Singapore

Singapore has consistently topped the Mercer Cost of Living Survey for expatriates since 2022. Car ownership taxes can exceed $100,000 SGD, a pint of beer costs $15 SGD, and a modest one-bedroom apartment in the city center exceeds $4,000 SGD per month. Its financial hub status, zero personal income tax for foreign income, and world-class infrastructure justify premiums for many. Compared to #2 Zurich, Singapore's car ownership costs are nearly double, while a monthly transit pass in Zurich costs only CHF 100, 60% less than Singapore's average commute expenses.