The average for 2021 based on 165 countries was 79.81 index points. The highest value was in Bermuda: 212.7 index points and the lowest value was in Syria: 33.25 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Cost of Living Index (Excl. Rent) is a relative indicator of consumer goods prices, including groceries, restaurants, transportation and utilities. Cost of Living Index does not include accommodation expenses such as rent or mortgage. If a city has a Cost of Living Index of 120, it means Numbeo has estimated it is 20% more expensive than New York (excluding rent).

Please refer further to: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/cpi_explained.jsp for motivation and methodology.

All credits to https://www.numbeo.com .

This dataset would surely help socio-economic researchers to analyse and get deeper insights regarding the life of people country-wise.

Thanks to @andradaolteanu for the motivation! Upwards and onwards...

Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva were ranked as the most expensive cities worldwide with indices of ************************ Almost half of the 11 most expensive cities were in Switzerland.

Cost of Living Index data was reported at 7,726.308 1913=1 in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 7,642.160 1913=1 for 2016. Cost of Living Index data is updated yearly, averaging 5.167 1913=1 from Dec 1861 (Median) to 2017, with 157 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7,726.308 1913=1 in 2017 and a record low of 0.766 1913=1 in 1865. Cost of Living Index data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Italy – Table IT.I030: Cost of Living Index: 1913=1.

Damascus in Syria was ranked as the least expensive city worldwide in 2023, with an index score of ** out of 100. The country has been marred by civil war over the last decade, hitting the country's economy hard. Other cities in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Tehran, Tripoli, and Tunis, are also present on the list. On the other hand, Singapore and Zurich were ranked the most expensive cities in the world.

Kazakhstan Cost of Living: Average per Capita: Region: Karagandinskaya data was reported at 27,666.000 KZT in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 27,737.000 KZT for Sep 2018. Kazakhstan Cost of Living: Average per Capita: Region: Karagandinskaya data is updated monthly, averaging 11,918.000 KZT from Oct 2000 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 217 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 28,240.000 KZT in Aug 2018 and a record low of 4,267.000 KZT in Oct 2000. Kazakhstan Cost of Living: Average per Capita: Region: Karagandinskaya data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by The Agency of Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Kazakhstan – Table KZ.H012: Cost of Living: Average per Capita.

Ireland: Cost of living index, world average = 100: The latest value from 2021 is 175.68 index points, an increase from 157.19 index points in 2017. In comparison, the world average is 79.81 index points, based on data from 165 countries. Historically, the average for Ireland from 2017 to 2021 is 166.44 index points. The minimum value, 157.19 index points, was reached in 2017 while the maximum of 175.68 index points was recorded in 2021.

The average for 2021 based on 11 countries was 67.5 index points. The highest value was in Uruguay: 100.24 index points and the lowest value was in Suriname: 43.15 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Cost of Living Index data was reported at 1,960.000 Oct1951=100 in Nov 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 1,960.000 Oct1951=100 for Oct 2018. Cost of Living Index data is updated monthly, averaging 978.000 Oct1951=100 from Oct 1951 (Median) to Nov 2018, with 806 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,960.000 Oct1951=100 in Nov 2018 and a record low of 98.000 Oct1951=100 in Mar 1955. Cost of Living Index data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Finland. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Finland – Table FI.I014: Cost of Living Index: October 1951=100.

A list of cost of living index and the breakdown on different aspects of living across different cities around the world

This dataset contains information about the cost of living in almost 5000 cities across the world. The data were gathered by scraping Numbeo's website (https://www.numbeo.com).

