Sofia Among the Top Risers in Cost of Living for Foreigners

Photo: Stella Ivanova

Sofia has climbed six places to occupy the 162nd position in the 2024 cost of living ranking by the management consulting company Mercer, which lists the most expensive cities for foreigners. This index includes 226 cities worldwide, measuring the relative price of over 200 items in each location, such as transportation, food, clothing, household goods, and entertainment.

London entered the top 10 of the world's most expensive cities for foreigners, according to DPA, climbing nine places from last year to reach the eighth position in Mercer's 2024 cost of living ranking. Just below New York, the cost of living and rent prices are driving up expenses for expats in London.

Hong Kong retained its top spot in this year's ranking, followed by Singapore. The Swiss cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Basel complete the top five. Paris is ranked 29th, and Dublin 41st. Other expensive European cities include Copenhagen (11th), Vienna (24th), and Amsterdam (30th).

In the ranking, Sofia has risen six places to the 162nd position, while Bucharest, the Romanian capital, is slightly ahead at 155th place. The index includes 226 cities worldwide, measuring the relative price of over 200 items in each location, such as transportation, food, clothing, household goods, and entertainment.

Montevideo in Uruguay ranks as the most expensive location for international employees in South America at number 42, followed by Buenos Aires (77th, down 32 places) and Sao Paulo (124th). Santiago in Chile fell 73 places to 160th on the list. Abuja in Nigeria ranked last as the cheapest capital city at number 226.

Mercer's research aims to help multinational employers plan workers' compensation packages. Rising housing costs and volatile inflation trends are challenging...

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