http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-07-24/guess-worlds-most-expensive-city
<div class="content"><p>While <a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-07-24/russia-will-grant-snowden-temporary-asylum-allowing-him-leave-airport">Edward Snowden can perhaps breathe a sigh of relief</a> at being abale to avoid the humdrum beat of airport food for a while, he will be stepping out into the 2nd most expensive city in the world. Based on a survey of over 200 items, <strong>Moscow ranks 2nd </strong>in the world (with $8 cups of coffee and $4,600 average apartment rental costs), and <strong>Tokyo 3rd</strong> (with $5 newspapers and $7 coffees). But the most expensive city in the world will come as a surprise to most and likely create the need for a Google Maps search. With 40.5% of the population of this nation living in property and the average monthly rent a sky-high $6,500, <strong>this southern African country's capital is the most expensive city in the world</strong> (it would seem the Chinese arrival in resource-rich African nations - N'Djamena, Chad is 4th - has had its hot-money inflationary effects).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u><strong>Most Expensive Cities In The World (<em><a href="http://money.cnn.com/gallery/pf/2013/07/23/most-expensive-cities/index.html">using Mercer data</a></em>)</strong></u></p>
<p><strong>Number 10. Sydney</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city10.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$2,551</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$6.20</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$5.16</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.51</b></div>
<p>A tight housing market has made Sydney an extremely expensive place for anyone to live. Few vacancies have driven rental prices higher, with the average rent on a luxury two-bedroom hitting more than $2,500 a month.</p>
<p>Prices for other goods aren't cheap either: Want a burger and a soda? That will cost you more than $9. A trip to the movies for two? Close to $40 -- and that's without popcorn.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 9. Bern, Switzerland</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city9.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$2,687</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.02</b></div>
<p>Even though Switzerland has experienced some deflation over the past couple of years, prices for everything from milk to movie tickets are still staggeringly high. The average cost for a fast food hamburger meal in Bern is $12.51 and a pair of blue jeans will cost an average $138.</p>
<p>For Americans, the prices are made all the more cumbersome due to an unfavorable exchange rate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 8. Zurich</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city8.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$3,915</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$5.98</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.02</b></div>
<p>One of the world's major financial centers, nearly one-quarter of the city's residents work at banks and investment firms. In fact, wealth and security are a way of life here. The unemployment rate is a super low 3.1%.</p>
<p>Yet, nothing comes cheap. A club sandwich will cost $30.45 (one of the most expensive club sandwiches in the world) and coffee rings in around $6 a cup, according to Mercer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 7. Geneva, Switzerland</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city7.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$4,350</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$6.52</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.02</b></div>
<p>One of three Swiss cities to make Mercer's list, Geneva offers many luxurious, well-crafted goods, as well as many everyday ones -- almost all of which will cost Americans handsomely.</p>
<p>Part of the reason is an unfavorable exchange rate. The Swiss franc is more robust than the U.S. dollar. Tickets to the movies will cost an average of $18.50 apiece and a hamburger meal at a fast food joint will put you back about $12.50, according to Mercer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 6. Hong Kong</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city6.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$7,092</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$3.87</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$5.67</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.23</b></div>
<p>Hong Kong's rental market is exploding. Home prices have climbed significantly and potential buyers are having such a hard time securing financing that they are turning to rental homes instead, according to Mercer's Miriam Siscovick.</p>
<p>While a luxury two-bedroom averages a little more than $7,000 a month, Mercer found that luxury three-bedroom apartments can go for more than $13,500 a month.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 5. Singapore</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city5.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$3,795</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$3.63</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$4.84</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.76</b></div>
<p>One of the fastest growing economies in the world, Singapore's per capita income is also one of the highest -- at $51,709. But thanks to a history of high inflation and taxes, residents still pay top dollar for goods and services.</p>
<p>When eating at a restaurant in Singapore, for example, be prepared to fork over a 7% goods and services tax and pay a 10% service charge, according to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 4. N'Djamena, Chad</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city4.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$2,245</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$6.94</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$3.06</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$0.98 </b></div>
