
Top 10 Most Expensive Places to Live in the World (2025)
Every traveler dreams of wandering Parisian boulevards, tasting Singapore’s vibrant street food, or catching a Broadway show in New York. Yet in 2025, these dream trips also rank among the world’s most expensive experiences. Cities such as Hong Kong, Zurich, Singapore, and New York consistently appear at the top of global cost-of-living surveys, where hotel rooms average more than $300 per night, daily dining often exceeds $100, and attraction tickets can feel as costly as airfare.
Still, costly doesn’t always mean out of reach. Careful planning and the right resources can make even the priciest destinations accessible. Membership platforms like RoamVIP give travelers insider access to exclusive rates, offering significant savings on hotels, tours, and activities. With the right approach, sipping coffee in Paris, shopping in Hong Kong, or watching the skyline light up in Singapore can remain unforgettable—without overwhelming your travel budget.
Top 10 Most Expensive Places to Live in the World
The top 10 most expensive places to live in the world whisk you beyond the ratings to provide the actual question. How much does it actually cost to travel to these cities in 2025? We’ll dissect average tourist costs—accommodating hotels, food, transportation, and activities—so you can plan better, whether you’re budgeting for a high-end getaway or making every dollar count.
So grab your curiosity (and your wallet)—let’s venture into the world’s most expensive places to live and travel, and learn how to experience them as a tourist.
1. Hong Kong – The World’s Costliest Metropolis

Hong Kong is one of the iconic and most expensive places to live remains the priciest city globally. For tourists, the costs stack up quickly—from luxury shopping to hotel stays with Victoria Harbour views.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $250–$450/night (4-star in Central or Tsim Sha Tsui)
- Cup of coffee: $6
- Dim sum meal (for 2): $60–$80
- Peak Tram + Victoria Peak entry: $15/person
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- Land scarcity inflates hotel rates.
- Imports make even supermarket snacks pricier.
- Entertainment and nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong are top-tier but expensive.
Traveler Tip
Stay in Mong Kok or Kowloon for cheaper hotels and street food. Use the Octopus Card to save on public transport.
2. Singapore – Where Luxury Meets Order

Singapore is one of the favourite and most expensive places to live may be compact, but it packs a financial punch. Known for cleanliness, efficiency, and safety, it’s also one of the priciest tourist destinations in Asia.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $220–$400/night (Marina Bay & Orchard Road)
- Car ownership: $90,000–100,000+ (but tourists rely on MRT/Uber)
- Cocktail at Marina Bay Sands rooftop: $25+
- Hawker center meal: $6 (budget-friendly lifesaver)
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- Luxury hotels and rooftop bars dominate Marina Bay.
- Attractions like Gardens by the Bay ($20) and Universal Studios ($70) add up.
- Imported alcohol and dining in Clarke Quay are wallet-drainers.
Traveler Tip
Mix it up: enjoy cheap eats at hawker centers, then splurge on a Marina Bay Sands infinity pool experience for the wow factor.
3. Zurich, Switzerland – Alpine Luxury

Zurich blends medieval charm with financial hub vibes. For visitors, the combination of Swiss efficiency, lakeside beauty, and Alps proximity makes it memorable but pricey.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $300–$500/night (city center)
- Lunch at casual café: $35–$45
- Swiss rail pass (day): $80+
- Lake Zurich boat cruise: $25–$40
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- Strong Swiss franc amplifies costs.
- Eating out is notoriously pricey—even a Big Mac meal exceeds $15.
- Attractions like Jungfraujoch or Mt. Titlis excursions cost $100–$150 each.
Traveler Tip
Shop at Migros or Coop supermarkets for budget meals. Use a Swiss Travel Pass to save if you’re planning multiple day trips.
4. New York City, USA – The City That Costs to Never Sleep

New york is one of the most expensive places to live. Tourists flock to New York for Broadway, Times Square, and Central Park—yet it’s also a city where your daily budget can vanish fast.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel (Midtown Manhattan): $280–$450/night
- Broadway show ticket: $120–$300
- Pizza slice: $5–$6
- Observation deck ticket (Empire State / One World): $40–$60
Why it feels expensive for travelers?
- Accommodation prices rival Europe’s luxury capitals.
- Museums like MoMA and The Met charge $25–$30 each.
- Dining out is costly—especially in Manhattan hotspots.
Traveler Tip
Use the NYC CityPASS ($138) for discounted entry to 5 major attractions. Consider staying in Brooklyn or Queens to cut hotel costs.
5. Geneva, Switzerland – Diplomacy Meets Luxury

Nestled by Lake Geneva, this city offers stunning Alpine views and a luxury-oriented lifestyle. But its exclusivity also means steep prices.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $270–$400/night
- Dinner for two (mid-range): $120
- Jet d’Eau boat trip: $20
- Fondue meal: $35–$45/person
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- As HQ to the UN and WHO, Geneva caters to diplomats with big expense accounts.
- High-end shopping streets like Rue du Rhône rival Paris in prices.
Traveler Tip
Hop on free public transport—included with many hotel bookings. Explore nearby towns (Lausanne, Montreux) for more affordable dining and stays.
6. Tel Aviv, Israel – Mediterranean with a Price Tag

Tel Aviv is Israel’s cultural and tech capital, with buzzing nightlife and beachfront cafés. For visitors, it’s vibrant but one of the most expensive places to live.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $220–$350/night (beachfront)
- Beach chair rental: $10/day
- Cappuccino: $5.50
- Night out (drinks + club entry): $70–$100/person
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- Real estate shortage drives hotel prices up.
- Dining in hotspots like Rothschild Boulevard costs $40–$50 per person.
- Imported alcohol makes bar tabs skyrocket.
Traveler Tip
Eat like a local at Carmel Market or grab falafel & shawarma ($6–$8) for budget meals.
7. London, UK – Royal but Pricey

