EIU publishes 2017 Worldwide Cost of Living survey
March 2017
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in March 2017 released its Worldwide cost of living 2017 survey.
Using a cost-of-living approach, it compares the price of over 150 items in 133 cities around the world. It found that Singapore is the world’s most expensive city for the fourth year running and 20% more expensive than New York and 5% pricier than Hong Kong, which lies in second place. Asia now hosts five out of the top six ranked cities in the world, with four European cities and New York joining them to complete the top ten.
Country | City | Index | Rank | Change in Rank |
Singapore | Singapore | 120 | 1 | 0 |
Hong Kong | Hong Kong | 114 | 2 | 0 |
Switzerland | Zurich | 113 | 3 | -1 |
Japan | Tokyo | 110 | 4 | 7 |
Japan | Osaka | 109 | 5 | 9 |
South Korea | Seoul | 108 | 6 | 2 |
Switzerland | Geneva | 107 | 7 | -3 |
France | Paris | 107 | 7 | -2 |
US | New York | 100 | 9 | -2 |
Denmark | Copenhagen | 100 | 9 | -1 |
Source: EIU
While Asia dominates at the top of the index, Australasia and Brazil saw the fastest rise in the relative cost of living this year. Conversely, the weakness of the British pound has pushed London and Manchester down the rankings, with London at its lowest position in 20 years.
A report with highlights from the survey focusing on the Top Ten and the Bottom Ten cities can be downloaded here (you will have to give your contact details). The survey website is here (pay-per-view or subscription).