Oslo

Norway's oil wealth funds a generous welfare state but also sustains sky-high consumer prices. A beer costs NOK 100-120 ($9-11), a meal at a mid-range restaurant runs NOK 400+ ($36), and Oslo housing averages NOK 80,000/sqm — 30% pricier than the average for Nordic capitals. The city consistently ranks among the top five in EIU and Mercer surveys despite its relatively small size, outperforming Geneva, ranked #2, in overall cost of living.