According to the annual Worldwide Cost of Living survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the title of most expensive city is shared by Paris, Hong Kong, and Singapore—the first time in the survey’s 30-year history that three cities are in the top spot.
The priciest locations were split mainly between Asia and Europe, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living 2019 survey.
It is the first time in the survey’s history that three cities have shared the top spot. Rounding out the top five were the “usual suspects” of Zurich and Geneva in Switzerland.
Also in the top 10 were Osaka in Japan, South Korean capital Seoul and Copenhagen in Denmark.
American cities New York and Los Angeles rose in this year’s rankings, thanks to currency appreciation. “A stronger US dollar last year has meant that cities in the US generally became more expensive globally, especially relative to last year’s ranking,” . Five years ago, New York and LA tied for 39th position.
The annual index compares prices of everyday items in 133 cities around the world, including clothing, recreation, education and utility bills.
According to the survey, a woman’s haircut in Singapore, Paris and Hong Kong costs $96.01, $119.04 and $112.10 respectively.