High end hangouts and bargain basement cities for expats
Moving overseas involves many considerations, a good number of which are linked to individual financial situations. As with so much else nowadays, the internet is your friend, with regular surveys identifying everything from high-end to basic as well as seriously useful information as to the cost of necessities. For estimating your cost of living in any one of 133 world cities, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s cost of living survey is as good as it gets, although those looking for a rural haven should remember prices are higher in the cities than in the back of beyond, and local goods and services are far cheaper than Western goods.
It’ll come as no surprise that Singapore is still the world’s most expensive hang-out for expats and citizens alike due to its tiny size and ever-growing population. Foods are almost all imported as there’s no room left to grow or rear them, and high-end accommodation comes with an even higher-end price tag. On the other side of the world, Paris has been in the top ten priciest cities for 15 years, and is getting more expensive by the day. Property prices have soared and aren’t expected to stop soaring any day soon, but the Parisian quality of life is unique in the world, as is the city’s cultural offerings and ambience. If you’re a foodie on a limited budget, Seoul is definitely not for you as its food prices are 50 per cent dearer than New York’s and even more expensive if they’re Western. Tel Aviv is, admittedly, the heart of Israel as regards cultural and social life, even although alcohol costs more than in every world city
bar none!
Sydney’s house prices are some of the highest on the planet as are food and general living costs, which might well explain the massive number of Oz expats settled across the world and their reluctance to even consider returning to the home country. If Oz is a must, the island continent’s smaller cities are affordable.The problem with the majority of inexpensive world cities is that you’d perhaps rather not live in them due to third-world infrastructure, in-your-face poverty or violence once the sun goes down and at weekends. However, not everywhere that’s affordable is dangerous, with cities such as Sofia still offering value for far less than a huge amount of money.
Eastern European countries in general give bangs for your buck as well as having interesting histories and easily understood cultures.
At the moment, Cairo is perhaps not the best city to head for, but falling exchange rates give more cash to play with as regards accommodation and lifestyle. Bargains can be found in Kazakhstan, even if you can’t spell it, and its capital Almati’s thriving business centre is attracting a good number of expats. The currency was devalued a few years ago and still gives a good exchange rate for those with access to their home country’s cash. Bucharest may not be a rock-bottom bargain, but overall costs are 50 per cent less than in New York, and it’s great for inexpensive dentistry and other healthcare services. One of the cheapest as well as the most chaotic cities in the survey is New Delhi, although accommodation in the central areas is relatively expensive. Food prices are kept down by government subsidies, and street food is ultra-cheap and ultra spicy.
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