<p>Just getting to N'Djamena is expensive. A round-trip flight from New York's JFK airport to this central African city costs at least $2,500, on Travelocity.</p>
<p>Once you get there, things don't get much cheaper. Order a club sandwich and a soda in Chad's capital city and it will easily cost you $25 or more, according to Mercer's report. Grab the daily paper and it will cost close to $7.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 3. Tokyo</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city3.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$4,513</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$5.37</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$6.98</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.74</b></div>
<p>Home to 13.2 million people, Tokyo is one of the most densely-populated cities in the world -- and that means real estate comes at a premium. Rents here are among some of the most expensive on the planet, with luxury two-bedroom apartments going for an average of $4,500 a month, according to Mercer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 2. Moscow</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city2.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$4,600</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$9.95</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$8.29</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.04</b></div>
<p>Rental apartments in Moscow can make Manhattan's prices look cheap, with unfurnished luxury two-bedrooms averaging $4,600 a month. And the imported goods and services that expats commonly want also command a premium. A gallon of milk costs an average of $7.59. Even a cup of coffee -- averaging more than $8 -- doesn't come cheap.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>and the most expensive city in the world....</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 1. Luanda, Angola</strong></p>
<p><strong><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city1.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></strong></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$6,500</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$5.42</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$3.88</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$0.63</b></div>
<p>Oil has brought this southern African country vast riches, but high taxes and internal strife keep prices extremely high.</p>
<p>For Americans who come to work here, everything can cost top dollar. A pair of blue jeans will cost an average $204, according to consulting firm Mercer's annual survey.</p>
<p>Such sky-high prices have created a big chasm between the haves and have-nots, with 40.5% of the population living in poverty according to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA.)</p>
<p>One thing that is relatively cheap here: gas, at an average of 63 cents a liter. But you'll still pay a high price to take a taxi.</p>
<div class="content"><p>While <a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-07-24/russia-will-grant-snowden-temporary-asylum-allowing-him-leave-airport">Edward Snowden can perhaps breathe a sigh of relief</a> at being abale to avoid the humdrum beat of airport food for a while, he will be stepping out into the 2nd most expensive city in the world. Based on a survey of over 200 items, <strong>Moscow ranks 2nd </strong>in the world (with $8 cups of coffee and $4,600 average apartment rental costs), and <strong>Tokyo 3rd</strong> (with $5 newspapers and $7 coffees). But the most expensive city in the world will come as a surprise to most and likely create the need for a Google Maps search. With 40.5% of the population of this nation living in property and the average monthly rent a sky-high $6,500, <strong>this southern African country's capital is the most expensive city in the world</strong> (it would seem the Chinese arrival in resource-rich African nations - N'Djamena, Chad is 4th - has had its hot-money inflationary effects).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u><strong>Most Expensive Cities In The World (<em><a href="http://money.cnn.com/gallery/pf/2013/07/23/most-expensive-cities/index.html">using Mercer data</a></em>)</strong></u></p>
<p><strong>Number 10. Sydney</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city10.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$2,551</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$6.20</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$5.16</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.51</b></div>
<p>A tight housing market has made Sydney an extremely expensive place for anyone to live. Few vacancies have driven rental prices higher, with the average rent on a luxury two-bedroom hitting more than $2,500 a month.</p>
<p>Prices for other goods aren't cheap either: Want a burger and a soda? That will cost you more than $9. A trip to the movies for two? Close to $40 -- and that's without popcorn.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 9. Bern, Switzerland</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city9.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$2,687</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.02</b></div>
<p>Even though Switzerland has experienced some deflation over the past couple of years, prices for everything from milk to movie tickets are still staggeringly high. The average cost for a fast food hamburger meal in Bern is $12.51 and a pair of blue jeans will cost an average $138.</p>
<p>For Americans, the prices are made all the more cumbersome due to an unfavorable exchange rate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 8. Zurich</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city8.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$3,915</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$5.98</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.02</b></div>
