedestrian and full of art. Visiting the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and having an authentic gelato are only a few things you can do in one day and admire the Renaissance architecture at every turn.

Singapore City Core

The small size of the downtown area enables one to walk around Singapore and enjoy Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, and Little India in a single day. Due to high-quality transportation and properly thought-out routes, rapid exploration is possible.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is an entire day trip with its medieval walls and red tiled roofs. Visitors will be able to walk the city walls, have a sightseeing tour of old churches and relax in cafes with coastal views.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The centre of Ljubljana, Dragon Bridge and cafes along the riverside make it the best place to spend 24 hours. Visitors may visit the castle, art galleries and bustling market, capturing the young atmosphere of the city.

Quebec City, Canada

Old Quebec has cobbled streets, old plazas and French-style allure. Within a single day, it is possible to visit the Citadel, walk in Terrasse Dufferin and have real food in bistros along the small streets.

These cities make you realise that you do not have to take one week to have a destination. One day can be a deep culture, an eventful day with some serious planning, and even an experience of what a city really is.