Living in certain cities requires far more than a decent income. High prices show up in daily routines and influence how people manage their money. According to Numbeo’s 2025 Cost of Living Index, which is as of May 14, these financial pressures stand out most in the cities ranked here.
Los Angeles, California, United States (CLI: 77.1)
Living in LA means paying premium prices for everything from health insurance to housing, which is reflected in a Rent Index of 62.3. Groceries, gas, and restaurant meals cost more than in other US cities. Hollywood might draw the crowds, but locals feel the pinch just trying to stay near it.
Copenhagen, Denmark (CLI: 78.4)
Rents are high, even for small flats, and restaurant tabs can double without notice, as seen in a Restaurant Price Index of 89.5. However, the city offsets that with excellent public services. Locals often bike to work, not just for the environment but also because parking fees could rival a small mortgage.
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel (CLI: 78.5)
Food, rent, transportation, and tech gadgets hit wallets hard in Tel Aviv. It’s a booming city that never sleeps, and energy costs a premium. Moreover, basic apartments in central areas demand serious cash, and imported items can stretch grocery bills far past what most would expect. The Groceries Index of 71.5 underlines that burden.
Bergen, Norway (CLI: 80.3)
Groceries can feel like a luxury in Bergen, where produce and meat are expensive. Import taxes and the city’s mountain-and-sea location limit access and raise prices. Still, public services and clean air help balance things out, and a Local Purchasing Power Index of 122.8 softens the impact.
Trondheim, Norway (CLI: 82.1)
Living in Trondheim means budgeting carefully. Prices in Trondheim stay high, whether it’s a meal out or just picking up basics. Student life in this university city also comes with financial pressure. People rely on subsidies and tight planning to manage costs, which aligns with a Cost of Living Plus Rent Index of 58.6.
London, United Kingdom (CLI: 82.3)
Renting a small flat in central London can cost more than a mortgage elsewhere, and with a Rent Index of 68.5, prices stay high even farther out. Regular expenses leave little room in the budget, yet the city keeps drawing people with global opportunities and deep historical roots.
Washington, DC, United States (CLI: 82.8)
A quick grocery run or modest lunch can hit harder in DC than in other coastal cities, with a Groceries Index of 88.7 to back it up. Federal jobs and international agencies drive demand, and that pressure shows up on every receipt. Rent climbs fast, and private school tuition rivals elite colleges.
Oslo, Norway (CLI: 82.9)
Life in Oslo runs on efficiency but not on discounts. Eating out is a splurge; even chain restaurants stretch a budget, reflecting a Restaurant Price Index of 87. While healthcare and education are government-supported, necessities like clothing and utilities remain high. Norwegians enjoy stability, though they certainly pay a premium for it.
Seattle, Washington, United States (CLI: 83.7)
Seattle doesn’t just get rain—it also sees housing prices and everyday costs pouring up. Tech industry growth brought high-paying jobs but inflated everything else. With a Cost of Living Plus Rent Index of 72.9, everything from coffee to rent feels expensive.
Boston, Massachusetts, United States (CLI: 84.0)
Between sky-high rents and steep utility bills, Boston doesn’t let residents breathe easy financially. The historic charm comes at a modern cost, especially near universities and medical centers. Add in car insurance and a pricey dining scene, and it’s clear why Boston lands this high despite a Local Purchasing Power Index of 139.3.
Singapore, Singapore (CLI: 84.1)
Life in Singapore feels efficient but not exactly thrifty. Car ownership brings heavy taxes, rent climbs near business hubs, and imported goods raise grocery bills, aligning with a Groceries Index of 77.3. However, reliable services and strong order keep it a global favorite.
San Francisco, California, United States (CLI: 90.5)
Every square foot in San Francisco costs a fortune. Tech jobs may pay well, but housing consumes a large slice of that income, as evidenced by the Rent Index of 77.4. Groceries and healthcare also cost more than in most US cities. Despite its iconic charm, affordability remains a constant tension in daily life.
Reykjavik, Iceland (CLI: 91.7)
Imported items drive prices skyward in Iceland’s capital. From produce to electronics, nearly everything travels far. Utility costs stay stable thanks to geothermal energy, but eating out or shopping can strain budgets. Residents value security and clean air, though with a Cost of Living Plus Rent Index of 72.2, few call life affordable.
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (CLI: 93.1)
Island living comes with steep price tags. Honolulu sees high costs across the board, especially for groceries and fuel. Several goods are shipped, and markup is added at every step. While paradise looks free in postcards, the reality involves careful budgeting, with a Local Purchasing Power Index of 108.2 for those outside tourism and defense.
New York City, New York, United States (CLI: 100.0)
Nearly all parts of NYC have a price tag, as rent, transit, food, and entertainment add up fast, no matter the borough. A quick coffee break in Manhattan might feel extravagant, and a Restaurant Price Index of 100 confirms why. People come for energy and opportunity, but the cost of staying is unmistakable.
Bern, Switzerland (CLI: 100.7)
By Swiss standards alone, Bern stretches the budget. However, groceries run high, supported by an Index of 107.5, and dining out regularly isn’t something most locals do lightly. Public services are efficient, but health insurance still weighs heavily.
Lausanne, Switzerland (CLI: 106.4)
Set along Lake Geneva, Lausanne draws both business and academic communities. But the beauty here demands a high price. From boutique rents to essentials, living costs stack up fast. Moderate meals can surprise newcomers, as tracked by the Restaurant Price Index 106. Locals enjoy excellent infrastructure, yet few daily expenses come cheap.
Basel, Switzerland (CLI: 108.4)
Home to major pharmaceutical firms and a strong economy, Basel ranks high in spending power required. Housing and insurance take large income shares, as the Cost of Living Plus Rent Index (81.3) shows. Even groceries show little mercy. Basel’s safety and location near France and Germany keep demand high.
Geneva, Switzerland (CLI: 109.0)
This international hub is packed with diplomats, bankers, and wealthy expats, and prices match the clientele. Real estate and private services regularly top European averages. At the same time, a Local Purchasing Power Index of 179.7 shows that residents are well-positioned to handle Geneva’s steep prices.
Zurich, Switzerland (CLI: 110.7)
At the top of the list sits Zurich, where everything from a haircut to a head of lettuce can seem extravagant. Salaries, rents, taxes, and dining costs are high, underscored by a Restaurant Price Index of 109.5. Although few can realistically afford to settle in, Zurich consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities.
