Which are the most expensive countries in the world?

Ever wondered which country is the most expensive in the world to visit or live in? There are places where the quality of life is sky‑high… and so are the prices. In this list, we show you the 10 most expensive countries in the world in 2025, based on cost of living, rent, food, transport and more. And yes—if you’re planning to travel to one of these, better get your wallet ready.

From cities with impossible rents to countries where even a coffee costs double, this ranking gives you a peek at how people live—and how much it costs— in the world’s most expensive places.

Switzerland: The highest prices

It tops every ranking thanks to extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food and premium services. It’s the country with the highest overall cost of living. Zurich and Geneva often show up among the priciest cities in the world, with rents easily exceeding €2,000 per month for modest apartments.

The basic basket is impressive too: a litre of milk can cost more than €2, and a simple restaurant meal goes over €25. That said, the quality, safety and services are exceptional. Living in Switzerland is a luxury… that comes at a price.

Norway: Premium living

Norway equals well‑being, but also high prices. It tops the charts thanks to extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food and premium services. While salaries are high and healthcare excellent, the cost of daily life can still catch you off guard.

A beer in a bar might cost more than €10, and dining out is practically a luxury. Imported goods come with steep price tags, and even though education and healthcare are state‑covered, daily life isn’t exactly cheap. Still, the views more than make up for it.

Iceland: Everything imported

Living in Iceland is like being on another planet… in terms of prices too. It ranks top thanks to extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food and premium services. The geographical isolation drives up the cost of everything—from food to construction materials.

Electricity is cheap thanks to geothermal energy, but almost everything else is imported. That means supermarkets, clothes or even a basic coffee are through the roof. Still, the quality of life and breathtaking scenery make it a modern paradise for many—if you can afford it.

Singapore: Urban luxury

It tops every ranking thanks to extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food, and premium services. This small island-state is a global financial hub and a model of modern, efficient city life… but with prices to match its status. Rent in central areas can surpass €3,000 per month, and even a beer might set you back around €10.

Education, transportation, and services run like clockwork, but the cost of living hits the wallet. If you’re into urban luxury and a cosmopolitan lifestyle without margin for error, Singapore is for you (if your budget’s up for it).

Hong Kong: Rent impossible

Hong Kong features one of the world’s most expensive real‐estate markets. It tops every ranking thanks to extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food, and premium services. Space is scarce, and that scarcity comes at a price: living in a 40 m² flat can cost more than €2,500 a month.

Food and services are also pricey, yet the city continues to attract expats and global business. The urban pace is intense, the cultural mix irresistible. Just know: many want to live there… only a few can truly afford it.

Japan: High cost living

Japan doesn’t just impress with its culture and technology—it also shows up on cost‑of‑living charts in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. It tops every ranking thanks to extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food, and premium services. While more affordable options exist in rural areas, urban life here is anything but cheap.

Transport is world‑class but comes with a price. Dining is incredible—but the bill reflects it. Still, Japan offers a quality of life many value: high safety, order, and respect. If you can keep up, the cost is worth it.

Australia: High standard of living

Australia pairs beaches, lifestyle quality, and vibrant cities like Sydney or Melbourne. The catch? You pay for it. It tops every ranking thanks to extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food, and premium services. The average cost of living is high—especially for housing, transport, and leisure.

A meal in a restaurant can easily go past €30, and the grocery basket has its price. That said, Australia also offers one of the highest minimum wages in the world, clean air, great healthcare, and a strong work‑life balance. No wonder it’s a dream for many.

Denmark: High taxes

It consistently tops rankings for extremely expensive housing, high wages, costly food, and premium services. In Denmark, the cost of living is high—partly due to a very steep tax system. Yes, you pay a lot, but in return, you get an almost exemplary welfare state: free education, quality public healthcare, and social services that actually work.

Daily expenses hit hard too—from groceries to a simple beer at a bar. Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but also one of the most livable. If you’re after balance, safety, and Scandinavian design, this is the full package (with a price tag to match).

Luxembourg: Top-tier economy

This small European country boasts one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world. It consistently ranks high for expensive housing, high salaries, costly food, and premium services. Life in Luxembourg is calm, safe… and pretty expensive—especially when it comes to housing and transport.

Living here means high wages, yes, but also a fast-paced lifestyle with prices to match. Despite its size, Luxembourg offers rich cultural diversity, excellent public services, and a strategic location in Europe. It’s not for everyone, but if you can afford it, it’s one of the most comfortable places to live.

Israel: High daily expenses

Israel stands out for its high day-to-day costs—especially in Tel Aviv, one of the most expensive cities in the world. It ranks consistently high for extremely expensive housing, high salaries, costly food, and premium services. Basic goods, restaurant meals, rent, and transport can easily catch even seasoned travelers off guard.

Despite the prices, Israel offers cutting-edge tech, culture, history, and incredible food. It’s a modern country in many ways, but living there means dealing with serious expenses. If your budget can handle it, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience… just tough on your wallet.