Offering job opportunities, cultural and culinary diversity and the chance to experience life in a bustling metropolis, major cities around the world are struggling to cope with the influx of residents. The more desirable a place becomes, the more expensive it is to live there – and the higher house prices rise!
Grab your wallet as we take a look at remarkable residences within the world's most expensive cities*...
*All data correct at time of publishing
As one of the most exciting cities in the world, London is home to iconic architecture, world-class museums and enviable green spaces. Such draws attract thousands of people every year, which doesn't do much to aid the housing crisis or the cost of living. According to property website, Zoopla, the average sales price for a property in June 2024 was £711,745 ($901k), while the average detached home goes for a cool £1.3 million ($1.6m).
A single person can expect to pay around £1,111 ($1.4k) for food and bills each month, before thinking about rent or mortgage payments. So, it's no wonder the city was named the eighth-most expensive in the world in Mercer's 2024 study.
While half a million could get you a one- to two-bedroom flat or a small house in a less desirable area of the city, those with bigger budgets can bag themselves a seriously awe-inspiring residence.
On the market with United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty in June 2024, this exquisite private home was priced at £32 million ($41m). It sits on a generous plot in the highly sought-after Highgate area of north London, close to iconic Hampstead Heath.
Standing proud at 18,239 square feet (1,694sqm), the modern masterpiece sits on two acres (0.8h) of land, which is very rare in London!
The home's exterior is defined by its all-white, rounded shape and endless windows, while the interior dazzles with high ceilings, gilded accents and plenty of luxurious extras, including a glass elevator and designer light fixtures.
Room-wise, there's a grand entrance hall, a formal sitting room, a dining room, a breakfast room and a gourmet kitchen. The home's six bedrooms all feature an ensuite bathroom, while the master suite, located on the first floor, is particularly impressive.
There are several terraces, too, including a balcony and a rooftop deck.
As well as lovely grounds, the property also has a 4,400-square-foot (409sqm) self-contained staff lodge and leisure facilities, which include a swimming pool, spa amenities and a home gym.
There's also a billiards room, a four-car garage and an outdoor tennis court.
Enchantingly beautiful, the Swiss city of Zürich is a global centre for banking and finance but offers plenty of attractions for fans of nature and architecture too. It's also known for being incredibly expensive and not just for tourists. Here, a single person's estimated monthly costs, without rent, are around £1,296 ($1.6k), making Zürich 26.8% more expensive than London.
In fact, Mercer named the city the third-most expensive in the world in 2024. Shockingly, four Swiss cities were named in its 10 top rundown, making the country one of the priciest in the world.
A property in the city centre of Zürich costs, on average, £1,763 ($2.2k) per square foot. To put that into perspective, a stunning three-bedroom apartment inside this building was on the market in June 2024 for CHF 3.4 million. That's £3 million ($3.8m).
The brutalist-style building was constructed in the 1980s and is nestled in the leafy quarter of Höngg, moments from the Limmat River.
The recently renovated apartment blends space, design and luxury, kitted out with the finest materials and impressive Italian design elements throughout.
The property spans 2,131 square feet (198sqm) and benefits from an open-plan living space, with a lounge, dining area and kitchen.
From hardwood parquet floors to high ceilings and extensive windows, the apartment is chic and light-filled.
There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms. This suite is huge, with direct access to a balcony.
The luxury living experience is rounded off by a double parking space, located in an underground car park. It has an electric charging station for an electric car, too.
The property also boasts a spacious terrace, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. It’s big enough for a dining set and a few chairs, too, making it an oasis in the heart of the city.
Known for its glistening coastline, designer boutiques and countless casinos, Monaco is a sovereign city-state that was designed for the wealthy. A well-known tax haven, this billionaires' playground doesn't charge residents income or capital gains taxes, so those lucky enough to live here can see their money stretch further – but that doesn't mean living here comes cheap!
According to Numbeo, a single person's estimated monthly costs are around £1,510 ($1.9k), before rent. The price per square foot to buy an apartment in the city is £5,207 ($6.6k), which means a 1,000-square-foot (93sqm) apartment could set you back a cool £5.2 million ($6.6m).
Taking a look at an example of the type of home you can buy in and around the city, this gorgeous residence is nestled in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, on the outskirts of Monaco.
Almost too good to be true, the property was on the market with Savills Beaulieu Sur Mer in June 2024, for €5.2 million ($5.6m/£4.4m). The villa measures 2,476 square feet (230 sqm) and extends over two stunning floors.
The property was completely renovated in 2023 and it's certainly clear. Every single room is finished to the highest standard, with designer fixtures and high-end finishes.
There's a huge, open-plan living area with a lounge, dining area and kitchen, kitted out with marble. Modern features include electric windows for hands-free operation, a TV lift system and a cellar with space for over 300 bottles of your favourite vintage.
There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms, too. This is the luxurious master suite and it benefits from a stunning ensuite. A faux frame allows anyone in the bedroom to see through to the bathtub.
Plus, the room opens to a huge outdoor terrace, with dreamy coastal views across Monaco.
