Moving to a major city often brings exciting opportunities, but it’s essential to assess the financial impact before making the move. According to the 2025 Cost of Living Index (including rent) by Numbeo, New York City and San Francisco are at the top of the global list for the highest cost of living.
In New York City, the total monthly expenses for one person, including rent for a one-bedroom in the city center, can reach $5,639. Similarly, Singapore leads in Asia, with living costs nearing $4,000 per month, comparable to London’s monthly expenses.
Other cities in Switzerland—Zurich and Geneva—rank third and fourth globally for the highest cost of living. Numbeo has compiled a list of 12 major cities around the world in 2025, breaking down the total cost of living in U.S. dollars after conversion.
To understand the financial picture, consider the 50-30-20 budgeting rule: 50% for essentials, 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings and investments.
Here’s an overview of the estimated cost of living in key global cities:
- New York City
Total cost of living: $5,613.75
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $3,926.65
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $1,687.10 - San Francisco
Total cost of living: $4,779.18
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $3,222.58
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $1,556.60 - London
Total cost of living: $4,083.91
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $2,772.91
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $1,311 - Singapore
Total cost of living: $4,052.88
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $2,921.58
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $1,131.30 - Chicago
Total cost of living: $3,612.64
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $2,325.34
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $1,287.30 - Sydney
Total cost of living: $3,275.81
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $2,159.11
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $1,116.70 - Lisbon
Total cost of living: $2,263.63
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $1,481.93
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $781.70 - Tokyo
Total cost of living: $2,074.88
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $1,113.08
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $961.80 - Seoul
Total cost of living: $1,896.17
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $822.97
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $1,073.20 - Shanghai
Total cost of living: $1,541.25
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $924.45
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $616.80 - Mumbai
Total cost of living: $1,056.90
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $650.20
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $406.70 - Jakarta
Total cost of living: $909.90
Rent (1-bedroom city center): $394.60
Monthly expenses (excluding rent): $515.30