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Global inflation spikes, exchange rate pressures, and skyrocketing property prices are making a number of cities around the world increasingly “unfriendly to wallets.” Based on the 2026 Cost of Living Index (compiled from Numbeo/EIU data), the list of cities with the highest cost of living is once again dominated by Europe—particularly Switzerland. This index measures a combination of daily necessities such as food, transportation, utilities, restaurants, and housing rentals (depending on the methodology of the rating agency).

Here are the 10 Cities with the Highest Cost of Living in the World (2026):

1. Zurich – Switzerland (Cost of Living Index: 118.5)
2. Geneva – Switzerland (Cost of Living Index: 116.5)
3. Basel – Switzerland (Cost of Living Index: 112.4)
4. Lausanne – Switzerland (Cost of Living Index: 111.5)
5. Lugano – Switzerland (Cost of Living Index: 110.1)
6. Bern – Switzerland (Cost of Living Index: 110)
7. New York – United States (Cost of Living Index: 100)
8. Reykjavik – Iceland (Cost of Living Index: 98.9)
9. Honolulu – United States (Cost of Living Index: 98.2)
10. San Francisco – United States (Cost of Living Index: 97.6)

Meanwhile, Jakarta ranks 18th out of 25 cities. Although its ranking has dropped from the previous year, the cost of living in Jakarta for a premium lifestyle remains high.

Source: Cost of Living Index 2026