The Most Expensive Cities in the World - Eurocost International’s 2012 Expat Ranking

LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to the latest cost of living ranking from EuroCost International, Tokyo remains the world’s most expensive city.
This survey is based on prices collected in June 2012 and updated with August exchange rates; it compares expat living costs, including housing costs.

Major highlights

• Tokyo remains the most expensive city for expats.
• The euro zone cities are no longer in the world top 30 as a consequence of a weaker euro.
• London is back in European top 3, ranking 2nd between Moscow and Geneva.

Exchange rate fluctuations have significantly modified the ranking when compared to 2011 figures, but the top 3 ranking remains nearly unchanged. Tokyo is still the most expensive location in the world, followed by Moscow that has overtaken Luanda this year.

Euro zone cities have fallen in the ranking as a consequence of a weakening currency (Paris, top euro zone city is only 39^th whereas it ranked 23^rd in 2011.

Brazilian cities are still the most expensive locations in the American continent, despite a depreciated currency.

Australian cities have consolidated their status of expensive cities and remain in the world top 20.

Most expensive cities - Worldwide top 20

1 Tokyo
2 Luanda
3 Moscow
4 Singapore
5 London
6 Hong Kong
7 Sydney
8 Port Moresby
9 Geneva
10 Kinshasa
11 Oslo
12 Canberra
13 Shanghai
14 Beirut
15 Seoul
16 Beijing
17 Zurich
18 Sao Paulo
19 Rio de Janeiro
20 Caracas

All details about 2012 worldwide ranking and comments by geographical area on http://www.eurocost.com/en/cost_of_living_2012.html

About EuroCost International

EuroCost International specializes in expatriation and conducts expat cost of living surveys in more than 290 locations worldwide.
Those data are used by HR professionals to calculate their expat remuneration packages.
EuroCost International cost of living indices are updated 4 times a year (in March, June, September & December). They are based on a basket of 350 goods and services representative of the consumption habits of expatriates and can be customised to fit any company’s or organisation’s salary policy. Those indices are available on a city-to-city comparison basis.
EuroCost International also provides specific reports on rental costs, school costs, business trips or on quality of life for expats.