Every year, the most expensive cities in the world attract the attention of millions of tourists. Often, the choice of destination depends on the image associated with luxury and reckless spending. However, some travelers successfully plan their trip in such a way that they manage to do without serious financial losses. How to visit these expensive cities and not go bankrupt?
Ranking of the most expensive cities to live in
Every year, popular international publications compile lists of the most expensive cities in the world for living and traveling. Some cities consistently hold their positions in these rankings, while others appear and disappear. Let's take a look at the cities that are usually among the most expensive.
Beijing, China
The capital of China ranks high in the rankings of the most expensive cities for tourists and temporary residents. The main expense is housing rental, because in Beijing and throughout China, apartment rentals are usually for a period of six months or more. The cheapest options on the outskirts of the metropolis start at $700-800 per month, and you should take into account the mandatory deposit, which is usually two months' rent.
It is also worth noting the high prices of food, even if you decide to cook at home rather than eat in restaurants. For example, a kilogram of chicken fillet costs more than $4, and cheese, mostly imported, can cost more than $12.50 per kilogram.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is one of the world’s largest financial and business centers, where life is only affordable for those with a significant budget. Renting an apartment in popular areas can cost $2,300 per month, and the price per square meter of housing reaches a record $30,000. Food is also expensive here: a kilogram of beef costs $23, and cheese — $24. Nevertheless, Hong Kong is famous for its safety and high-quality medicine.
Hong Kong attracts tourists not only with its skyscrapers, but also with its natural landscapes. One of the most popular activities is trekking along the Dragon's Back, a route that crosses a mountain range for almost 9 kilometers, offering magnificent views of the southern part of the island. An evening in Hong Kong can be spent admiring the city lights shimmering in the sky.
Tokyo, Japan
According to the Numbeo cost-of-living assessment service, costs in Tokyo are on average one and a half times higher than in Kyiv or Warsaw. Rent in the Japanese capital is 25% higher. Food is also not cheap: a dozen eggs will cost $2.50, and a kilogram of potatoes - about $3. Taxi drivers will charge more than $3 for each kilometer of travel. Renting a one-room apartment on the outskirts starts at $600 per month, and in the center the price for the same housing is approaching a thousand dollars.
If you plan to stay in Tokyo for a long time and want to buy real estate, keep in mind that a square meter in residential areas will cost about $4,500, and in prestigious central areas - from $8,200.
One of the most visited places in Tokyo is the Imperial Palace, where the imperial family lives. A park on the eastern side of the complex is open to tourists and access to it is free depending on the season. On the territory you can see the remains of fortifications and guard gates that were used to check the emperor's guests. The sakura and magnolias growing in the garden are especially attractive. During flowering, these trees attract tourists from all over the world.
Singapore
Renting a house in Singapore is one of the most expensive in the world. Renting a one-room apartment on the outskirts will cost $2,000 per month, and in the center - almost $3,000. Buying real estate is a task that seems almost impossible: the cost of a square meter in residential areas exceeds $12,500. Products are also quite expensive: a dozen eggs cost about $3.5, and a one-and-a-half-liter bottle of water - $1.5. Meat, in particular beef, is much more expensive: more than $20 per kilogram is asked.
Singapore is famous for its architectural grandeur and its skyscrapers attract tourists from all over the world. One of the symbols of the city is the Marina Bay Sands hotel - a three-tower building, which is connected by a common roof in the form of a gondola. On the roof there is a swimming pool, a garden and observation decks. Another architectural highlight is the Museum of Science and Art, whose forms resemble a lotus flower, and the principles of environmental friendliness are based on the use of rainwater for technical needs and watering plants.
New York, USA
New York is not only one of the most famous metropolises in the world, but also the most expensive city in the United States. Living here is four times more expensive than in Kyiv. Housing prices are one of the main reasons why many cannot afford their own housing in this city. The cost per square meter varies from $14,000 in the suburbs to $17,500 in the central areas, and for most, buying an apartment becomes a real dream.
