We all know that travelling can get a little too expensive. But did you know that some places are extraordinarily expensive they will leave you totally broke? Yes, some cities are just exceptionally good in getting money from tourists.
But can you guess where some of the most pricey destinations are?
UBS recently released a price and earnings report which looked at how much a night stay in various cities across the globe would cost.
The report takes into consideration the cost for staying in a first-class hotel for two people, the cost for eating in two restaurant diners, and the cost of taking a taxi, two public transport tickets, a rental car, and train.
The result? Well, here are the top 5 travel destinations that are going to leave your wallet dry.
1. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, is often described as the most expensive in the world has a cost of living that’s 185% times higher than one of the world’s least expensive city, Kiev.
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, and here’s a rundown of how much a couple of travellers can expect to spend while in Zurich:
• Restaurant: $150
• 5 Star Hotel: $440
• 3 Star Hotel: $320
• Bus, Tram or Metro: $3.75
• Taxi: $27.59
• Train: $73.39
2. Geneva, Switzerland
Another entry for Switzerland, and another very expensive city to visit on a sightseeing break.
Expect to pay:
• Restaurant: $140
• 5 Star Hotel: $410
• 3 Star Hotel: $200
• Bus, Tram or Metro: $3.12
• Taxi: $20.58
• Train: $77.55
3. New York, USA
New York is one of the most desirable and famous cities on the planet, and it really is somewhere everyone should visit.
Made famous in a million films and tv series, the Big Apple is one of the most expensive cities in the USA and the world.
To live here you really need a six figure salary and even for a short break don’t expect any easy time on your wallet.
• Restaurant: $110
• 5 Star Hotel: $590
• 3 Star Hotel: $380
• Bus, Tram or Metro: $2.75
• Taxi: $11.67
• Train: $52.50
There are though lots of free things to do in NYC, and also street food which can help avoid huge restaurants bills.
4. Oslo, Norway
Thanks to the high strength of the Norwegian Krone Oslo has become the most expensive city in the world, even ahead of cities like Tokyo.
Norway has long been renowned for its high prices and previous ECA surveys have ranked Oslo as the most expensive capital city in Europe.
The increasing value of the Krona has been the main contributor to the hikes in living costs as the country’s huge revenues from oil exports have boosted the Norwegian economy.
“Norway has among the highest standards of living in the world, largely derived from its oil revenues,” the survey said. “While prices there have increased little in the last year, the free floating Norwegian Krone has remained strong, reflecting the country’s relative economic resilience.”
For a city break in the Norwegian capital, you can expect to pay:
• Restaurant: $150
• 5 Star Hotel: $280
• 3 Star Hotel: $170
• Bus, Tram or Metro: $3.8
• Taxi: $32.10
• Train: $61.77
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and second entry in Scandinavia on our list. Here is a rough guide to prices you can expect to pay:
• Restaurant: $110
• 5 Star Hotel: $300
• 3 Star Hotel: $190
• Bus, Tram or Metro: $4.63
• Taxi: $15.45
• Train: $49.03
Other Cities
These cities are more of the most expensive cities you can expect to visit:
- Luanda, Angola
- Stavanger, Norway
- Moscow, Russia
- Juba, South Sudan
- Tokyo, Japan
- Basel, Switzerland
- Bern, Switzerland
Due to hikes in living costs there are now four African cities listed in the top 20 most costly expat destinations with Angola’s Luanda right up there. Sudan’s Juba, Brazzaville in the Congo and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo are the others.
Moscow and the Norwegian city, Stavanger also form part of the list.
As currencies varied in strength cities that were formerly classed the most expensive fell down the table. Portugal’s capital Lisbon is not even in the top 50 and London fell 21 places to 87th place.
Following Norway as Europe’s most expensive nation is Switzerland which had four cities in the top ten. Sydney Australia fell to 17th place as the Australian Dollar begins to slide against global currencies.
Flights, accommodation, food and transport are going to eat most of your budget when travelling. Are you still going to visit these cities? Or have you been? Let us know your experiences.
If you are looking to travel but worried about finances check out this guide how to go backpacking on the cheap or this a list of the cheapest cities in Europe.