Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Zurich Tops 2026 Most Expensive Cities List
Zurich in Switzerland is the most expensive city to live in for 2026, according to a report.
It's followed by other Swiss cities like Geneva and Basel.
New York and San Francisco, which used to be very expensive, have dropped in the rankings.
Reykjavik and Honolulu are also expensive because they import many goods.
On the other hand, cities in India like Indore, Bhopal, and Patna are among the cheapest places to live.
This shows how much living costs can differ around the world.
Zurich is the most expensive city in the world in 2026 with a cost-of-living index score of 118.5.
Swiss cities dominate the top ten, with Geneva and Basel ranking second and third respectively.
New York and San Francisco have dropped in the rankings, with New York now in seventh place.
Rising cities in the rankings include Reykjavik and Honolulu, driven by high import costs.
Indian cities like Indore, Bhopal, and Patna are among the world's lowest-cost cities.
- Who
- Numbeo
- What
- Cost of Living Index by City 2026
- When
- 2026
- Where
- Global cities
- Why
- To reflect average expenses for a family of four, excluding rent
- Most Expensive City
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Cost-of-Living Index Score
- 118.5
- Second Most Expensive City
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Third Most Expensive City
- Basel, Switzerland
- New York's 2026 Ranking
- 7th
- San Francisco's 2026 Ranking
- 10th
- Rising City in Rankings
- Tel Aviv-Yafo
- Lowest-Cost Indian Cities
- Indore, Bhopal, Patna