Bangkok Cracks Global Top 10 Most Expensive Cities

Bangkok has entered the world's top 10 most expensive cities for luxury living for the first time, according to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 published by Swiss private bank Julius Baer. The Thai capital climbed from 11th place in 2025 to 10th this year, marking its first appearance in the top 10 since Julius Baer introduced the index in 2020.

The ranking is based on the prices of 20 categories of premium goods and services across 25 cities worldwide, reflecting the cost of maintaining a high-end lifestyle for high-net-worth individuals. Julius Baer said the Asia-Pacific region remains a global wealth hub, with five cities in the top 10: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney and Bangkok. Bangkok's rise reflects growth in the luxury goods market and spending among affluent consumers in the region.

Singapore retained the top spot as the world's most expensive city for luxury living for a fourth consecutive year, driven by property and vehicle costs, as well as the strength of the Singapore dollar. Zurich climbed to second place, while Monaco entered the top three for the first time. Hong Kong and London ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

The report also found that the global cost of luxury living rose by an average of 10.2% in US dollar terms in 2026. Key factors included stronger currencies in several countries and higher material prices, particularly gold, which pushed up the cost of luxury items such as jewellery and watches.

Top 10 cities for luxury living costs in 2026: Singapore, Zurich (Switzerland), Monaco, Hong Kong, London (United Kingdom), Shanghai (China), Paris (France), Sydney (Australia), Milan (Italy), and Bangkok (Thailand).