The world’s 100 most expensive cities for 2026 have been revealed – here’s how Australia stacked up

If there’s one universal complaint shared by people living in major cities around the world, it’s the rising cost of living. From rent and electricity bills to gas and groceries, it’s a constant stream of cash disappearing down the drain. But some cities are far tougher on your bank account than others, as revealed in the latest Cost of Living Index. Interested in seeing how Australia’s major cities stack up? Read on to find out.

Published this week, Numbeo’s annual Cost of Living Index evaluates cities around the world by looking at the cost of rent, restaurants, groceries and local purchasing power. It then combines these factors to give us two separate cost of living rankings – one including rent and one without. 

You might be wondering why there’s one without rent. For travellers, it’s actually pretty useful – it shows which cities are most expensive for day-to-day living, without the big-ticket housing costs skewing the picture.

Switzerland’s reputation for being expensive is well earned, with Swiss cities claiming the top six spots on the Cost of Living Index (without rent). Once again, Zurich leads the pack (and comes second after New York when rent is factored in), with an overall cost of living score of 118.5. This puts it just ahead of Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano and Bern.

Two Australian cities rank in the top 100 most expensive for day-to-day living in 2026 – but that number increases to four once rent is factored in. Sydney is the priciest in both categories, with an overall cost of living index score of 75.1. This places it 60th globally (without rent), ahead of Canberra in 98th place, Melbourne at 102nd, the Gold Coast at 105th, Adelaide at 139th, Perth at 142nd and Brisbane at 180th.

When we factor in rent, the picture changes a fair bit. Sydney jumps to 35th globally, while the Gold Coast overtakes both Canberra and Melbourne, landing in 77th place. That’s pretty major, considering the GC isn’t a capital, unlike most cities included in the top 100 Cost of Living Index Plus Rent. You can see the full rankings here, or see our snapshot below.

The cities with the highest cost of living in Australia for 2026 (excluding rent)

1. Sydney (60th globally)
2. Canberra (98th)
3. Melbourne (102nd)
4. Gold Coast (105th)
5. Adelaide (139th)
6. Perth (142nd)
7. Brisbane (180th)

The cities with the highest cost of living in Australia for 2026 (including rent)

1. Sydney (35th globally)
2. Gold Coast (77th)
3. Melbourne (79th)
4. Canberra (84th)
5. Perth (103rd)
6. Brisbane (122nd)
7. Adelaide (127th)

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