Some destinations are expensive because of luxury hotels, others because everyday life there simply costs more, and a few charge visitors a fee just to come in. If you’re planning a splurge (or trying to avoid an unexpected bill), here’s what the 2026 data says about where travel costs the most, and how to enjoy these places without overspending. All rankings and fees below were checked in October 2026.
How We Built This List
There’s no single “most expensive” ranking, so we compared three well-known sources that measure different things:
- Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 prices a basket of 20 luxury goods and services, such as property, cars, fine dining and hotel stays, in 25 major cities.
- Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking compares living costs for international employees in 226 cities. The latest edition on Mercer’s site is the 2024 ranking.
- Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2026 is a crowd-sourced snapshot of everyday prices like groceries, restaurants and rent, compared with New York.
Because the methods differ, a city can rank first in one list and lower in another. Read the rankings as a guide, not a price tag.
The Cities Topping the 2026 Rankings
Singapore
Singapore is the most expensive city for a premium lifestyle in the Julius Baer 2026 index, the fourth year running at the top. The report points mainly to high property and car prices. Visitors feel it most in hotel rates, while hawker centres keep good food very affordable.
Zurich and Switzerland’s Other Cities
Zurich climbed to second place in the Julius Baer 2026 ranking, helped by a strong Swiss franc. In Numbeo’s 2026 cost-of-living index, the top six cities are all Swiss: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano and Bern. Swiss rail passes and picnic lunches from supermarkets are the classic ways to keep costs in check.
Monaco
Monaco entered Julius Baer’s top three for the first time in 2026, driven by the highest residential property prices in the index and a stronger euro. Many visitors stay along the French Riviera and come in for the day.
Hong Kong and London
Hong Kong (4th) and London (5th) remain near the top of the Julius Baer list. Hong Kong was also No. 1 in Mercer’s 2024 ranking for international employees. In both cities, public transport and free museums (many of London’s major museums are free to enter) help balance pricey hotels.
New York City
New York is the most expensive city in North America in Mercer’s 2024 ranking (7th worldwide) and is the baseline city (100) for Numbeo’s index. Hotels are the big expense, so it pays to book early and stay flexible on dates. See our New York City holiday guide for seasonal ideas.
Paris
Paris rose to 7th in the Julius Baer 2026 ranking, up from 9th. It’s still one of the easiest luxury cities to enjoy on a smaller budget, with picnics by the Seine, free walks and an excellent metro. Already in France? Browse our flight deals from Paris for your next hop.
Destinations Where Visitor Fees Add Up
Bhutan
Bhutan charges most international visitors a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). The standard rate is USD 200 per person per night, but a 50% discount for US-dollar-paying tourists brings it to USD 100 per night until 31 August 2027. Children aged 6–12 pay half, and under-6s are exempt. Visitors from India pay a separate rate of 1,200 ngultrum or rupees per night. On a week-long trip the fee alone is a meaningful part of the budget, before hotels, guides and flights.
Venice
Venice ran its day-tripper access fee again as a trial in 2026. It applied on 60 selected days between 3 April and 26 July, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It cost €5 if paid by the fourth-to-last day before your visit and €10 after that. Overnight guests in the city were exempt. The 2026 trial has ended, and the city will decide on any future fee, so check the official site before you go.
How to Enjoy Expensive Destinations for Less
- Go off-peak. Hotel prices in pricey cities swing a lot by season. Our guide to off-season getaways can help you time it.
- Stay just outside the center and take public transport in. Fast, reliable transit is common in cities like Zurich, Singapore and London.
- Splurge once, save elsewhere. Pick one special meal or experience and balance it with markets, picnics and free sights.
- Use points for the big-ticket items. Airline miles and hotel points go furthest where cash prices are highest.
- Read the small print on fees. City taxes, entry fees and resort charges can add up. Check official sites before you book.
For more ways to stretch your budget, see our smart budget travel hacks.
Sources (checked October 2026)
- Julius Baer – Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 (city ranking)
- Mercer – Cost of Living City Ranking 2024
- Numbeo – Cost of Living Index by City 2026
- Bhutan Tourism Corporation – Sustainable Development Fee and Royal Government of Bhutan press release (SDF discount to 31 Aug 2027)
- City of Venice – Access Fee 2026 FAQ