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Top 10 most expensive cities to live around the world (2025)

10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the World: The United States is home to four cities on the list, alongside prominent Asian cities like Singapore, which stands at 11th globally with an average price of USD 16,700 per m², and Tokyo at 16th for USD 14,700 per m².

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Most Expensive Cities to Live Around the World: Henley & Partners' reveals the world's most expensive cities to live; check the top 10 below.Most Expensive Cities to Live Around the World: Henley & Partners' reveals the world's most expensive cities to live; check the top 10 below. (Source: iStock)

Most Expensive Cities in the World 2025: As our world becomes more interconnected, many individuals are choosing to relocate internationally. This raises the question: which cities are currently the most expensive to call home?

According to the latest report from New World Wealth by Henley and Partners, Monaco stands out as the most expensive city in the world. With over 40% of its population being millionaires—the highest percentage of any city—Monaco’s luxury real estate market sees prime apartments of 100 to 200 m² often listed at more than USD 38,800 per m².

READ | Top 10 wealthiest cities in 2025: Indian cities with the most millionaires revealed

Following Monaco, New York City claims the second spot, where the average cost of premium real estate is around USD 27,500 per m². Hong Kong comes in third with prices at approximately USD 26,300 per m², while London sits fourth with prices around USD 24,000 per m².

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In fifth place is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in France, with an average price of USD 21,200 per m², and Paris moves up to sixth place at USD 20,400 per m², just ahead of Sydney, which has average prices of USD 19,500 per m².

Henley & Partners’ 10 most expensive cities in the world, as of 2024—25:

In this year’s rankings, European cities take up the major spots. France boasts 6 cities/towns, followed by Switzerland and Italy, each having two cities, while the UK contributes one.

Notably, the United States is home to four cities on the list, alongside prominent Asian cities like Singapore, which stands at 11th globally with an average price of USD 16,700 per m², and Tokyo at 16th for USD 14,700 per m².

Rank City Country  Average Price (USD/m²)
1 Monaco Monaco 38,800
2 New York City USA 27,500
3 Hong Kong Hong Kong (SAR China) 26,300
4 London UK 24,000
5 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat France 21,200
6 Paris France 20,400
7 Sydney Australia 19,500
8 Palm Beach USA 18,000
9 Miami Beach USA 17,800
10 Los Angeles USA 17,500

Source: New World Wealth | Henley & Partner Wealthiest Cities Report 2025

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Please note: Rankings are as of December 2024, with all statistics in USD. The term m² refers to the average square metre price of a ‘prime’ apartment ranging from 100 to 200 m² in a city or town.

In case you missed it | Top 10 most-visited cities: Where to travel in 2025?

Cherry Gupta
Cherry Gupta
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Cherry Gupta is an Assistant Manager – Content at The Indian Express. She leads the Top 10 section, curating list-based features on key national and international developments, and manages daily news content. She also produces SEO-driven articles and collaborates with the Lifestyle team to conduct interviews with notable artists and write workplace culture features. ... Read More

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