Singapore sixth most expensive Asian city

Costly living

The ECA International said prices of goods and services commonly purchased by international assignees have risen at much faster rates in Singapore than in other developed locations.

Comparatively, New Delhi was ranked the 38th most expensive Asian city, with Mumbai rated 43rd, Bangalore 46th, Chennai 47th, Hyderabad 48th, Pune 50th, and Kolkata 51st. Other South Asian cities in the ratings were Colombo (42), Dhaka (44), Islamabad (52), Karachi (53).

ECA International said goods and services in Singapore now cost almost 3 per cent more than in Hong Kong, reversing a year ago trend when these cost 5 per cent more in Hong Kong.

Singapore was now more expensive for international assignees than Hong Kong, New York, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Shanghai.

The city state rose to the 36th spot from 68th in the global ranking in one year, said the company, which provides solutions for firms sending their staff overseas.

Lee Quane, ECA International’s regional director (Asia), said the strong Singapore dollar was the main reason for Singapore’s rise in the ranking over the past year.

Overall, Tokyo continue to maintain its position as the world’s most expensive city, followed by Oslo, Nagoya, Stavanger in Norway, Yokohoma, Zurich, Angola’s capital Luanda, Geneva, Kobe and the Swiss capital of Bern.


Indian line-up

* New Delhi is the 38th
      most expensive Asian city
* Mumbai (43) 
* Bangalore (46) 
* Chennai (47) 
* Hyderabad (48)