Zurich Tops as World’s Costliest City in 2025

Zurich has claimed the title of the world’s most expensive city in 2025, surpassing global giants like New York and London. Its steep grocery, restaurant, and everyday living costs pushed it to the top of the latest cost-of-living index.

The ranking uses a baseline index where New York equals 100; Zurich scores about 112.5, meaning daily expenses there exceed those in New York across food, transport, and services. The index excludes housing, which helps explain why Zurich’s rent index remains lower in comparison.

Swiss cities dominate the list: the top six most expensive cities are all in Switzerland, with Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano, and Bern rounding out the elite group. Meanwhile, New York falls to seventh place, followed by Reykjavik, Honolulu, and San Francisco.

Zurich’s high cost reflects more than just its premium lifestyle. The city offers world-class public services, strong infrastructure, and a high standard of living that attracts expats and professionals alike. In many reports, it frequently ranks as one of the smartest and most livable cities globally.

Still, the expense is all too real. Dining out, groceries, and even daily services come with a hefty premium. Though housing costs are relatively lower compared to its peer index cities, the burden of “everyday” expenses makes Zurich stand out.

If you’ve been eyeing global cities to live, work, or visit, Zurich now sits at the top—not just for prestige and quality—but for the steepest cost of daily life.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com