These are the world's top 10 most expensive cities
Parisians spend about $6 on freshly baked bread, while in Zurich a humble loaf costs about $5
January 26, 2021
Related: The world's 10 cheapest cities
From skyrocketing grocery bills to rising rents, some of the world’s most expensive cities continue to boast thriving populations despite everyday goods costing an arm and leg.
Late last year, The Economist’s annual Worldwide Cost of Living report revealed a three-way tie for the top spot.
Paris, Hong Kong and Zurich were pitted as the most expensive cities, out of 133 contenders.
Calculations were based on the price of a basket of everyday products, from meats and fish, fruit and vegetables, household toiletries and cleaning products.
The survey also took into account the cost of clothes, utility bills, entertainment, transport and rent.
In fourth place was Singapore, followed by Osaka in Japan and Tel Aviv in Israel.
The report showed how the Covid-19 pandemic changed the cost of living in all cities surveyed since the start of last year.
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While Hong Kong managed to hold on to first place with two other cities, Singapore and Osaka dropped down a few pegs because of currency fluctuations and changing spending habits.
So, when it comes to that everyday shop, just how much can we expect to pay for a loaf of bread in the top 10 priciest metropolises?
Parisians spend about $6 (Dh22) on freshly baked bread. Not far behind is Zurich, where a humble loaf would set consumers back $5 (Dh18) and in Hong Kong, it’s a slightly more manageable $4 (Dh14).
In New York, Geneva and Los Angeles, which hold eighth, ninth and 10th spots, respectively, a loaf costs more, between $6 and $9.
Other than tobacco, the steepest average increase in the index came in the recreation category. And the biggest driver for the increase was consumer electronics.
The cost of a personal computer rose by 18.7 points on average last year, with Osaka taking top spot. A computer would set you back about $1,800 (Dh6,500) in the Japanese city.
Here, The National has compiled a list of the 10 most expensive cities in the world, with a sneak peek at some of the city’s most expensive products.
Updated: January 27, 2021 08:22 AM
