Top 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in 2026
Hello, everyone. Today I’d like to share an interesting economic trend report: the "Top 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in 2026" , published in the Julius Baer Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2026.
What makes this ranking unique is that it doesn’t measure everyday consumer prices for the general public. Instead, it calculates how much it costs for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to maintain a luxury lifestyle in major cities around the world. Think private schools, five-star hotels, fine dining, luxury cars, and prime real estate. It’s a fascinating glimpse into where the global elite are spending their fortunes.
Let’s dive into the list.
📊 2026 Ranking: Top 10 Most Expensive Cities
|
Rank |
City |
Country /
Region |
|
1 |
Singapore 🇸🇬 |
Singapore |
|
2 |
Zurich 🇨🇭 |
Switzerland |
|
3 |
Monaco 🇲🇨 |
Monaco |
|
4 |
Hong
Kong 🇭🇰 |
China
(SAR) |
|
5 |
London 🇬🇧 |
United
Kingdom |
|
6 |
Shanghai 🇨🇳 |
China |
|
7 |
Paris 🇫🇷 |
France |
|
8 |
Sydney 🇦🇺 |
Australia |
|
9 |
Milan 🇮🇹 |
Italy |
|
10 |
Bangkok 🇹🇭 |
Thailand |
🔍 Key Insights by City
1. Singapore – Asia’s Wealth Hub
Singapore tops the list again, thanks to its political stability, low tax regime, and world-class safety. The city-state has seen an influx of billionaires relocating from around the globe, driving up prices for luxury condos, private car ownership, and international school fees.
2. Zurich & 3. Monaco – Europe’s Heavyweights
Zurich benefits from Switzerland’s strong currency and exceptionally high standard of living. Monaco, on the other hand, is home to the world’s densest population of billionaires, where prime property can cost over €100,000 per square meter.
4. Hong Kong & 6. Shanghai – China’s Twin Powers
Hong Kong remains astronomically expensive due to its limited land supply and high demand. Shanghai, as mainland China’s financial capital, has seen luxury home prices and premium consumer goods surge rapidly in recent years.
5. London – Still a European Financial Center
Despite Brexit, London continues to attract ultra-wealthy families, especially for its private schools, cultural scene (theaters, galleries), and prime central properties.
7. Paris & 9. Milan – Capitals of Luxury & Gastronomy
These two fashion capitals rank high due to the cost of haute couture, Michelin-starred dining, and premium hotel stays. They remain top destinations for the global jet-set.
8. Sydney – Oceania’s Sole Entry
Sydney has entered the top 10 for the first time in a while, driven by a sharp rise in luxury housing prices and its unique combination of urban infrastructure and natural beauty.
10. Bangkok – A Surprise from Southeast Asia
Bangkok may seem affordable at first glance, but ultra-luxury condos, international schools, and premium healthcare services have become significantly more expensive, earning it a spot on this year’s list.
📈 Regional Distribution
Continent Cities Included Count
Asia Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok 4
Europe Zurich, Monaco, London, Paris, Milan 5
Oceania Sydney 1
Americas None 0
🗽 Interestingly, New York and Los Angeles did not make the top 10. This reflects the report’s focus on luxury costs rather than general inflation, as well as recent dollar weakness and cooling luxury real estate markets in the U.S.
💡 What This Tells Us
This ranking is more than just a "most expensive" list—it’s a barometer of global wealth migration and shifting economic power centers.
Asia now hosts 4 of the top 10 – confirming the continued rise of the East.
Europe remains dominant with 5 cities, though traditional giants like Tokyo and New York are notably absent.
Bangkok’s entry signals the growing affluence of Southeast Asia’s emerging high-net-worth class.