Business | Worldwide Cost of Living

The expenses of Japan

Tokyo is still the most expensive city in the world

By A.B.

TOKYO is still the most expensive city in the world according to the latest Worldwide Cost of Living survey from the Economist Intelligence Unit. The Japanese capital retains the position it won last year. (It had previously held the top spot until 2006, before its demotion by Oslo and, later, Paris.) The strength of the yen is mainly responsible for Tokyo's current ranking, as it is for Osaka Kobe's third place. Indeed, a kilo of white rice that would cost $1.77 in Hong Kong and $3.42 in New York will set you back an eye-watering $7.96 in Tokyo.
Reuse this content

Can Korea Inc step up?

Asia’s faded corporate star gets another chance to shine

EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen speaks into a microphone.

Europe’s attempted bonfire of red tape is impressing no one

From CSRD to GDPR, the EU’s alphabet soup is still causing despair

Container gantry cranes are seen at the container terminal 'Eurogate' in the harbour of the northern German city of Hamburg

Will European business turn away from America?

Trump’s tariffs are making China look more attractive

The Economist’s business internship

We invite applications for the 2025 Marjorie Deane internship

Boeing enjoys a Trump bump

Are its troubles finally behind it?

The contest to cash in on Chinese AI heats up

Who will come out ahead?