Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in Europe (2025)

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in Europe (2025)

Date: 27 May 2025
Reading time: 6 minutes

Introduction

Europe's elegance often comes at a price. For expats, students, and remote workers, understanding the true cost of urban life is critical. This list highlights the 10 most expensive cities in Europe, ranked by overall cost of living, including rent, food, transport, and a special mention of the Big Mac Index a quirky yet effective global indicator of purchasing power.

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in Europe – Quick Comparison

1. Geneva, Switzerland

Luxury housing, international jobs, and world-class infrastructure make Geneva extremely desirable and pricey. Groceries, dining out, and even fast food are significantly more expensive than in other parts of Europe.

2. Zurich, Switzerland

A clean, organised, and highly productive city, Zurich is a magnet for finance professionals. While salaries are high, so are everyday costs from housing to lunch breaks.

3. London, United Kingdom

From skyrocketing rents to expensive transport, London remains one of the costliest cities to live in. That said, its cultural richness and career opportunities balance the equation for many.

4. Oslo, Norway

Taxes on alcohol, eating out, and even snacks make Oslo surprisingly expensive. However, Norway’s generous welfare and high wages cushion the blow.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s rising popularity and limited central housing drive prices up. Still, the city shines with its cycling culture, safety, and clean infrastructure.

6. Paris, France

Romantic yet costly. While Paris offers cheaper rent than London, costs for food, services, and transport still keep it among the top 10.

7. Dublin, Ireland

Fuelled by the tech industry, Dublin's housing market is tight and expensive. Eating out, groceries, and subscription services are also above average in cost.

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Beautiful canals come with high rent. Amsterdam’s transport and food costs are moderate but continue to climb due to tourism and expat demand.

9. Helsinki, Finland

Cold, clean, and expensive. Helsinki combines Nordic design with a fairly high cost of living, especially in terms of food and local transport.

10. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm rounds out the top 10 with a high but manageable cost structure. Housing prices are climbing steadily, while groceries and services remain on the upper end.

Big Mac Index – What It Reveals

The Big Mac Index, originally devised by The Economist, is a useful benchmark to evaluate currency strength and cost of living through the local price of a McDonald's Big Mac.

• Highest Big Mac Price: Geneva (€7.30)

• Lowest in Top 10: London (€5.20)

This reflects Switzerland's purchasing power and currency strength, while the UK’s relative affordability shows the effect of a weaker pound post-Brexit.

Conclusion

Choosing to live in one of Europe's top cities comes with a cost literally. While each city offers incredible benefits, they demand financial readiness. Whether you're relocating for work or lifestyle, it's essential to calculate what "expensive" truly means in your context.