Key Takeaways
- Bermuda is the most expensive place to live in the world in 2026, with prices 23.5% higher than New York City.
- Switzerland leads Europe, while Singapore is the most expensive in Asia.
How does the cost of living vary across countries in 2026?
To find out, this graphic visualizes Numbeo’s Global Cost of Living Index, which measures the price of everyday expenses, including rent, relative to New York City (baseline of 100).
If a country has an index score of 80, prices are 20% lower than in New York. Scores above 100 indicate higher everyday costs.
While inflation has eased in many regions, the cost of living remains a major global challenge. Across 28 countries, home prices have risen more than 50% since 2020, and grocery costs have risen sharply in countries such as Mexico, Germany, and Malaysia, continuing to strain household budgets worldwide.
Global Cost of Living by Country
Below, we show the cost of living index for 155 countries or territories in 2026, highlighting stark differences in everyday costs around the world.
Bermuda has the highest cost of living worldwide, a British Overseas Territory synonymous with high-end real estate, luxury tourism, and offshore wealth.
|
Rank
|
Country
|
Cost of Living Index 2026
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇧🇲 Bermuda | 123.5 |
| 2 | 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands | 97.9 |
| 3 | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 84.3 |
| 4 | 🇻🇮 U.S. Virgin Islands | 82.5 |
| 5 | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 81.2 |
| 6 | 🇧🇸 Bahamas | 77.1 |
| 7 | 🇮🇸 Iceland | 75.9 |
| 8 | 🇯🇪 Jersey | 72.5 |
| 9 | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | 69.8 |
| 10 | 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands | 65.4 |
Switzerland ranks third overall, with Zurich named the world’s most expensive city in 2026. Beyond a strong Swiss franc, high wages and elevated living standards significantly drive up costs.
