Singapore Leads Most Expensive Cities List for Fourth Consecutive Year
The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index has released its annual report on the most expensive tourist cities in the world, and Singapore takes the top spot for the fourth consecutive year. The index measures the cost of a luxurious lifestyle by tracking 20 goods and services across 25 cities worldwide.
Singapore's high costs are largely driven by real estate prices, car ownership, and the strong Singapore dollar. Luxury hotels, fine dining, shopping centers, and attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay contribute to the city's exorbitant expenses.
Switzerland's Zurich climbed to second place from fifth in 2025, thanks in part to the appreciation of the Swiss franc against the US dollar. Monaco, known for its luxury tourism and high-end real estate, ranks third, while Hong Kong takes fourth place.
The report highlights that these cities' costs are not necessarily representative of the average tourist's expenses. Travelers can choose budget-friendly options like mid-range hotels, public transportation, and local dining to reduce their costs.