The world’s most expensive cities to live in have been revealed – with London making an unsurprising appearance in the top 15.
The findings come from a new Time Out survey of more than 18,000 people living in over 100 cities across the globe, focusing on the cost of going out rather than on everyday expenses such as housing, rent and groceries.
Respondents were asked to rate how affordable activities are in their city, from eating out and going for drinks, to nightlife and cultural attractions.
According to the survey, Seoul, in South Korea, was ranked the most expensive city to live in, based on locals’ experiences – with a small portion of residents claiming social activities are affordable.
Only 30 per cent of respondents said eating out at a restaurant is inexpensive, 21 per cent said the same for nightlife, while 27 per cent of locals feel little to no difference in their wallet after grabbing a drink.
In Northern Europe, several other cities also scored poorly, including Norway’s Oslo and Sweden’s Stockholm, where high prices for food, drink and entertainment continue to squeeze the pennies out of locals.
Out of all the cities surveyed, Oslo received the lowest affordability score for eating out at a restaurant – with less than a quarter (24 per cent) of residents agreeing it was affordable.
Cities in Australia and the United States also featured prominently among the least affordable, with Sydney named one of the world’s most expensive cities for everyday social life, while Los Angeles ranked highly due to the cost of dining and nightlife.
The world’s most expensive cities to live in have been unveiled – and Seoul (pictured), South Korea, has been ranked the most costly, according to locals
Oslo, ranked third most expensive, received the lowest affordability score for eating out at a restaurant – with less than a quarter of residents agreeing it was affordable
Singapore, ranked 12th, and London, ranked 13th, were also placed among the pricier cities.
Though the UK capital offers plenty of free attractions, experiences and cultural institutions, Londoners says they feel the pinch when it comes to the cost of drinks and nights out.
At the other end of the scale, the survey found that South American cities dominate the list of the world’s most affordable places to live.
Two Colombian cities – Medellin and Bogotá – ranked first and second, with an overwhelming 94 per cent of respondents agreeing it was cheap to grab a coffee.
In third place was Beijing, followed by New Orleans in fourth. Rounding out the top five of the most affordable cities is Italy’s Naples.
Earlier this year, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods have been unveiled – and three standout British and Irish locations have made the cut.
A comprehensive list by Time Out revealed 30 urban hotspots celebrated for their culture, nightlife, art, food, drink, community spirit and ‘unique local character’.
Neighbourhoods were selected based on a mix of community feel, culture, nightlife, food, street life, and sense of ‘nowness’ – when you’re experiencing something special in the moment.
Unsurprisingly, London (pictured) was ranked 13th most expensive city to live in
Revealed: The world’s least and most expensive cities to live in
Most expensive
Seoul, South KoreaIstanbul, TürkiyeOslo, NorwayStockholm, SwedenKyoto, JapanAthens, GreeceSydney, AustraliaAuckland, New ZealandMunich, GermanyBrisbane, AustraliaLos Angeles, USASingaporeLondon, United KingdomVancouver, CanadaMiami, USA
Most affordable
Medellin, ColombiaBogotá, ColombiaBeijing, ChinaNew Orleans, USANaples, ItalyHanoi, VietnamChiang Mai, ThailandShanghai, ChinaLima, PeruJakarta, IndonesiaJohannesburg, South AfricaBangkok, ThailandAbu Dhabi, UAESantiago, ChileCape Town, South Africa
From homely districts with close-knit communities to former industrial areas turned into creative hubs, the list includes distinctive locations from all spheres of life.
Topping the 2025 list is Jimbōchō in Tokyo, Japan, a haven for book lovers and bohemians alike.
Home to over 130 second-hand bookstores nestled among traditional curry houses and retro coffeeshops, this district remains a gathering place for generations of Tokyo intellectuals.
Taking second place is Borgerhout in Antwerp, Belgium – a multicultural gem known for its vegan coffee spots, artist-led galleries, and leafy terraces.
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