Published: 1 October 2025
Relocating to a new country is an exciting opportunity — whether it’s for career growth, adventure, or a change in lifestyle. But there’s one crucial detail that can make or break your expat experience: the cost of living difference between your current home and your destination.
As of 1 October 2025, the latest Xpatulator Cost of Living Index reveals that the world’s most expensive city remains Monaco, followed closely by Hong Kong, Singapore, Zurich, and Manhattan. At the country level, Monaco, Hong Kong, and Singapore lead as the world’s priciest places to live.
🌍 Top 20 Most Expensive Cities in the World (October 2025)
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Monaco – 139.9
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Hong Kong – 122.1
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Singapore – 118.7
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Zurich – 117.1
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Manhattan – 115.6
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San Jose – 114.1
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San Francisco – 112.8
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Geneva – 109.1
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Oslo – 102.3
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London – 102.1
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Copenhagen – 101.0
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Sydney – 100.5
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New York City – 100.0
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Boston – 99.9
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Nassau – 99.5
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Honolulu – 98.6
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Seattle – 98.4
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George Town (Cayman Islands) – 97.6
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Shanghai – 97.5
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Jerusalem – 95.9
💰 Top 20 Most Expensive Countries in the World (October 2025)
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Monaco – 139.9
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China (Hong Kong) – 122.1
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Singapore – 118.7
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Switzerland – 105.9
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Cayman Islands – 99.2
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Norway – 98.8
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Denmark – 95.9
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Hawaii (USA) – 95.3
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Turks & Caicos Islands – 95.1
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Bahamas – 94.6
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Jersey – 93.6
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St Vincent & Grenadines – 91.9
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Israel – 91.6
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New Zealand – 90.0
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Bermuda – 89.1
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California (USA) – 88.8
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Sao Tome & Principe – 88.5
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US Virgin Islands – 88.4
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Montserrat – 88.2
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Grenada – 87.7
Why Cost of Living Matters When Moving Abroad
Moving abroad isn’t just about the headline salary — it’s about what that salary can buy you. A high salary in one country may offer a fantastic lifestyle, but the same salary in a more expensive destination could leave you struggling to maintain your standard of living.
For example, a £60,000 salary in London might sound great, but if you move to Zurich without a cost-of-living adjustment, your purchasing power could drop significantly due to higher prices for housing, groceries, healthcare, and transport.
By studying cost of living differences between your home and host countries, you can make sure you’re comparing like for like — not just looking at the numbers on your offer letter.
🧮 How to Protect Your Salary Purchasing Power
Xpatulator’s Salary Purchasing Power Parity (SPPP) Calculator helps expats and employers calculate the equivalent salary needed in another city or country to maintain the same standard of living.
For instance:
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If you currently earn €70,000 in Lisbon and are offered a job in Singapore, the SPPP Calculator can tell you how much you would need to earn in Singapore to maintain the same purchasing power.
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The tool adjusts for local price levels, housing costs, and everyday expenses — giving a realistic comparison of take-home value.
This calculator is especially useful if you’re:
✅ An organisation relocating staff internationally and want to ensure fair, competitive pay packages.
✅ An individual considering an international job offer and want to avoid an unexpected drop in living standards.
The SPPP Report is downloadable, printable, and — depending on your subscription — can be saved for future comparisons.
🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Compare Cost of Living
Ignoring cost of living differences can lead to:
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Reduced purchasing power — your take-home pay buys less than before.
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Lower savings potential — higher daily expenses eat into your disposable income.
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Financial stress — lifestyle compromises or unexpected costs erode your quality of life.
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Unsuccessful assignments — in corporate settings, underestimating living costs often leads to premature return from overseas postings.
In short, not comparing cost of living is like negotiating your salary blindfolded.
🌎 The Smart Expat Moves Informed
Whether you’re heading to Singapore’s skyline, Zurich’s lakeside, or Sydney’s sunny shores, understanding the cost of living is non-negotiable. It’s not just about earning more — it’s about living well and ensuring your salary goes as far abroad as it does at home.
Use the Xpatulator Salary Purchasing Power Parity Calculator to make informed, data-driven decisions before you move. Your future comfort, security, and financial wellbeing depend on it.
👉 Explore the full list of countries and calculate your equivalent salary at www.xpatulator.com
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