The cost of living varies significantly from country to country, and 2026 is no exception. The Numbeo global index has recorded a significant increase in the cost of housing and food in dozens of countries, while some countries remain relatively affordable to live in. Learn more about the most expensive countries in the world, key price trends, and Ukraine's position in the ranking

The annual cost of living index from Numbeo remains one of the key benchmarks for those planning to move, work, or study abroad. In 2026, the ranking covers 155 countries and territories and shows significant differences in daily expenses between different regions of the world. The Bermuda Islands are the most expensive place to live, while Ukraine is at the bottom of the list.

How is the index calculated, which countries are in the top ten, and where does Ukraine rank? We'll tell you more in this article.

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How does the Numbeo index work and what does it measure?

The Numbeo cost of living index compares the level of daily expenses in different countries, taking New York as a reference point with a value of 100. It takes into account the cost of housing, food, transportation, utilities, and other everyday needs. A country's index reflects how much cheaper or more expensive it is to live there compared to one of the most expensive cities in the world.

For example, a rating of 80 indicates that prices in that country are 20% lower than in New York. A value above 100 means that everyday expenses exceed those in New York. This approach allows you to quickly assess the financial burden on your budget in the selected country and plan your expenses before you move.

Top 10 most expensive countries to live in 2026

The Bermuda Islands confidently occupy the first place in the ranking with an index of 123.5 — the only territory where the cost of living exceeds that of New York. This British overseas territory is known for its luxury real estate market, developed offshore industry, and high prices for virtually all categories of goods and services. The Cayman Islands (97.9) are in second place, and Switzerland (84.3), the most expensive country in continental Europe, rounds out the top three.

Next in the ranking are the US Virgin Islands (82.5), Singapore (81.2), the Bahamas (77.1), Iceland (75.9), Jersey (72.5), Hong Kong (69.8), and the Solomon Islands (65.4). It is worth noting that Singapore remains the most expensive city in Asia, while Iceland is one of the most expensive destinations in Northern Europe. A significant portion of the top ten are island territories with limited resources and high dependence on imports, which explains the increased cost of goods and services.

Rising housing and food prices: global trends

Despite a gradual decline in inflation in many regions, the cost of living continues to be a serious problem for households around the world. According to Numbeo, housing costs have risen by more than 50% in 28 countries since 2020. Rising real estate and rental prices are observed in both developed and developing economies, putting additional pressure on family budgets.

The situation with food prices deserves special attention. Food costs have risen sharply in countries such as Mexico, Germany, and Malaysia. This trend continues to affect the purchasing power of the population and forces households to review their spending patterns. For expats planning to work abroad, food inflation is becoming an important factor when choosing a country to move to.

Ukraine's position in the global cost of living ranking

Ukraine ranked 138th among 155 countries and territories in 2026, with an index of 19.2. This means that daily expenses in Ukraine are almost five times lower than in New York. On the one hand, this makes the country attractive to freelancers and remote workers with higher incomes. On the other hand, the low index reflects the general price level, which correlates with average wages in the country.

For Ukrainians considering employment abroad, the difference in the cost of living is a critical factor when planning their budget. Moving to a country with an index of 70–80 requires significantly more financial resources than living in Ukraine. Therefore, before making a decision, it is worth carefully comparing your expected income with the actual costs of rent, food, and transportation in your potential country of residence.

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Reminder! Where should you move if you are thinking not only about the present, but also about life in 10, 30, or even 100 years? Some countries are already investing in security, quality of life, and social development, while others are becoming less suitable for long-term residence. Here we discuss countries where it is worth building a life for the future and destinations that may disappoint.

Photo: Depositphotos

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