There isn't one single "most unaffordable country," as it depends on the metric (housing vs. general cost of living) and location, but Hong Kong consistently ranks as the least affordable for housing (highest price-to-income ratio), while countries like Switzerland, Singapore, and the U.S. Virgin Islands often top lists for high cost of living, with high costs for daily expenses in places like Australia, Canada, and Norway impacting residents significantly, especially expats.
Here are the 10 least affordable countries for expats in 2025, according to InterNations:
Australia ranks 18th overall in Compare the Market's 2025 Cost of Living Index, with an Affordability Index score of 58.01. While it doesn't make the top tier of the cheapest countries to live in 2025, it remains a strong contender.
One recent global comparison of 60 countries put Australia sixth place for the price of a 'typical' apartment purchase cost per 100m², ranking behind Norway, Austria, Luxembourg, South Korea, and most expensive, Switzerland.
Is it cheaper to live in Australia or America? It depends on where you're comparing. Major U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco are typically more expensive than Sydney or Melbourne, but overall living costs—especially groceries and housing—can be higher in Australia due to import prices and taxes.
Singapore is ranked 1st & most expensive while Kuala Lumpur is the least expensive city. Addendum : The finding is based on Mercer's 2020 cost of living surveys among employers & employees/expatriates worldwide. Hong Kong has the highest cost of living while Tunis is the least expensive worldwide.
The cheapest countries to live in are Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burundi. The cost of living alone should not be the decisive factor for those hoping to move to a more affordable place. Some of the most affordable countries in the world are considered to be also the most dangerous to live in.
The richest country by GDP (PPP) per capita is often cited as Singapore, followed closely by Luxembourg, depending on the specific report and year, with Singapore leading in 2025 estimates with around $156,000-$157,000 per person, while Luxembourg is a strong contender just below that, highlighting small, finance-heavy economies as wealthiest per person.
In fact, Paris and Melbourne are the only two cities on the top 10 list with more than 100 luxury hotels per capita. Zurich came in third, but boasted the most millionaires per 100,000 residents of all the cities on the list with 17,700. Miami and Milan rounded out the top five.
Yes, $70k is a fair salary in Australia, often near the median income, making it a decent living for a single person, especially outside major cities, but it can be tight in expensive areas or for those with high living costs like mortgages, with full-time averages now closer to $90k-$100k.
Hobart, Tasmania, is widely recognized as the cheapest major city, but smaller regional towns in Queensland and South Australia can offer even lower living costs.
Yes, AUD 5,000 (around $3,300 USD) can be enough for a single person's month in Australia, especially in regional areas or if you're budget-conscious and can find work quickly, but it will be tight in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, where it covers basics but leaves little for luxury, according to Anzuk Education and Reddit users, as city living costs, especially rent, can quickly consume most of that, requiring careful planning for accommodation, food, and activities.
South Sudan is widely considered the poorest country in the world in 2025-2026, consistently ranking first due to extremely low GDP per capita and a high percentage (over 80%) of its population living in extreme poverty, driven by prolonged civil conflict, displacement, and disruption of its agricultural economy. Other nations frequently cited as among the poorest include Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Yemen, also suffering from conflict and instability.
Australia currently stands as the second-wealthiest country in the world, with a median wealth per adult of US$268,000 (AU$413,000). In other words, half the population has more than this amount and half has less.
By 2050, China is projected to be the world's richest country by total GDP, leading a significant shift where emerging economies like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia rise to challenge traditional giants, with the U.S. potentially falling to third, while Singapore might become the richest per capita (PPP), though these predictions depend heavily on technological progress, political stability, and growth rates.
The United States is richer than China when comparing total economic output (nominal GDP) and individual wealth (GDP per capita), but China leads in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) GDP, reflecting its massive domestic market's buying power, and has a larger overall economy by some measures, though the US remains ahead. The US has significantly more millionaires and billionaires, showing greater wealth concentration.
Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026
Singapore has retained the top spot for the third consecutive year as the world's most expensive city. Long considered a desirable city for the wealthy due to its business environment, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and global connectivity, London has moved up into the second spot.
First of all, the country's low prices can be attributed to its currency, which is often cheaper than the Vietnamese Dong. Countries using the US Dollar, Euro, or British Pound have a strong purchasing power against the Vietnamese Dong. Read to find the places to exchange money in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
Zurich. Consistently ranking at the top, Zurich has earned its reputation as one of the best quality-of-life cities in the world. This Swiss financial and cultural hub boasts a nearly unmatched combination of high educational attainment, exceptional public transportation, and meticulous urban environments.
10 most expensive places to live in the world
1. Hawaii: The Undisputed Cost Leader. Hawaii maintains its position as the most expensive state by a wide margin, with living costs nearly twice the national average. The cost of living index for Hawaii sits between 182.3 and 193.3, depending on the specific island and community.