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Examining Europe’s most expensive locations to live in

May 19, 2016 11:07 by author

Anyone that lives in, or near, London will know that it’s expensive to do so. But Britain’s capital might have the highest rents in all of Europe, other places are more expensive.

Glassdoor report that people in the UK spend the majority of their wage just on finding a place to live, but as their “Which Countries in Europe Offer the Best Standard of Living?” study shows, it isn’t just life in London that comes at a price.

The calculations consider income against the amount of money that is needed to buy a standard basket of goods and services – groceries, transport, rent, utilities etc. (you get the idea).

So here are the top 8 locations, alongside why they rank as they do. Any guesses as to where tops the list? (Clue: It isn’t London).

8. Dublin

In good news for Irelanders, wages in Dublin are among the highest in Europe. Unfortunately though, housing and transportation costs are rising rapidly, as are grocery prices. Those factors combined means the Republic of Ireland capital sneaks on to the list.

7. Paris

Property prices in the French capital are primary reason for a high cost of living. Modest wages help to exacerbate the issue.

6. Copenhagen

Given its position as a cultural, economic and governmental powerhouse, Copenhagen features in sixth place as general costs are high. Despite this, it’s still the most populated city in Denmark.

5. Bergen

It would be easy to think that the cost of living is lower in the mountains and fjords of Norway, but in fact the city on Norway’s southwestern coast is exceptionally expensive. It costs more to live in one of the cities multi-coloured wooden houses than it does to live in Los Angeles.

4. Oslo

Sticking with the Norwegian theme, life in the country’s capital is also very costly. While some of the highest wages can be found there, so too can some of the most costly utilities, groceries and transport. To put things in perspective, a fast-food option will likely cost more than it would to buy a full sit-down meal in southern European cities.

3. London

And here’s the place for the Britain’s capital. It might be home to a number of world banks and an economic powerhouse, but living costs are among Europe’s highest. High rents take up a considerable portion of income, meaning money has to be made to stretch further.

2. Zurich

The cost of transportation, utilities and accommodation makes living in Switzerland’s financial hub a very costly process. It seems the country has a reputation for being expensive for a reason.

1. Geneva

Income levels might be among the highest in Europe but so too is the cost of living. Life in Geneva is 3% more expensive than New York City. Switzerland is just expensive. End of. It’s still worth visiting though!