Singapore Tops Again, New York Out: Where It's Most Expensive to Live Like the Rich

The 2026 Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report by Julius Baer Bank shows a 10.2% increase in the cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle. Singapore remains at the top for the fourth year, while Zurich and Monaco have overtaken New York, which for the first time in three years is not in the top ten. The report highlights the impact of exchange rates, raw material prices, and changes in consumer behavior among the wealthy.

The 2026 Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report by wealth management bank Julius Baer indicates a 10.2% increase in the cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle in dollar terms. Singapore remains the most expensive city in the world for the fourth consecutive year, due to high real estate and car prices and the strengthening of the Singapore dollar. Zurich rose to second place due to the strengthening of the Swiss franc, and Monaco entered the top three thanks to the strong euro and high real estate prices. New York dropped out of the top ten for the first time in three years, with no American city included. The report emphasizes the role of exchange rates: in Europe, prices rose by an average of 14.1% compared to 10.2% globally. In Asia and the Pacific, five cities are in the top ten, including Shanghai, Sydney, and Bangkok. Sydney recorded the sharpest rise in ranking, six places. Jewelry prices rose by 16.4% and watches by 15.5% due to a surge in gold prices. A related survey indicates geopolitical concern and a shift in consumption habits: a move toward broader geographic diversification, holding liquidity, and exposure to precious metals. The data was collected through the end of February 2026 and therefore does not reflect later developments in the Middle East.