London is rich in history, culture, and royal charm, and one of the most expensive places to live, but it comes at a price for every visitor.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $250–$420/night (central London)
- London Underground day pass: $20
- Beer at pub: $9
- West End theater ticket: $100–$250
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- Accommodation in Zones 1 & 2 is sky-high.
- Dining in Soho or Covent Garden easily exceeds $80/person.
- Attractions like the London Eye ($40) or Tower of London ($40) add up.
Traveler Tip
Many museums (British Museum, Tate Modern) are free entry—perfect for budget-conscious tourists.
8. Los Angeles, USA – City of Stars and Big Bills

Hollywood glamour, Pacific beaches, and a sprawling layout define LA. But transport and lifestyle costs hit travelers hard.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $240–$380/night (Hollywood / Santa Monica)
- Rental car: $80–$120/day (plus $5.50+/gallon gas)
- Disneyland ticket: $150+
- Dinner for two: $100+
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- LA is car-centric, forcing tourists into car rentals, parking fees, and fuel costs.
- Attractions like Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Hollywood tours are costly.
Traveler Tip
Skip car rentals if you plan to stay local in Santa Monica or Downtown—rideshare services may be cheaper overall.
9. Paris, France – Romance Comes at a Price

Paris is the most visited city in the world—and also one of the most expensive places to live for tourists.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $230–$380/night (central arrondissements)
- Public transport pass: $95/month or $20/day
- Croissant & coffee at café: $10–$12
- Louvre ticket: $22
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- Dining at Champs-Élysées restaurants easily exceeds $150 for two.
- Central accommodations in Le Marais or Saint-Germain are highly priced.
- Even basics like bottled water at tourist hotspots can be $5.
Traveler Tip
Opt for prix-fixe menus at bistros ($25–$35) instead of à la carte dining. Consider staying in Montmartre or outside the city center for more affordable lodging.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark – Scandinavian Chic

Copenhagen offers hygge culture, cycling lanes, and cutting-edge design. But all this Nordic quality comes with a hefty bill.
Travel Costs (2025)
- Hotel: $220–$350/night
- Beer at bar: $9–$10
- Smørrebrød lunch: $20–$25
- Tivoli Gardens entry: $20–$30
Why does it feel expensive for travelers?
- High taxation raises the baseline for food and drinks.
- Dining is expensive—Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma start at $400/person.
- Limited hotel capacity in the city center pushes rates higher.
Traveler Tip?
Rent a bike ($20/day) and experience the city like a local. Try street food markets like Reffen for cheaper, diverse dining.
High taxes contribute to living costs, but they also fund excellent public services. The trade-off: residents enjoy universal healthcare, efficient infrastructure, and strong social safety nets.
Comparison table of average daily tourist costs
To give you a sense of scale, here’s a detailed comparison table of average daily tourist costs in the top 10 most expensive places to live (as of 2025).
City | Hotel (per night, 4-star avg) | Meals (per day) | Transport (daily avg) | Attractions/Entertainment (daily avg) | Total Daily Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hong Kong | 350 | 120 | 15 | 60 | 545 |
Singapore | 320 | 100 | 12 | 55 | 487 |
Zurich | 400 | 130 | 20 | 70 | 620 |
New York City | 360 | 110 | 15 | 75 | 560 |
Geneva | 340 | 120 | 14 | 60 | 534 |
Tel Aviv | 280 | 100 | 12 | 50 | 442 |
London | 330 | 115 | 20 | 70 | 535 |
Los Angeles | 310 | 105 | 18 | 80 | 513 |
Paris | 300 | 110 | 15 | 65 | 490 |
Copenhagen | 290 | 100 | 12 | 55 | 457 |

Most Expensive Countries to Live In
While individual cities dominate headlines, entire countries also rank high due to their national cost-of-living indexes.
Switzerland
- Two cities in the top 5
- High wages balance high costs
- Expensive groceries, housing, and healthcare
Singapore
- Scarce land, high housing costs
- World’s highest car ownership costs
- Still attractive for safety and business
Norway
- High cost of food, dining, and services
- Strong salaries but expensive imports
Iceland
- Remote location = high import dependency
- Expensive dining, hotels, and groceries
Hong Kong
- Technically a Special Administrative Region, but functions as one of the world’s most expensive economies
- Skyrocketing real estate and everyday costs
FAQs About the Most Expensive Places to Live in the World
What is the most expensive city in the world?
As of 2025, Hong Kong is the world’s most expensive city.
Where is the most expensive place to live?
Hong Kong, followed by Singapore and Zurich.
Which are the most expensive states to live in the USA?
New York (NYC)
California (Los Angeles, San Francisco)
Hawaii (Honolulu)
Which country is the most expensive to live in?
Switzerland, with Zurich and Geneva leading globally.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the most expensive places to live in the world can seem daunting when you consider the daily expenses, but keep in mind that these places rank high for a reason. They are international centers of culture, commerce, food, and history, providing experiences you just can’t get anywhere else. From Hong Kong’s energetic cityscape to Copenhagen’s design-oriented lifestyle, these places pack unbeatable value with their hefty price.
For visitors, the solution isn’t staying away from these places—it’s being smart about visiting them. Booking up early, using public transit passes, eating street food or at markets rather than every meal in a restaurant, and combining free cultural offerings with paid sites can all keep your expenses in check. And sometimes just traveling to a more affordable city close by and commuting in for day trips into these pricey centers can take your travel budget even further.
Traveling to the most expensive places to live in the world is more than just about money—it’s about living the best that international travel has to give. Whether you’re a high-end traveler looking to splurge or a value-conscious planner looking for secrets, every city on this list can make every dollar you invest pay for itself in memories that will last an eternity.
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