Is working abroad a good experience? No doubt about it. But it’s not always easy for professionals to bear the costs of living in a foreign city.
The consultancy firm Mercer has compiled a ranking of the most expensive cities for expatriates and these are the results. Asian cities lead the way, although Zurich has managed to stick in this Top 10.
Hong Kong is the most expensive city on the planet for an expatriate. The cost of living, compared to wages and currency fluctuation, is the main reason why Asian cities have become the most expensive for displaced workers. Other factors that the study also takes into account are housing, transport and food costs.
After Hong Kong come Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai and Beijing (China). In and among this Asian dominance appears Zurich and the neighbouring city of Bern, both in Switzerland and the only two European cities on the list.
The inclusion of two African cities in the ranking also stands out. Luanda, the capital of Angola, and N’Djamena, in Chad, where the cost of living for ex-pats is also very high.
Hong Kong, China
Tokyo, Japan
Zurich, Switzerland
Singapore
Seoul, South Korea
Luanda, Angola
Shanghai, China
N’Djamena, Chad
Beijing, China
Bern, Switzerland
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