Most Expensive Cities for Expats

Dubi Creek


A latest cost-of-living study reveals some of the cities that cost the most for foreign-based companies and individuals 



Downtown San Francisco


Costs drop in American cities

The devaluation in US currency between early 2009 and early 2010, making American cities cheaper for foreigners. New York City was the world's eighth-most expensive last year, but only ranked 27th on this year's list. Similarly, Los Angeles, California, fell from 23rd to 55th place, and Washington, D.C., fell 45 places to No. 111.

Singapore



Not one but three African cities that scored high on the chart this year from nowhere. Well, here are the newest top 10 lists.


10. Copenhagen, Denmark

2009 Ranking: 7
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $2,755.18
Cup of coffee: $6.06
Two movie tickets: $40.41
Fast-food hamburger: $10.28


9. Hong Kong, Hong Kong

2009 Ranking: 5
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $4,248.45
Cup of coffee: $5.79
Two movie tickets: $19.31
Fast-food hamburger: $3.35


8. Zurich, Switzerland

2009 Ranking: 6
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $2,984.74
Cup of coffee: $5.13
Two movie tickets: $35.44
Fast-food hamburger: $10.54


7. Libreville, Gabon

2009 Ranking: not ranked
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $2,083.30
Cup of coffee: $4.17
Two movie tickets: not available
Fast-food hamburger: $27.08


6. Osaka, Japan

2009 Ranking: 2
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $2,218.21
Cup of coffee: $6.10
Two movie tickets: $39.93
Fast-food hamburger: $7.21


5. Geneva, Switzerland

2009 Ranking: 4
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $4,010.75
Cup of coffee: $5.13
Two movie tickets: $29.85
Fast-food hamburger: $10.54


4. Moscow, Russia

2009 Ranking: 3
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $3,600
Cup of coffee: $8.29
Two movie tickets: $26.53
Fast-food hamburger: $5.67


3. Ndjamena, Chad

2009 Ranking: not ranked
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: not available
Cup of coffee: $3.12
Two movie tickets: not available
Fast-food hamburger: $26.04


2. Tokyo, Japan

2009 Ranking: 1
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $4,436.42
Cup of coffee: $6.65
Two movie tickets: $39.93
Fast-food hamburger: $7.21


1. Luanda, Angola

2009 Ranking: not ranked
Monthly cost to rent a luxury two-bedroom apartment: $7,000
Cup of coffee: $3.80
Two movie tickets: $26.00
Fast-food hamburger: $17.50