Singapore narrowly clinches the title as the priciest city for international expat professionals in Asia Pacific as at October 2024, with a Cost-of-Living Index (COLI) of 115.9. Hong Kong trails closely with a COLI of 115.7.
Sydney has retaken third place from Ashgabat with a COLI of 98, indicating dynamic shifts within the region. In Sydney housing, utilities, and dining out are notably expensive, whereas healthcare and transportation offer relative affordability. Australia and New Zealand now have six of the ten most expensive cities in Asia-Pacific.
The cost of living in cities in Indonesia and Japan are becoming cheaper in global USD terms, offering some solace in the cost-of-living crunch. Conversely Uzbekistan and India are becoming more expensive in USD terms.
Wellington deserves a special mention, ranking fifth in the Asia Pacific. This climb reflects New Zealand’s economic realities, from high minimum wages to robust demand for resources, amplifying the cost pressures for expats. Alongside Wellington, Auckland and Canberra have also made their mark, highlighting the widespread nature of the cost-of-living ascent in the region.
Expatriate International Cost of Living 