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World’s top 10 most expensive cities to live in 2025: Singapore, London top the chart; an Indian city ranked 20
World's top 10 most expensive cities in 2025 list: Dubai made a comeback to the top 10 this year, climbing five ranks, while New York was the sole American city to feature in the list.
Best and Most Expensive Global Cities for Living in 2025: Singapore tops the rankings for third year in a row. (Image: Canva Pro)
World’s top 10 most expensive cities in 2025 list: Amid a global trade war, high geopolitical tensions, and slowing consumer spending, Swiss wealth management group Julius Baer, in its Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025, has ranked cities worldwide for wealthy individuals “looking to live the good life”.
The report published in July noted that the top three cities remain unchanged, albeit in a slightly different order.
Singapore has retained the top spot for the third consecutive year as the world’s most expensive city.
Long considered a desirable city for the wealthy due to its business environment, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and global connectivity, London has moved up into the second spot.
It has pushed down Hong Kong, which attracts high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) due to its specific tax incentives and buoyant investment environment, to the third spot.
Two Asian cities, Bangkok and Tokyo, made the biggest leaps in the report, ascending six positions to become the 11th and 17th most expensive cities, respectively.
Dubai made a comeback to the top ten this year, climbing five ranks, while New York was the sole American city to feature in the list.
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Shanghai, the Chinese city which used to top the rankings in 2022, saw a mass decline in rankings, dropping from the fourth position to the sixth in 2025.
On the flip side, the Brazilian city of São Paulo, which previously ranked at 9, dropped seven places in 2025 and stands at 16th position globally.
Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in the World (2025)
World's Most Expensive Cities for Wealthy Living
Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025
Singapore retains top spot for 3rd consecutive year; London overtakes Hong Kong; Dubai makes top 10 comeback
Top 10 Global Rankings
1
Singapore
Singapore
—
2024: 1st
Costliest: Cars; Handbags
Cheapest: Treadmill
2
London
United Kingdom
⬆️ 1
2024: 3rd
Costliest: LASIK; MBA; School
Cheapest: Car
3
Hong Kong
China (SAR)
⬇️ 1
2024: 2nd
Costliest: Lawyer
Cheapest: Champagne
4
Monaco
Monaco
⬆️ 1
2024: 5th
Costliest: Property; MBA
Cheapest: Champagne
5
Zurich
Switzerland
⬆️ 1
2024: 6th
Costliest: MBA
Cheapest: Private School
6
Shanghai
China
⬇️ 2
2024: 4th
Costliest: Degustation Dinner
Cheapest: Champagne
7
Dubai
UAE
⬆️ 5
2024: 12th
Costliest: MBA
Cheapest: Business Flight
8
New York
USA
⬇️ 1
2024: 7th
Costliest: Hotel Suite
Cheapest: Tech Package
9
Paris
France
⬇️ 1
2024: 8th
Costliest: MBA; Spa
Cheapest: Private School
10
Milan
Italy
NEW
Top 10
Costliest: MBA
Cheapest: Business Flight
Notable Changes
Biggest Climber
Dubai: ⬆️ 5 ranks
Mumbai (India)
Ranked 20th
Bangkok
11th (⬆️ 6)
Tokyo
17th (⬆️ 6)
Source: Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025. Rankings based on cost of luxury goods, services, and lifestyle for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).
Indian Express InfoGenIE
Which Indian city is ranked 20th?
Mumbai, the financial capital city of India, is ranked at 20, retaining its previous year’s position.
Given India’s increasing status as a global economic powerhouse and rise in prices in both local currency and USD, Mumbai is the lowest-ranking APAC city.
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The report states it’s still relatively affordable for most services in the index, particularly hospitality and travel.
Most Expensive Global Cities To Live In 2025 (Source: Julius Baer)
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