10 of the Most Expensive Cities in the World in 2026

Numbeo’s 2026 Cost of Living Index ranks the world’s most expensive cities. The list uses NYC as the benchmark. It shows how expensive cities are compared to New York City’s average living expenses, based on groceries, transportation, utilities, and dining. Switzerland holds the top six spots on the list. Here are the 10 most expensive cities in the world in 2026.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich dominates the list for the second consecutive year. The city is renowned for its exceptional quality of life and high cost of living. Zurich has an index score of 118.5, which means the city is 18.5% more expensive than NYC. While the city is known for its high cost of living, it also ranks first for average monthly net salary. 

If you plan a one-week trip to Zurich on a budget, expect to pay around $1,021–$1,530 (CHF 800–1,200) per person excluding flights, or around $2,552–$3,191+ (CHF 2,000–2,500+) for a more upscale experience.

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva jumps from the third to the second spot compared to 2025. With an index score of 116.5, the city’s cost of living is 16.5% higher than in NYC. Although living expenses are very high, Geneva has a rent index of 56.4, meaning rent costs are nearly half those of New York City. Average income is also high, and Geneva ranks fifth for average monthly net salary. 

A one-week trip to Geneva costs around $1,800–$4,000+ (CHF 1,400–3,100+) for one person, excluding flights. Typical daily costs for budget travelers are between $166–$230 (CHF 130–180).

Basel, Switzerland

Basel is the third most expensive city in 2026 — up two spots from 2025. The index score of 112.4 indicates that the cost of living in Basel is 12.4% higher than in New York. However, a rent index of 49.6 shows that rent in Basel is much cheaper than in NYC. The city’s average monthly income of $8,133 also makes up for the high cost of living. 

A budget trip to Basel costs around $100–$140 (CHF 80–110) per person per day, while mid-range and luxury vacations range between $205–$565 (CHF 160–445+). Travelers usually spend $900–$4,450+ on a one-week vacation to Basel, excluding flights.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne fell two spots from 2025, ranking fourth among the most expensive cities to live in the world 2026. The historic lakeside city has a cost-of-living score of 111.5 and a rent score of 55.0. The cost of living in Lausanne is 11.5% higher than in New York, but combined living and rent costs are 13.7% lower overall.

A one-week vacation in Lausanne costs between $920–$4,200+ (CHF 720–3,250+) per person. A mid-range trip usually totals around $2,500 per person. Budget travelers often spend around $130 (CHF 101) per day.

Lugano, Switzerland

With an index score of 110.1, Lugano ranks as the fifth most expensive city in 2026. Lugano also has a rent index of 47.0. It’s generally considered 18% cheaper than New York. The average monthly income of $7,024 helps offset the city’s high living costs for locals. 

If you’re considering a trip to Lugano, expect to pay around $1,500–$3,650 (CHF 1,170–2,856) per person per week, excluding flights. A luxury vacation starts at $4,500 (CHF 3,520), with budget-friendly options ranging between $1,100–$1,500 (CHF 860–1,170). 

Bern, Switzerland

Bern is the capital of Switzerland and ranks sixth on the list. With a cost of living index of 110.0 and a rent index of 46.8, Bern is almost as expensive as Lugano. The average income in Bern is even higher — $7,572 a month. Bern is considered an expensive city to visit, but the high quality of life helps balance the high living costs for residents.

Planning a trip to Bern? Most travelers spend around $1,500–2,500 (CHF 1,170–1,950) per person per week. Budget-friendly options start at $1,000 (CHF 780) for a one-week vacation, and luxury options exceed $5,000 (CHF 3,900).

New York, US

New York is the seventh most expensive city in 2026, falling 3 spots from 2025. New York serves as the benchmark city for Numbeo’s cost-of-living statistics. With an index value of 100, the city has the world’s highest cost of living plus rent index. The average monthly income in New York is $5,053, which is lower than the average income in Switzerland’s most expensive cities.

A one-week trip to New York costs around $1,500–3,500 per person. Budget travelers usually spend around $1,200–1,500, while a luxury vacation can exceed $3,500.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik jumps one spot from 2025, ranking eighth in 2026. It’s the capital of Iceland and a very expensive city to visit. A cost of living index of 98.9 makes Reykjavik only 1.1% cheaper than NYC. Rent costs half as much as in New York, making it relatively more affordable for residents and visitors.

Travelers usually spend around $1,500–4,000 (ISK 183,720–489,920) per person for a one-week vacation in Reykjavik. Budget-friendly options range from $1,200–$2,000 (ISK 146,976–244,960), while a luxury vacation starts at $5,000+ (612,400+).

Honolulu, US

Honolulu is an upscale destination, featuring luxury hotels and high-end experiences. The city fell one spot from 2025 and ranks ninth in 2026. A cost of living index of 98.2 makes Honolulu only 1.8% cheaper than New York. However, rent is considerably more affordable there, with an index score of 63.9.

A one-week trip to Honolulu usually costs from $1,500 to $3,000. A mid-range vacation with nice hotels and dining out costs around $3,500–4,000, while a luxury trip goes over $5,000. 

San Francisco, US

San Francisco wraps up the list of the most expensive cities in the world in 2026 with a cost of living score of 97.6. However, combining the rent and cost of living indices, San Francisco ranks fourth, making the city only 10% cheaper than New York overall. The average monthly income of $7,294 also makes up for the high rent and daily expenses.

Traveling to San Francisco costs around $1,500–2,900 per person per week. Budget travelers spend $1,200–1,500, starting from $168 a day. High-end vacations can exceed $1,000 per day. 

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FAQ 

What is the most expensive city in the world in 2026?

Zurich is the most expensive city in 2026, with a cost of living index of 118.5. It’s also renowned for its high income and high quality of life, which make the city more attractive to live in. 

What are the top 10 most expensive cities in the world 2026?

The list of the 10 most expensive cities in the world 2026 includes Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano, Bern, New York, Reykjavik, Honolulu, and San Francisco. 

What country is the most expensive to live in 2026?

Switzerland is the most expensive country in the world. It dominates the ranking, with six cities appearing in the top 10. It's also known for high salaries and strong livability. 

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