<p>One of the world's major financial centers, nearly one-quarter of the city's residents work at banks and investment firms. In fact, wealth and security are a way of life here. The unemployment rate is a super low 3.1%.</p>
<p>Yet, nothing comes cheap. A club sandwich will cost $30.45 (one of the most expensive club sandwiches in the world) and coffee rings in around $6 a cup, according to Mercer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 7. Geneva, Switzerland</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city7.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$4,350</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$4.35</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$6.52</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.02</b></div>
<p>One of three Swiss cities to make Mercer's list, Geneva offers many luxurious, well-crafted goods, as well as many everyday ones -- almost all of which will cost Americans handsomely.</p>
<p>Part of the reason is an unfavorable exchange rate. The Swiss franc is more robust than the U.S. dollar. Tickets to the movies will cost an average of $18.50 apiece and a hamburger meal at a fast food joint will put you back about $12.50, according to Mercer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 6. Hong Kong</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city6.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$7,092</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$3.87</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$5.67</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$2.23</b></div>
<p>Hong Kong's rental market is exploding. Home prices have climbed significantly and potential buyers are having such a hard time securing financing that they are turning to rental homes instead, according to Mercer's Miriam Siscovick.</p>
<p>While a luxury two-bedroom averages a little more than $7,000 a month, Mercer found that luxury three-bedroom apartments can go for more than $13,500 a month.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 5. Singapore</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city5.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$3,795</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$3.63</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$4.84</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.76</b></div>
<p>One of the fastest growing economies in the world, Singapore's per capita income is also one of the highest -- at $51,709. But thanks to a history of high inflation and taxes, residents still pay top dollar for goods and services.</p>
<p>When eating at a restaurant in Singapore, for example, be prepared to fork over a 7% goods and services tax and pay a 10% service charge, according to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 4. N'Djamena, Chad</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city4.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$2,245</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$6.94</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$3.06</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$0.98 </b></div>
<p>Just getting to N'Djamena is expensive. A round-trip flight from New York's JFK airport to this central African city costs at least $2,500, on Travelocity.</p>
<p>Once you get there, things don't get much cheaper. Order a club sandwich and a soda in Chad's capital city and it will easily cost you $25 or more, according to Mercer's report. Grab the daily paper and it will cost close to $7.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 3. Tokyo</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city3.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$4,513</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$5.37</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$6.98</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.74</b></div>
<p>Home to 13.2 million people, Tokyo is one of the most densely-populated cities in the world -- and that means real estate comes at a premium. Rents here are among some of the most expensive on the planet, with luxury two-bedroom apartments going for an average of $4,500 a month, according to Mercer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 2. Moscow</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city2.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$4,600</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$9.95</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$8.29</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$1.04</b></div>
<p>Rental apartments in Moscow can make Manhattan's prices look cheap, with unfurnished luxury two-bedrooms averaging $4,600 a month. And the imported goods and services that expats commonly want also command a premium. A gallon of milk costs an average of $7.59. Even a cup of coffee -- averaging more than $8 -- doesn't come cheap.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>and the most expensive city in the world....</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Number 1. Luanda, Angola</strong></p>
<p><strong><img alt="" src="http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/07/20130724_city1.jpg" style="width: 340px; height: 255px;" /></strong></p>
<div class="dataField">Monthly rent (luxury apt.): <b>$6,500</b></div>
<div class="dataField">International newspaper: <b>$5.42</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Cup of coffee: <b>$3.88</b></div>
<div class="dataField">Gas (per liter): <b>$0.63</b></div>
<p>Oil has brought this southern African country vast riches, but high taxes and internal strife keep prices extremely high.</p>
<p>For Americans who come to work here, everything can cost top dollar. A pair of blue jeans will cost an average $204, according to consulting firm Mercer's annual survey.</p>
<p>Such sky-high prices have created a big chasm between the haves and have-nots, with 40.5% of the population living in poverty according to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA.)</p>
<p>One thing that is relatively cheap here: gas, at an average of 63 cents a liter. But you'll still pay a high price to take a taxi.</p>
