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The world’s 10 most expensive cities to live in, according to locals
From Seoul to Sydney, these are the world’s 10 most expensive cities to live in, according to locals. Time Out rankings reveal where everyday life costs the most in 2025–2026.
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Living in a global city often means trading space, time and money for opportunity. While big cities promise better jobs, culture and connectivity, they also come with a cost—one that locals feel most acutely in their everyday lives, from rent and groceries to a simple night out.
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To understand which cities truly feel the most expensive, Time Out surveyed thousands of residents across more than 100 global cities for its annual rankings. Locals rated everyday affordability—from dining out and coffee runs to culture, nightlife and live music. Cities with the lowest scores emerged as the most expensive to live in. Monthly cost estimates are based on Numbeo.
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1. Seoul, South Korea
Estimated monthly cost: 1,507,132.7₩ (Rs 92,522), excluding rent.
Fast-paced and relentlessly modern, Seoul tops the list as everyday pleasures grow pricier. Locals say dining out, drinks, and nightlife strain budgets despite efficient public transport and vibrant culture.
Estimated monthly cost: 1,507,132.7₩ (Rs 92,522), excluding rent.
Fast-paced and relentlessly modern, Seoul tops the list as everyday pleasures grow pricier. Locals say dining out, drinks, and nightlife strain budgets despite efficient public transport and vibrant culture.
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2. Istanbul, Türkiye
Estimated monthly cost: 31,454.3TL (Rs 66,733.7), excluding rent.
Once affordable, Istanbul has become significantly costlier for residents. Inflation, rising rents, and higher food prices have reshaped daily life in this historic city straddling Europe and Asia.
Estimated monthly cost: 31,454.3TL (Rs 66,733.7), excluding rent.
Once affordable, Istanbul has become significantly costlier for residents. Inflation, rising rents, and higher food prices have reshaped daily life in this historic city straddling Europe and Asia.
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3. Oslo, Norway
Estimated monthly cost: 14,639.6kr (Rs 130,815.1), excluding rent.
Oslo offers exceptional quality of life, but at a steep price. Dining out, drinks, and entertainment are especially expensive, making everyday social life costly even with high wages.
Estimated monthly cost: 14,639.6kr (Rs 130,815.1), excluding rent.
Oslo offers exceptional quality of life, but at a steep price. Dining out, drinks, and entertainment are especially expensive, making everyday social life costly even with high wages.
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4. Stockholm, Sweden
Estimated monthly cost: 12,127.4kr (Rs 118,507.5), excluding rent.
Chic and sustainable, Stockholm combines culture with high living costs. Residents cite expensive food, housing, and leisure, where even casual outings—from coffee to concerts—can feel like luxury spends.
Estimated monthly cost: 12,127.4kr (Rs 118,507.5), excluding rent.
Chic and sustainable, Stockholm combines culture with high living costs. Residents cite expensive food, housing, and leisure, where even casual outings—from coffee to concerts—can feel like luxury spends.
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5. Kyoto, Japan
Estimated monthly cost: ¥70,000–¥140,000 (Rs 40,535–Rs 81,071), excluding rent.
Kyoto’s global appeal and tourism boom have pushed up daily costs. Locals say dining, transport, and simple pleasures are noticeably pricier than in many other Japanese cities.
Estimated monthly cost: ¥70,000–¥140,000 (Rs 40,535–Rs 81,071), excluding rent.
Kyoto’s global appeal and tourism boom have pushed up daily costs. Locals say dining, transport, and simple pleasures are noticeably pricier than in many other Japanese cities.
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6. Athens, Greece
Estimated monthly cost: €833.1 (Rs 88,611.7), excluding rent.
Despite Greece’s economic struggles, Athens has grown surprisingly expensive. Rising rents and increasing prices for food, drinks, and entertainment continue to squeeze local household budgets.
Estimated monthly cost: €833.1 (Rs 88,611.7), excluding rent.
Despite Greece’s economic struggles, Athens has grown surprisingly expensive. Rising rents and increasing prices for food, drinks, and entertainment continue to squeeze local household budgets.
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7. Sydney, Australia
Estimated monthly cost: A$1,742.0 (Rs 104,965.7), excluding rent.
Sydney’s lifestyle and harbour views come at a cost. Locals point to soaring rents, pricey dining, and expensive nights out as major factors behind the city’s affordability challenges.
Estimated monthly cost: A$1,742.0 (Rs 104,965.7), excluding rent.
Sydney’s lifestyle and harbour views come at a cost. Locals point to soaring rents, pricey dining, and expensive nights out as major factors behind the city’s affordability challenges.
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8. Auckland, New Zealand
Estimated monthly cost: NZ$1,742.3 (Rs 91,603.4), excluding rent.
Limited housing supply and heavy reliance on imports have made Auckland increasingly expensive. Residents say essentials and leisure activities alike feel overpriced compared to incomes.
Estimated monthly cost: NZ$1,742.3 (Rs 91,603.4), excluding rent.
Limited housing supply and heavy reliance on imports have made Auckland increasingly expensive. Residents say essentials and leisure activities alike feel overpriced compared to incomes.
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9. Munich, Germany
Estimated monthly cost: €1,044.1 (Rs 111,055.1), excluding rent.
Munich is clean, efficient, and economically strong—but costly. High rents and an expensive social scene make Germany’s wealthiest city one of Europe’s toughest for affordability.
Estimated monthly cost: €1,044.1 (Rs 111,055.1), excluding rent.
Munich is clean, efficient, and economically strong—but costly. High rents and an expensive social scene make Germany’s wealthiest city one of Europe’s toughest for affordability.
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10. Brisbane, Australia
Estimated monthly cost: A$1,421.1 (Rs 85,631.3), excluding rent.
Once a cheaper alternative, Brisbane has seen sharp cost increases. Locals cite rising rents, food prices, and transport costs as daily expenses continue to climb.
Estimated monthly cost: A$1,421.1 (Rs 85,631.3), excluding rent.
Once a cheaper alternative, Brisbane has seen sharp cost increases. Locals cite rising rents, food prices, and transport costs as daily expenses continue to climb.
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