There's also a fully-equipped fitness room, an outdoor dining deck, a sitting area that faces the view and, of course, an amazing swimming pool. Take a dip while taking in the enchanting scenery of the French Riviera.
With world-renowned food, an iconic Opera House and endless days of sunshine, there are countless reasons why Sydney is so popular. But it's also one of the most expensive cities on the planet when it comes to the cost of living.
According to Numbeo, a single person can expect to pay £908 ($1.2k) a month for bills and groceries alone and in 2022, Demographia’s International Housing Affordability study declared Sydney’s median house price 15 times higher than the average household income.
Even more worryingly for locals, Sydney home prices are expected to grow by as much as 23% over the next three years, according to 2024 data.
To highlight just how quickly the property market is growing in the city, this Barangaroo apartment was on the market in June 2024 for AUD$12.9 million, which is £6.8 million ($8.6m) and it measures just 1,813 square feet (168.5sqm).
No doubt worth every penny, the harbour view apartment is situated on the upper levels of the iconic Crown Sydney tower and provides utterly mesmerising city scenery from almost every room.
The building was designed by the architects at Wilkinson-Eyre and no expense was spared. With sumptuous interior design by Meyer Davis, exquisite custom joinery and luxury stonework, the apartment could certainly be described as plush.
The pad benefits from a stunning open-plan living space, with a lounge, kitchen, dining room and pantry.
There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well. This incredible ensuite provides dreamy skyline views thanks to a floor-to-ceiling window positioned close to the tub.
No ordinary apartment, this one comes with a primary walk-through wardrobe, twin steam showers, Wolf & Sub-Zero appliances and an open-air balcony that's accessible from the living room and primary suite.
Plus, residents of the luxury tower benefit from a 24-hour concierge and security service, valet parking, an outdoor residents-only swimming pool, an outdoor tennis court, a gym and a day spa. There's even housekeeping, so the residents don't need to lift a finger.
For many years, New York City has been struggling to cope with the amount of people who have flocked there in search of fame and fortune. The last census, in July 2023, found there to be around 8.3 million people living in the city and, according to Zillow, the typical value of homes in the county is £869,800 ($1.1m).
Plus, in 2024 New York City was named the seventh most expensive city to live by Mercer, and in 2023, it shared the third spot with Geneva, Switzerland.
For the city's average property price, you could probably pick up a two-bedroom place in the Bronx, but you need a slightly bigger budget to buy anything luxurious in Manhattan.
111 West 57th Street is a luxurious new development in the heart of the city, seconds from Central Park. Apartments inside this building range from £5.5 million ($6.9m) to £38.7 million ($49m) and once you see inside, you'll understand why.
There are 60 homes inside the building and while they differ in size and number of bedrooms, most offer jaw-dropping views across the city, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.
They all come with direct elevator entry and ceilings that extend up to 14 feet (4.3m).
The building blends one of New York City's most cherished landmarks, Steinway Hall, with a soaring 1,428-foot (435m) contemporary tower. The world-renowned SHoP Architects are responsible for the exterior design, while Studio Sofield took on the task of designing the interiors.
With accents of limestone, marble, blackened steel and velvet throughout, every single apartment is entirely swoon-worthy, kitted out with the finest finishes and fixtures money can buy.
Of course, the property comes complete with plenty of state-of-the-art amenities, including a two-lane, 82-foot (25m) lap pool and a fully enclosed, regulation-size paddle court. There's also a dedicated concierge service, a private porte-cochere entrance and valet parking.
For many years, Hong Kong has been one of the most expensive cities on the planet and in 2024, Mercer put it in the top spot. The housing market in this Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China has reached unrealistic heights. The bustling metropolis, loved for its dazzling skyline and fantastic culinary and cultural opportunities, is short on space and homes, which has consistently driven up prices.
Interestingly though, home prices in Hong Kong dropped by a shocking 13.2% in the first quarter of 2024. Numbeo states that the price per square foot to buy an apartment in the city centre is £2,167 ($2.7k), so it still isn't exactly affordable!
Those lucky enough to have a big budget need not opt for a so-called 'coffin apartment' and could instead snap up something like this.
Detached villas and penthouse apartments are exceptionally scarce in Hong Kong and those that do come on the market sell for ridiculous sums of money. Cue this palatial property in Mui Wo.
This luxurious villa, known as Edem Garden, not only has more than one floor, but also comes with a highly sought-after (and hard to find) garden!
Ideal for nine people, the home benefits from four bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a living room, a spacious kitchen and a dining area.
The two-storey detached villa was architecturally designed and benefits from magnificent, uninterrupted sea and mountain views. Every room is modern and filled with natural light, with high ceilings, oversized windows and contemporary fixtures.
The garden is of a good size and ideal for alfresco dining. There are also a few exterior balconies, where lucky guests of this Airbnb can while away the hours in style.
While we don't know how much this home cost, we do know that it would be worth a pretty penny!
