The cost of living for a family of four in 10 major Asian cities.

Before relocating to a major city, it's crucial to be aware of the high cost that comes with it.

According to Numbeo, a family of four can expect to spend an estimated $9,000 a month to live in either Hong Kong or Singapore, making these cities the most expensive in Asia for cost of living.

According to a report from HR consultancy Mercer in June, expats from around the world are attracted to Singapore and Hong Kong as global financial hubs, which can increase prices.

Tracey Ma, regional mobility leader, APAC at Mercer, stated that Singapore is a highly attractive location for career growth, citing its robust economy and numerous opportunities as factors that draw expats to the country.

In addition, these two cities have hot housing markets.

Due to the limited supply of housing and high population influx, Hong Kong has consistently been one of the world's priciest rental markets, as stated by Ma.

From 2022, Singapore experienced a rapid rise in housing rentals. However, prices have recently stabilized, according to Ma.

In the first quarter of 2024, private housing rentals in Singapore decreased by 1.9%, marking the second consecutive quarter of decline, following a 2.1% drop in the previous quarter.

According to Numbeo's data, the cost of living for a family of four in 10 major cities in Asia can be broadly examined.

Singapore

Population: 6.1 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $4,025

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $5,308

Total cost of living: $9,333/month

Hong Kong

Population: 7.7 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $4,137

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $4,997

Total cost of living: $9,134/month

Seoul, South Korea

Population: 10 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $4,123

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $2,528

Total cost of living: $6,651/month

Tokyo, Japan

Population: 37 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $3,431

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $2,634

Total cost of living: $6,065/month

Shanghai, China

Population: 29.9 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $2,311

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $2,716

Total cost of living: $5,027/month

Bangkok, Thailand

Population: 11.2 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $2,304

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $1,664

Total cost of living: $3,968/month

Manila, Philippines

Population: 14.9 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $2,209

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $1,619

Total cost of living: $3,828/month

Jakarta, Indonesia

Population: 11.4 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $1,732

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $1,260

Total cost of living: $2,992/month

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Population: 9.6 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $1,746

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $1,157

Total cost of living: $2,903/month

Delhi, India

Population: 33.8 million

Estimated monthly living expenses (excluding rent): $1,383

Rent for a 3-bedroom in the city center: $727

Total cost of living: $2,110/month

According to Numbeo's 2024 cost of living index, Zurich in Switzerland is the second most expensive city in the world, with a monthly cost of living for a family of four at $6,201, followed by New York City, San Francisco, CA, and Boston, MA.

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