10 Most Expensive Places To Live

By: Amin El-Gazzar

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you think you know what are the ten most expensive places to live, think again! Mercer Survey compiled a cost of living comparison based on several factors called baskets. Those baskets are used to compare the cost of living with New York as the base point. The results of that comparison are quite surprising, as you might have never heard of some of the places.

Luanda, Angola has just started to begin the process of rebuilding after the 27 year long civil war finally ended in 2002. With monthly rents of $7,000 and the cost for fast food meals at almost $20, this city qualifies as the most expensive place. Thankfully a cup of coffee will only cost you $3.80.
Tokyo, Japan has been rumored to be the most expensive place to live. One of the world's major economic powers, Japan has seen unprecedented growth for almost three decades until the mid 90's after which growth has slowed down. With rents at $4,500 and a cup of coffee for $7 it lives up to its reputation as one of the most expensive places to live.
N’Djamena, Chad is constantly dealing with one rebel threat or another. In 2008 the capital was subject of considerable threats by rebels. The minority run government has its hands full maintaining control. Mercer Survey has no information about the rental cost but the cost for a fast food meal at $26 can tell the full story. Chad has earned its place among the top 10.
Moscow, Russia. Since the collapse of the communist government, Moscow has become more accessible to foreign travelers. Russia's economy is driven by energy and commodities and was hit by the 2008-2009 economic recession. An apartment will cost you $3,600 and a newspaper will set you back $10. A cup of coffee costs over $8. The beauty of this city comes at a price.
Geneva, Switzerland. Switzerland has long tried to maintain its neutrality and only became a UN member in 2002. Their stable economy is largely based on world banking and financial institutions, as well as the manufacturing of the world’s most accurate time-keeping equipment. But with rents of $4,000 and the price of gasoline at $1.54 per liter ($5.85 per gallon) it deserves its space on the top ten list of most expensive places.
Osaka-Kobe, the "other" capital of Japan. Said to be the economic capital of Japan, the rents here are considerably cheaper than in Tokyo, but no bargain at $2.218 monthly. Coffee is "only" $6.10 and gasoline is around $5.30 per gallon ($1.41/liter).
Libreville, Gabon is the capital of Gabon and a thriving city seaport city. Gabon is one of the more stable and prosperous economies of the African continent despite its political leadership and conditions. Vast natural resources and abundant international aid were able to prevent Gabon from slipping into disaster when it renegotiated its debt with the IMF and the Paris Club in 2007. The cost of a fast food meal is over $27 and the monthly rent runs at about $2,100.
Hong Kong. Hong Kong was formerly occupied by the British and was handed over to China in 1997. China has since kept its promise to keep Hong Kong's apparent autonomy and capitalist economic system. With monthly rents past $4,200 and a liter of gasoline at $1.83 ($6.95/gallon) Hong Kong well deserves its spot on the top ten list of most expensive places.
Zurich, Switzerland is one of the world’s leading financial centers, and has a large concentration of banks. With rents at only $2,984 and cup of coffee for just over $5 Zurich has a secure spot in the top ten.
Copenhagen, Denmark is the capital of Denmark. It is a prosperous and modern participant of Europe's political and economic integration. It joined NATO in 1949 and was one of the early members of the European Union, when it was called EEC. Copenhagen earns its place on the top ten list with high gasoline prices of $1.94/liter ($7.37/gallon) and rents of $2,755.