The 10 Most Expensive Countries To Live In in 2025.
Thinking about relocating overseas? Living abroad can be one of life’s greatest adventures, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Besides visas, cultural differences, and language barriers, one of the deciding factors that influences whether a move is realistic is the cost of living.
From the price of rent and dining out to transportation and groceries, some destinations can stretch your budget far more than others.
Every year, thousands of global cities and countries are measured against Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, which consistently updates its data throughout the year. Denmark, Singapore and Norway are still in the top 10 global list.
The index compares everyday expenses worldwide and uses New York City as the baseline reference of 100. Simply put, if a country scores 120, it means daily life there is 20% more expensive than in NYC.
According to Numbeo’s mid-year 2025 report, here are the 10 most expensive countries and territories in the world—and why life in each one comes with a hefty price tag.
10. Guernsey
Cost of living score: 70.2
Nestled in the Channel Islands, Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency just 27 miles from Normandy and about 70 miles from southern England.
Despite its small size, Guernsey has an outsized reputation for luxury. St. Peter Port, the island’s picturesque capital, is dotted with multimillion-dollar homes and upscale eateries. While life here is still cheaper than New York, residents face steep grocery bills, higher-than-average rents, and restaurant prices that reflect its exclusive island lifestyle.
9. Hong Kong
Cost of living score: 72.2
Hong Kong often appears on global “most expensive” lists—and for good reason. Housing, in particular, is notoriously costly.
Apartments are small, competition is fierce, and prices rival those of Manhattan. While locals balance costs by eating affordably at casual noodle shops and hawker stalls, rents and international school fees quickly add up. The city’s appeal, though, lies in its role as a major financial hub and its dynamic mix of nightlife, cuisine, and opportunities.
8. Luxembourg
Cost of living score: 73.5
This tiny European nation may be small in size, but Luxembourg boasts one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world. A thriving economy and strong finance sector make it highly attractive to professionals, but living expenses keep pace with wages.
Groceries and restaurant dining are considered expensive compared to nearby Belgium or France. Still, Luxembourg softens the blow with excellent healthcare, strong labor benefits, and high salaries that offset much of the added expense.
7. Denmark
Cost of living score: 74.1
Denmark is a country where happiness often ranks above almost every other nation on Earth—but that joy doesn’t come cheap. Copenhagen, the capital, is one of the priciest cities globally, driven by costly restaurants, high taxation, and demand for rental housing.
Dining out, especially at one of Denmark’s many Michelin-starred restaurants, comes at a premium. However, many residents are more than willing to pay up, thanks to generous social benefits, outstanding public infrastructure, and extensive social security systems that give a high quality of life in return.
6. Norway
Cost of living score: 78.9
Norway regularly ranks as one of the most beautiful and livable countries in the world, but enjoying fjord views and clean cities comes with a tangible price. Grocery and dining costs are significantly above the international average, and property in Oslo and Bergen is far from affordable.
\On the other hand, Norwegians benefit from excellent public services, world-class healthcare, stringent safety standards, and some of the lowest crime rates globally. The lifestyle might be expensive, but the overall living conditions remain among the best worldwide.
5. Singapore
Cost of living score: 85.3
Land scarcity defines Singapore’s housing market, pushing property prices into sky-high territory. Owning a car in this compact island nation is also among the most expensive propositions in the world due to strict regulations and fees.
Yet, balance exists—public transportation is efficient and affordable, and locals make dining knowledgeably inexpensive by visiting hawker centers instead of fine dining establishments. Singapore maintains its appeal by being one of Asia’s cleanest, safest, and most advanced cities.
4. The Bahamas
Cost of living score: 85.4
Life in paradise has its costs. The Bahamas attracts expats, retirees, and investors with its stunning beaches, tropical climate, and close proximity to the U.S. But shipping goods to an island chain means imports are expensive, inflating daily groceries and dining costs.
\Rent in Nassau is especially steep, and tourist-driven demand pushes up prices across resort islands. Despite these challenges, the Bahamas remains enticing for those who dream of island living with first-class scenery.
3. Iceland
Cost of living score: 94.5
Known for its breathtaking scenery, geothermal spas, and high standard of living, Iceland also holds one of the highest costs of living worldwide. Because it relies heavily on imports, basics like food, fuel, and general goods are pricey.
Dining out in Reykjavik often exceeds prices in New York City, while utilities and housing add to the financial strain. Nevertheless, residents enjoy unparalleled safety, community spirit, and one of the world’s highest happiness indexes.
2. Switzerland
Cost of living score: 106.8
Few nations symbolise wealth quite like Switzerland. Cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel frequently top the charts for being the most expensive places on Earth. Luxurious housing, fine dining, and premium transportation make everyday life costly.
\At the same time, Swiss infrastructure, healthcare, education, and wages are among the highest quality globally. For many expats, the pristine landscapes of the Alps and clean, orderly lifestyle justify the steep investment required to live here.
1. Cayman Islands
Cost of living score: 108.2
At the top of the list for 2025 sits the Cayman Islands, known for their offshore finance scene and luxury tourism. This Caribbean territory is virtually tax-free, which attracts wealthy expats and businesses—but it also inflates local prices across housing, food, and entertainment.
Rent is among the steepest in the entire region, and living expenses are not for the faint-hearted. Yet, for those who can afford it, the shimmering beaches, first-class resorts, and tropical exclusivity make the Cayman Islands one of the most desirable luxury lifestyles in the world.
