Singapore came in close second, having shared the top spot with Paris and Hong Kong last year. Experts indicate Singapore’s lower ranking is due to the number of expatriates leaving the city state during this year’s pandemic, which led to a decline in demand for consumer goods. In the U.S., the most expensive city was found to be New York, with Los Angeles also making the top 10. 

Pandemic Impact 

The cost of living around the world for 2020 has undoubtedly been impacted by the global pandemic. This is particularly so for the price of non-essential goods, with many retail stores closed during local and national lockdowns. Goods shortages have also pushed up prices, as the cost of items—like toilet paper and pasta—rose throughout the year. The economic impact of coronavirus has created a steep decline in disposable income in many countries, as well as a shift in how people choose to spend their money. For example, with many people working from home, buying new clothes for work is no longer deemed essential.  

The full Cost of Living report compares the cost of around 138 goods in more than 130 cities around the world. For more information visit worldwidecostofliving.com. 

Managing a Relocation 

In any major city, the cost of living can constantly fluctuate. For example, the cost of a bag of groceries may be a certain amount for the first year of a move but change dramatically in the second. A rental property may be one price at the start of an assignment but far more expensive a year later. Such changes should always be factored in when calculating cost of living allowances or rental budgets. 

Have a query about your international mobility program? Contact your Cartus representative, or email cartussolutions@cartus.com.