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, from London to Geneva, Sydney and New York*...
*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 the UK House Price Index December 2024, the average property price in London was £549,000 ($709k), while the average detached home goes for a cool £1.1 million ($1.4m).
A single person can expect to pay around £1,046 ($1.3k) for food and monthly bills, before considering rent or mortgage payments, reports data website Numbeo. 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 March 2025, this exquisite private home was priced at £32 million ($41.3m). 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 £1,317 ($1.7k), making the cost of living in Zurich 33% higher than in London.
In fact, Numbeo named the city the most expensive in the world, on its 2025 Cost of Living Index, while Mercer named the city the third-most expensive in the world in 2024. Shockingly, four Swiss cities were named in its top 10 rundown, making the country one of the priciest in the world.
A property in the city centre of Zürich costs, on average, £1,727 ($2.2k) per square foot (£18.6k/$24k per sqm). To put that into perspective, a stunning house in the Richterswil area of the city was on the market in March 2025 for CHF 4.6 million. That's £4 million ($5.2m).
The spacious residence lies to the south of the city, but remains just moments from the enchanting waters of Lake Zurich. With mountains, nature and a thriving historic city centre within easy reach, it's no wonder this home demands such a price tag.
The property provides 4,370 square feet (406sqm) of usable space, spread over three floors. There's a stunning lounge with a statement fireplace, an open-plan kitchen on a raised level and a sunny dining room with garden views.
The property also comes complete with nine bedrooms and three bathrooms, making it perfect for a multi-generational family. Modern, light-filled and stylish, it's also move-in ready.
The home also boasts three terraces, two of which benefit from views of Lake Zurich. The generous back garden houses a private swimming pool and plenty of spots for soaking up that glorious sunshine.
This lovely home was for sale in March 2025, through Properstar and Grundeigentümer Verband Schweiz.
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 £1,533 ($2k), before rent. An apartment in the city costs £5,096 ($6.5k) per square foot (£55.7k/$72k per sqm) to buy, which means a 1,000-square-foot (93sqm) apartment could set you back a cool £5.1 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 the heart of iconic Monte-Carlo, the main hub of Monaco.
Almost too good to be true, the property was on the market with Monte-Carlo Sotheby's International Realty in March 2025 for an undisclosed sum. However, according to Sotheby's real estate listings, it's likely priced somewhere between £13.4 million ($17.3m) and £22.8 million ($29.5m).
The apartment lies inside a secure residential building known as Parc Saint-Roman. It spans 3,336 square feet (310sqm) and extends over a single floor.
Recently renovated, the apartment features luxurious and modern finishes that are perfect for a wealthy VIP. Room wise, there's a lounge, an eat-in kitchen, a dining room, a laundry room, four bedrooms and one full bathroom.
Yet the home's view and location have to be its best assets. The balcony provides a dreamy panorama of one of France's most impressive coastlines, while the home itself is mere moments from the sea.
What's more, residents of this building benefit from 24-hour concierge services and access to an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and snack bar.
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 £866 ($1k) a month for bills and groceries alone and in 2024, Demographia’s International Housing Affordability study found Sydney to have the second-most unaffordable housing market in the world. Amazingly, Sydney has had the first-, second- or third-least affordable housing of any major market in 15 of the last 16 years.
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 reported by realestate.com.au.
Of course, if you have a big budget you can snap up a seriously stunning home. Enter this heritage villa in the Potts Point neighbourhood of the city.
Situated in a prime location, on a broad, tree-lined avenue flanked by grand Victorian terrace houses, the property is truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Known as Saraville, the elegant home benefits from an ornate façade and three stunning floors of interior space.
It was constructed in around 1890 in the Italianate style, but thanks to a recent renovation, every single room is utterly mesmerising, with modern design details, bold furnishings and exquisite original features that have been lovingly restored.
As for rooms, there's a grand entrance foyer and an impressive open-plan living room, with numerous sitting areas. The room flows through to the kitchen and dining room.
Upstairs, you’ll find four superb bedrooms, each with an ensuite and built-in wardrobe. The top floor is reserved for the luxurious master suite, featuring a dressing room, huge walk-in closets, a deluxe ensuite with a freestanding bath and a private, sun-washed terrace.