Data dictionary

Column	Description
city	Name of the city
country	Name of the country
x1	Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant (USD)
x2	Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course (USD)
x3	McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) (USD)
x4	Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught, in restaurants) (USD)
x5	Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle, in restaurants) (USD)
x6	Cappuccino (regular, in restaurants) (USD)
x7	Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle, in restaurants) (USD)
x8	Water (0.33 liter bottle, in restaurants) (USD)
x9	Milk (regular), (1 liter) (USD)
x10	Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) (USD)
x11	Rice (white), (1kg) (USD)
x12	Eggs (regular) (12) (USD)
x13	Local Cheese (1kg) (USD)
x14	Chicken Fillets (1kg) (USD)
x15	Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) (USD)
x16	Apples (1kg) (USD)
x17	Banana (1kg) (USD)
x18	Oranges (1kg) (USD)
x19	Tomato (1kg) (USD)
x20	Potato (1kg) (USD)
x21	Onion (1kg) (USD)
x22	Lettuce (1 head) (USD)
x23	Water (1.5 liter bottle, at the market) (USD)
x24	Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range, at the market) (USD)
x25	Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle, at the market) (USD)
x26	Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle, at the market) (USD)
x27	Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) (USD)
x28	One-way Ticket (Local Transport) (USD)
x29	Monthly Pass (Regular Price) (USD)
x30	Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) (USD)
x31	Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) (USD)
x32	Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) (USD)
x33	Gasoline (1 liter) (USD)
x34	Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) (USD)
x35	Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) (USD)
x36	Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment (USD)
x37	1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) (USD)
x38	Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) (USD)
x39	Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult (USD)
x40	Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) (USD)
x41	Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat (USD)
x42	Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child (USD)
x43	International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child (USD)
x44	1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) (USD)
x45	1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) (USD)
x46	1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) (USD)
x47	1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes (USD)
x48	Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre (USD)
x49	Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre (USD)
x50	Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre (USD)
x51	Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre (USD)
x52	Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre (USD)
x53	Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre (USD)
x54	Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) (USD)
x55	Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
data_quality	0 if Numbeo considers that more contributors are needed to increase data quality, else 1

Malaysia: Cost of living index, world average = 100: The latest value from 2021 is 56.21 index points, a decline from 57.56 index points in 2017. In comparison, the world average is 79.81 index points, based on data from 165 countries. Historically, the average for Malaysia from 2017 to 2021 is 56.89 index points. The minimum value, 56.21 index points, was reached in 2021 while the maximum of 57.56 index points was recorded in 2017.

South Korea's capital Seoul had the highest cost of living among megacities in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024, with an index score of ****. Japan's capital Tokyo followed with a cost of living index score of ****. AffordabilityIn terms of housing affordability, Chinese megacity Shanghai had the highest rent index score in 2024. Affordability has become an issue in certain megacities across the Asia-Pacific region, with accommodation proving expensive. Next to Shanghai, Japanese capital Tokyo and South Korean capital Seoul boast some of the highest rent indices in the region. Increased opportunities in megacitiesAs the biggest region in the world, it is not surprising that the Asia-Pacific region is home to 28 megacities as of January 2024, with expectations that this number will dramatically increase by 2030. The growing number of megacities in the Asia-Pacific region can be attributed to raised levels of employment and living conditions. Cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing have become economic and industrial hubs. Subsequently, these cities have forged a reputation as being the in-trend places to live among the younger generations. This reputation has also pushed them to become enticing to tourists, with Tokyo displaying increased numbers of tourists throughout recent years, which in turn has created more job opportunities for inhabitants. As well as Tokyo, Shanghai has benefitted from the increased tourism, and has demonstrated an increasing population. A big factor in this population increase could be due to the migration of citizens to the city, seeking better employment possibilities.

Although consumers around the globe wish to help protect the environment in 2022, many of them feel the current cost of living prevents them from doing so. Specifically, about two-thirds of global consumers reported wanting to do more, but that the cost of living is preventative. This sentiment was felt most in countries like Brazil and India.

As of September 2024, Mumbai had the highest cost of living among other cities in the country, with an index value of ****. Gurgaon, a satellite city of Delhi and part of the National Capital Region (NCR) followed it with an index value of ****.  What is cost of living? The cost of living varies depending on geographical regions and factors that affect the cost of living in an area include housing, food, utilities, clothing, childcare, and fuel among others. The cost of living is calculated based on different measures such as the consumer price index (CPI), living cost indexes, and wage price index. CPI refers to the change in the value of consumer goods and services. The wage price index, on the other hand, measures the change in labor services prices due to market pressures. Lastly, the living cost indexes calculate the impact of changing costs on different households. The relationship between wages and costs determines affordability and shifts in the cost of living. Mumbai tops the list Mumbai usually tops the list of most expensive cities in India. As the financial and entertainment hub of the country, Mumbai offers wide opportunities and attracts talent from all over the country. It is the second-largest city in India and has one of the most expensive real estates in the world.

