Hong Kong is now among the 10 most expensive locations for expats

Higher inflation and a strengthening currency have seen Hong Kong rocket into the fourth most expensive location in the world for expats, up from 11th last year.

That makes the former British colony, which has been making global headlines this week for protests over controversial legislation that would allow extraditions to China for the first time, one of the most pricey places to live in the Asia-Pacific region.

That’s according to the latest cost of living survey published by ECA International. The annual study compares a basket of like-for-like consumer goods and services in 482 locations worldwide.

“Prices in Hong Kong rose at a faster rate in the past 12 months than in Tokyo, Shanghai and Seoul, all of which were ranked higher in our previous survey,” ECA’s regional director for Asia, Lee Quane, said.

Globally, cities in Europe saw a marked fall in their rankings, while U.S. cities all saw big rises as the dollar strengthened. Philadelphia and Boston each rose by over 40 places from last year, whilst Manhattan was the highest placed U.S. location, moving up nine places to 21st.

An uncertain year for the Euro saw prominent European locations such as Berlin, Rome and Madrid all drop over twenty places in the rankings.

Topping the global and Asia-Pacific lists, oddly enough, is the Turkmenistan capital of Ashgabat, which has notably been described as "Las Vegas meets Pyongyang."

Here are the world's top 10 most expensive locations

1. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
2. Zurich, Switzerland
3. Geneva, Switzerland
4. Hong Kong
5. Basel, Switzerland
6. Bern, Switzerland
7. Tokyo, Japan
8. Seoul, Korea Republic
9. Tel Aviv, Israel
10. Shanghai, China

In Asia, Singapore also saw a significant rise in the cost of living rankings, moving up to 12th place from 20th. Cities in China remained broadly stable, with none of the 14 centers moving more than four places.

Asia-Pacific's top 10 most expensive locations

1. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
2. Hong Kong
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Seoul, Korea Republic
5. Shanghai, China
6. Singapore
7. Yokohama, Japan
8. Beijing, China
9. Busan, Korea Republic
10. Nagoya, Japan

ECA’s survey helps companies to ensure employees’ spending power is maintained when they’re sent overseas on assignments. Certain living costs, such as rent, utilities and school fees, aren’t included.

Bloomberg Pursuits

Bloomberg Pursuits curates the best in cars, food, drinks, travel, watches and more for the modern globally-minded executive, and is republished under licence by Executive Traveller.