Everywhere you look, you’ll spot truly envy-inducing fixtures, from elegant fireplaces to 13.7-foot (4.2m) ceilings, Moroccan tiles, original tessellated floor tiles, stained-glass accents and exquisite chandeliers.
As for exterior spaces, the property features multiple balconies and a gorgeous ground-floor terrace, which is connected to the open-plan living room. The perfect spot for a morning coffee, the courtyard boasts an imposing vertical garden and a stunning tiled floor.
It’s also mere steps from some of Sydney's finest bars and restaurants, essential transport hubs and the city’s iconic harbour foreshore. The incredible property was for sale in March 2025, via Sydney Sotheby's International Realty, for an undisclosed sum. However, it last sold in 2016 for a cool AU$13 million (£6.4m/$8.1m).
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 real estate aggregate site Zillow, the typical value of homes in the county is £849,100 ($1.1m).
Plus, New York City was named the fourth-most expensive city to live on Numbeo's 2025 Cost of Living Index and the seventh-most expensive by Mercer.
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 £5.3 million ($6.9m) to £38 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 12.5% in the third quarter of 2024, according to property data site Global Property Guide. Numbeo states that the price per square foot to buy an apartment in the city centre is £1,972 ($2.5k) (that's £20.7k/$26.8k per sqm) 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 luxury condos are exceptionally scarce in Hong Kong and those that do come on the market sell for ridiculous sums of money. Cue this modern duplex in New Territories.
The luxurious Airbnb property offers a modern interior, premium amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame lush greenery.
The two-floor home comes equipped with an open-plan living area, with a dining zone, kitchen and lounge. The lower level also boasts a bathroom.
The home's design is second to none, with rich wood accents, statement furnishings, designer lighting and elegant finishes everywhere you look.
Sliding doors in the main living space also open up to a small but attractive garden, where morning coffees can be enjoyed.
Upstairs, you’ll find three ensuite bedrooms and a bathroom. The master suite is huge – probably bigger than the average apartment in Hong Kong – and benefits from a sitting area, a dressing room, an office nook and a private ensuite.
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's 2025 Cost of Living Index ranked the city the third-most expensive. Swiss real estate site RealAdvisor suggests the median price for houses here is CHF3.2 million, which is £2.8 million ($3.6m).
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. While its value remains a closely guarded secret, we just know that you'd need deep pockets to buy it.
As unique as it is impressive, the ultra-modern home lies in the Genthod neighbourhood of Geneva, just north of the city centre. Blending dark zinc cladding with textured granite and swathes of glass, the imposing mansion could certainly be described as one of a kind.
Encompassing 19,073 square feet (1,772sqm), the property is discrete from the front but unfolds with the contours of the land at the back. Here, you can take in the full size and beauty of the residence, which is formed from box-like elements and connective glass corridors.
The home was designed for a Senegalese businessman by architects SAOTA. It draws on his heritage with its bold, African‐inspired aesthetic, with sculptural forms, a rich material palette and tactile textures.
Of course, the interior is just as dramatic and impressive as the façade, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that frame enviable views of Lake Geneva. There's a stunning double-volume living space with a suspended, floating fireplace, a designer kitchen, six bedrooms and six bathrooms.
Material wise, walnut joinery is paired with marble accents, travertine floors, granite wall cladding and stainless steel details.
A spiral staircase and a cylindrical glass elevator connect the home's two floors, while a fitness centre, outdoor pool and endless balconies make the property the ultimate place for R&R.
The luxurious home was for sale in March 2025 with Cardis Immobilier Sotheby's International Realty. If only we were rich!
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 5.9 million residents.
In 2024, 77.8% of Singapore residents lived in public housing, also known as HDB flats, and 1,035 of these were resold for more than SG $1 million or £581,500 ($751k). The average 'landed' house was priced at SG $5.3 million, equivalent to £3.1 million ($4m), according to financial planning platform SmartWealth. However, 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 March 2025 and priced at £21.6 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 pricey 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 island of Grand Cayman is considered to be one of the most expensive places to live in the Caribbean. In fact, according to cost of living comparison site 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, 61 single-family homes sold in Grand Cayman in the first half of 2024 and they had an average value of CI$1.6 million, which is £1.5 million ($1.9m). 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 by the end of 2025, 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 March 2025, with RE/MAX Cayman Islands, for just shy of £11 million ($14m).
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?
Love this? Take inspiration from more unusual homes and luxury real estate