As of 2022, Israel had the highest price level index among listed countries, amounting to 138, with 100 being the average of OECD countries. Switzerland and Iceland followed on the places behind. On the other hand, Turkey and India had the lowest price levels compared to the OECD average. This price index shows differences in price levels in different countries. Another very popular index indicating the value of money is the Big Mac index, showing how much a Big Mac costs in different countries. This list was also topped by Switzerland in 2023.

Turkey Cost of Living Index: 63=100: Istanbul: Monthly data was reported at 517,132,174.700 1963=100 in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 509,020,201.200 1963=100 for Sep 2018. Turkey Cost of Living Index: 63=100: Istanbul: Monthly data is updated monthly, averaging 202,839.100 1963=100 from Jan 1964 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 658 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 517,132,174.700 1963=100 in Oct 2018 and a record low of 100.400 1963=100 in Aug 1964. Turkey Cost of Living Index: 63=100: Istanbul: Monthly data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Turkey – Table TR.I015: Cost of Living Index: Wage Earners: Istanbul: 1963=100.

Kazakhstan Cost of Living: Average per Capita: City: Almaty data was reported at 32,029.000 KZT in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 32,475.000 KZT for Sep 2018. Kazakhstan Cost of Living: Average per Capita: City: Almaty data is updated monthly, averaging 15,920.000 KZT from Oct 2000 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 217 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 32,640.000 KZT in Aug 2018 and a record low of 4,577.000 KZT in Oct 2000. Kazakhstan Cost of Living: Average per Capita: City: Almaty data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by The Agency of Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Kazakhstan – Table KZ.H012: Cost of Living: Average per Capita.

Inflation is generally defined as the continued increase in the average prices of goods and services in a given region. Following the extremely high global inflation experienced in the 1980s and 1990s, global inflation has been relatively stable since the turn of the millennium, usually hovering between three and five percent per year. There was a sharp increase in 2008 due to the global financial crisis now known as the Great Recession, but inflation was fairly stable throughout the 2010s, before the current inflation crisis began in 2021. Recent years Despite the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the global inflation rate fell to 3.26 percent in the pandemic's first year, before rising to 4.66 percent in 2021. This increase came as the impact of supply chain delays began to take more of an effect on consumer prices, before the Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated this further. A series of compounding issues such as rising energy and food prices, fiscal instability in the wake of the pandemic, and consumer insecurity have created a new global recession, and global inflation in 2024 is estimated to have reached 5.76 percent. This is the highest annual increase in inflation since 1996. Venezuela Venezuela is the country with the highest individual inflation rate in the world, forecast at around 200 percent in 2022. While this is figure is over 100 times larger than the global average in most years, it actually marks a decrease in Venezuela's inflation rate, which had peaked at over 65,000 percent in 2018. Between 2016 and 2021, Venezuela experienced hyperinflation due to the government's excessive spending and printing of money in an attempt to curve its already-high inflation rate, and the wave of migrants that left the country resulted in one of the largest refugee crises in recent years. In addition to its economic problems, political instability and foreign sanctions pose further long-term problems for Venezuela. While hyperinflation may be coming to an end, it remains to be seen how much of an impact this will have on the economy, how living standards will change, and how many refugees may return in the coming years.

Portugal, Canada, and the United States were the countries with the highest house price to income ratio in 2024. In all three countries, the index exceeded 130 index points, while the average for all OECD countries stood at 116.2 index points. The index measures the development of housing affordability and is calculated by dividing nominal house price by nominal disposable income per head, with 2015 set as a base year when the index amounted to 100. An index value of 120, for example, would mean that house price growth has outpaced income growth by 20 percent since 2015. How have house prices worldwide changed since the COVID-19 pandemic? House prices started to rise gradually after the global financial crisis (2007–2008), but this trend accelerated with the pandemic. The countries with advanced economies, which usually have mature housing markets, experienced stronger growth than countries with emerging economies. Real house price growth (accounting for inflation) peaked in 2022 and has since lost some of the gain. Although, many countries experienced a decline in house prices, the global house price index shows that property prices in 2023 were still substantially higher than before COVID-19. Renting vs. buying In the past, house prices have grown faster than rents. However, the home affordability has been declining notably, with a direct impact on rental prices. As people struggle to buy a property of their own, they often turn to rental accommodation. This has resulted in a growing demand for rental apartments and soaring rental prices.