Asian Cities Cost of Living Rankings 2025

Most Expensive Cities

Singapore has been and continues to be the most costly city in Asia for the third time in a row, coming first in the world for the richest people with the cost of living index of 187 (Prague is at 100). The price of living in the city-state with incredibly high housing prices, premium oversea services, and imported products is not affordable for everyone.

With an index of 162, Hong Kong comes second in the Asia area, the reason being the very expensive property market and hard to live costs for expats with a cost of living index of 122.1 in comparison with the baseline of 100 in New York.

Seoul comes in third place with an index of 96 which shows the economic power of South Korea. Shanghai is placed at 83 among the cities that are still expensive but it has the cheapest local services like $2 for a taxi and $0.50 for metro rides. Tokyo is the 5th most expensive city, coming up the ranks six spots to 17th among the cities globally.

Bangkok has made a big leap of six spots to 11th globally, thanks to its tourism and urban development but street meals still cost less than $3.

Mid-Range and Affordable Options

Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City are cheaper options in the top 37-45 cities in Asia, they offer contemporary conveniences for lower prices.The lowest priced major cities are Chengdu, China (index 55), Bangalore, India (index 46), Dhaka, Bangladesh (index 43), and Yogyakarta, Indonesia (index 34). For digital nomads, the city of Kuching, Malaysia caters to around $650 monthly for riverside living with meals at about $2.50 which is a great deal.