However, high prices apply not only to real estate, but also to everyday expenses. For example, a cup of coffee in New York costs about $ 6, and a dozen eggs will cost the same amount. Meat, especially beef, costs $ 20 per kilogram in supermarkets. This city is famous for its high cost, but, nevertheless, attracts millions of tourists every year who want to see its famous attractions.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and this is especially noticeable against the background highest cost of living in Israel as a whole. The average cost of an apartment in Tel Aviv can reach record millions of dollars, and for many, buying a home here remains just a dream. Food prices are also impressive: a liter of milk costs about $3, a dozen eggs - $3.7, and a pound of bread - about $2.3. Lunch at a mid-range restaurant will cost $50-100 per person, and renting an apartment by the sea - $1,500 per month.
Despite the high prices, Tel Aviv remains a popular destination for travelers, in particular due to visa-free entry for citizens of Ukraine. One of the most attractive places for tourists is the ancient district of Jaffa, once a separate city, and now an integral part of Tel Aviv. Many stories are associated with this place, and one of the most famous is the legend of the construction of Noah's Ark. Tourists often visit the street where a unique orange tree grows, which is tied to the walls of houses. From afar, the tree seems to levitate.
Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in the world and life here is definitely not for budget travelers. For example, the price of a kilogram of cheese can reach $24, further emphasizing the high cost of living in citiesIf you want to eat cheaply, your choices will be limited to fast food restaurants, where the cost of lunch will be about $17 for a combo. Renting a home is also not a good idea. The average cost of a studio apartment in Geneva is about $2,000 per month.
However, despite the high prices, the city attracts tourists who are willing to spend money for its beauty and unique attractions. One of the main symbols of Geneva is Lake Geneva, the largest in the Alps. Its area is almost 600 square kilometers, and the depth in some places reaches 310 meters. A walk along the lake is just the beginning of a trip to Geneva. Many are attracted by the flower clock located in the English Park.
Paris, France
Paris remains one of the most expensive cities in the world, which underlines its status among tourists. The cost of living in the French capital is always high, and many people come here not only for the romance and picturesque landscapes, but also for the willingness to spend a lot of money. A cup of coffee in Paris will cost an average of $ 4.5, and a kilogram of chicken meat - about $ 15.
One of the most expensive products here is cheese, which costs around $21 per kilogram. Renting a home in Paris also leaves a lot to be desired, with even a small one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood costing around $1,500 per month. For those who decide to buy property, the price per square meter in Paris is $13,000.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Prices in the Danish capital will surprise even experienced travelers with deep pockets. Coffee, especially cappuccino, will cost more than $6 here. And a regular loaf of bread is about $3.50. And even if you choose to eat at home, the costs will not decrease. For example, meat (beef) in supermarkets costs about $11 per kilogram, and regular potatoes are more than $2 per kilogram.
What can we say about renting a home? Renting a one-room apartment in the city center will cost an average of $1,800 per month. If you plan to buy a property, be prepared to pay about $8,100 per square meter.
Despite the high cost of living, Copenhagen is a city that is definitely worth visiting at least once in your life. It combines unique medieval architecture with a modern lifestyle, and every corner of this city is shrouded in history.
Seoul, South Korea
In South Korea, the capital Seoul demonstrates a high standard of living, which directly affects the prices of food and housing. Coffee here costs about $4, and water - about $1 for a half-liter bottle. Fruit and meat are especially expensive. A kilogram of apples will cost $7, tomatoes - the same amount, and meat (beef) can cost up to $40 per kilogram. As for housing, renting a studio apartment in the city center will cost an average of about $850 per month. However, buying real estate is a completely different story. The price per square meter varies from $11,500 to $20,000, depending on the area.
At the same time, Seoul attracts tourists with its unique atmosphere, where modern skyscrapers and ancient fortresses are combined. This city will be a real discovery for lovers of architecture, exotic cuisine and Asian history.
Even in cities with high costs You can find ways to enjoy culture and history without breaking the bank. Use the services of local guides who will not only show you interesting places but also advise you on budget travel options.