Sophisticated, romantic and pricey are all words that might spring to mind when you picture the Alpine city of Geneva, Switzerland. Nestled on the shores of Lac Léman, the waterside city is surrounded by the Jura mountains and boasts dramatic views of Mont Blanc.
Mercer declared the city the fourth most expensive in the world in 2024, while Numbeo currently ranks the city the most expensive when it comes to the cost of living. RealAdvisor suggests the median price for houses here is CHF4.4 million, which is £3.9 million ($4.9m).
If you're wealthy in Geneva, then the real estate possibilities are endless. This beautiful home is just one example of the type of residence a millionaire could buy in the Alpine city. Priced at CHF12.9 million or £11.4 million ($14.4m) in June 2024 via Savills, it is both stylish and sophisticated.
The villa lies in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Anières, around a 20-minute car ride from the city centre.
While Geneva is home to plenty of stunning historic homes, this one is relatively new. It was designed by renowned architect Charles Pictet in 2012 and built using a combination of concrete, brick, wood, glass and bronze.
In 2014, the villa was awarded the Distinction Romande d'Architecture prize and it isn't hard to see why.
Spanning 6,243 square feet (580 sqm), the luxurious property benefits from three floors and a traditional layout.
The reception rooms and living spaces sit on the ground floor, while a generous spiral staircase leads upstairs where five bedrooms and seven bathrooms can be found. Some of the rooms enjoy splendid views of Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains, too.
Despite being a modern home, the property has plenty of character, with timber accents, exposed ceiling beams and large windows throughout. Designed with wellbeing and sustainability in mind, the villa is also equipped with a geothermal heat pump and solar panels.
There's also a spacious and pretty garden, complete with a heated swimming pool, a pool house and an orchard of fruit trees.
In 2024, Swiss private bank Julius Baer published its annual Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report, naming Singapore the most expensive city in the world. Similarly, Mercer named the city the second-most expensive, after Hong Kong.
For the last 11 years, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has named its top 10 most expensive cities in the world and, amazingly, Singapore has topped the list not once, but nine times! This buzzing metropolis, with its modern skyline, has an estimated 5.7 million residents.
The average apartment in the heart of the city will set you back £1,500 ($1.9k) per square foot, but those with bulging bank accounts can snap up pretty amazing homes, like this modern penthouse in the Tanglin area of the city-state.
The 6,867-square-foot (638sqm) duplex was for sale with OrangeTee & Tie Pte in June 2024 and priced at £22.2 million ($28m).
The duplex is located inside Nassim Park Residences, a luxury new development that's within walking distance of the enchanting Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside, the property is modern and sleek, with high-end fittings and appliances. There's a huge kitchen, a gorgeous living room, a separate dining room, a study, a utility room and even a helper's room.
On the apartment's upper floor, there's a family area, a master suite with a walk-in dressing room, grooming room and bathroom, as well as two other ensuite bedrooms. The stunning property has its own dedicated private entrance and personal elevator.
Plus, it's totally high-tech, thanks to air-conditioning, a home security system, automated lighting and even automated irrigation for plants.
Space is sparse in Singapore, so the fact this penthouse comes with an outside area is a big plus. Head onto the balcony and you'll not only be able to soak up city scenery but take a dip in the amazing in-ground swimming pool.
There are plenty of communal facilities, too, including numerous pools, a children's play area, 24-hour security, a concierge, a gym, a yoga room and a zen garden.
Although not technically a city, the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman is considered to be the most expensive place to live in Latin America. In fact, according to Expatistan, it is the second-most expensive place in the world. The British Overseas Territory is undeniably enticing, enclosed by the Caribbean Sea and providing those lucky enough to live here with year-round sun and unforgettable natural landscapes.
Remarkably, in 2023, there were 176 single-family homes for sale in Grand Cayman, with an average listing price of KYD$3.9 million, which is £3.8 million ($4.8m). Let's take a look at the type of luxury home you can buy on this dreamy island...
The pinnacle of luxury living, the Watermark residence is located on one of Grand Cayman's most spectacular coastal lots, alongside Seven Mile Beach.
Due to be completed at the end of 2024, the apartment complex will have everything from cutting-edge interior design, to a world class spa, a fitness studio, a fine dining restaurant, screening room, valet service and 24/7 concierge. And there's one residence inside the building that is head and shoulders above them all.
Spanning 5,030 square feet (467sqm), this exceptional corner residence is located on the second floor of Watermark and was listed in June 2024 with RE/MAX Cayman Islands for £11 million ($13.5m).
An elevator opens directly into the dream home and there's also a service elevator. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame incredible views and the pad comes with not one but three gorgeous balconies, from which to soak up the scenery.
Designer finishes can be found throughout and the apartment benefits from a high-end kitchen, four bedrooms and four bathrooms, all kitted out with luxurious sanitaryware. There's also an open-plan living and dining room, as well as integrated lighting.
Of course, lucky residents of Watermark get to enjoy access to numerous private outdoor pools, including one exclusively for adults.
There's also a beach and this property comes with the option to buy a beachfront corner cabana for an additional fee. It has a bathroom, an outside shower and an air-conditioned seating area. How's that for luxurious?
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