The Most Expensive Countries in the World for Expats 

High cost of living tends to correlate with high quality of living, so it’s no surprise that many expats and international workers still flock to some of the most expensive countries in the world to live and work. The opportunities, public services, food, and culture abroad are enough to entice workers from around the world. 

But it all comes with a price.

According to Mercer’s Cost of Living Index, Hong Kong is the world’s most expensive city for expats thanks to its extravagant costs of housing, transportation, groceries, and more. To anyone who’s lived in Hong Kong, it’s not hard to believe that this Asian financial hub has been named the most expensive city for expats.

Coming in second is Zurich, the first of four Swiss cities on the list, followed by Geneva, Basel, and Bern. For all their top-tier government services and high quality of living, Swiss living can cost you a fortune, although it might be worth it to live in one of the most advanced and safest cities in the world. 

The startup capital of the world, Tel Aviv comes in sixth place, followed by New York City. Three Asian cities closed the top 10 list: Singapore, Tokyo, and Beijing. Although delightful to visit for leisure or for business, living in these countries full-time is a whole other experience. 

Check out the map below:

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