Zurich, one of three Swiss cities in the top ten, ranks third in the world for expenses faced by expats, according to Mercer’s 21st annual Cost of Living Survey released in New York on Tuesday.
Switzerland’s largest city comes behind second-place Hong Kong and — here’s the surprise — Luanda, the capital of Angola.
“Despite being recognized as a relatively inexpensive city, the cost of imported goods and safe living conditions (in Luanda) comes at a steep price,” Mercer said.
Zurich, fifth-ranked Geneva and ninth-ranked Bern are the only European cities in the top ten costliest places to live, according to the survey.
The Swiss cities habitually find themselves at the top of lists for cost of living, with prices fuelled by relatively high salaries and a strong currency.
“Switzerland remains one of the most expensive locations for expatriates due to the surge of the Swiss franc against the euro,” Mercer said.
However, the American dollar has actually strengthened against the franc, as it has against the euro.
The cheapest city, according to the survey, is Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
The survey of 207 cities measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.
Mercer describes itself as a global consulting leader in health, wealth and careers.
For more about the survey' s findings, check the video below:
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