Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

35 Most Expensive Countries in the World To Live In

In this article, we will talk about the 35 most expensive countries in the world to live in. We will discuss the changing dynamics of the dollar and how it has impacted different industries. You can skip our detailed analysis and head straight to the 10 Most Expensive Countries in the World To Live In.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic took to rest, the world has resorted to talking more and more about the economic implications the pandemic has left the world to deal with. The uncertainty that comes with the current economic status causes alarm to economists. 

As per a report by the World Economic Forum, Asia is among the fastest-growing regions in the world post-pandemic. China is expected to lead economic growth in the region, with 97% of economists predicting moderate growth. Compared to Asia, the economic outlook for Europe is particularly on the rough side. However, more evidence is required to suggest whether the region will face weak economic growth. Only 6% of respondents expected weak growth in Europe, a significant improvement from 68% of economists suggesting weak growth in January 2023. However, global economics is more complex and the strengthening of the US dollar has had a greater impact than expected. 

What is Happening With the Dollar?

Since last year, the dollar has gained immense traction in the world. As a global currency reserve, the dollar has been in high demand by countries and the general population. However, the volatility and uncertainty surrounding global economics is a cause of alarm to economists.  

The strengthening dollar ultimately has widespread implications for other economies, especially emerging markets. The US dollar particularly makes these economies cheaper for citizens. For instance, a strong dollar will indefinitely make it cheaper for people to buy goods abroad. The currency dynamics immensely benefit people traveling to other parts of the world from the United States. As of last year, there have been various reports of Europe being considerably cheaper for US citizens. 

For instance, if we look back to 2022, a report by Bloomberg published on May 22, 2022, suggested that with the dollar rising, it is the best time for Americans to take trips to other parts of the world, especially Europe. The dollar rose to new heights last year. As a foreign currency reserve, the dollar is a safe option. 

Additionally, the Russia-Ukraine conflict was a major blow to the Euro. Russia is a major trading partner in the region. Therefore, any conflict in the country would have significant repercussions on the value of the Euro. To cater to the declining value of the Euro in 2022, Europeans turned to purchasing the dollar as a haven.

Lastly, rampant rate hikes by the Fed added to the strength of the dollar. The economic policies of the United States have boosted the value of the dollar globally. Moreover, as of last year and early 2023, economists predicted that the Fed will continue to increase interest rates and contribute to a greater global demand for the dollar.

However, 2023 has only brought significant changes to the global economy. On August 30, Reuters reported that the dollar’s strength against the Euro was short-lived. On Wednesday, the dollar dropped to a two-week low against the Euro. Such has made traveling to Europe more expensive, crushing the hopes of people who had already booked a summer Euro trip hoping for a cheap vacation. With this recent update, experts have begun to wonder whether the Fed will further increase interest rates, as opposed to the current pattern. According to experts, there is a 91% chance that the drop in the dollar marks the conclusion of the tightening cycle by the Fed.

As global economic conditions continue to change, it has become increasingly difficult to predict economic outcomes. Therefore, we can not assess whether the US dollar will continue to rise or face a major decline in value towards the end of 2023. 

How Do Companies Win Against the US Dollar?

The uncertainty concerning the dollar has hardly hit US companies catering significantly to the overseas market. Multinational corporations, with most of their market located outside the United States, tend to suffer the most when the dollar is volatile.

However, the outlook for multinational corporations is not all bleak. Companies like The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) have been standing strong against rising prices and declining global demand. On July 26, Reuters reported that the company forecasts an increase in organic revenue growth of 8-9% for the fiscal year 2023, despite an increase in the average beverage price by 10% and declining demand in North America by 1%.

The Coca-Cola Company’s (NYSE:KO) success tells another story. Companies like The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) heavily invest in ancillary projects, ensuring they stay in demand for longer. On May 25, the company reported a partnership with global donors and the African government to improve the healthcare system in Africa systematically. Project Last Mile is focused on providing and distributing life-saving medicines to everyone in Africa. Engaging in such projects eventually gains traction for a company, reducing the price elasticity of demand, as is the case for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO).

Additionally, Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) announced fourth-quarter results for the fiscal year 2023 on July 28. The company reported earnings per share of $1.37 and outperformed estimates by $0.05. The company’s revenue for the quarter amounted to $20.55 billion, up 5.32% year over year and ahead of revenue consensus by $566.59 million. The financial results for the business looked strong against the dollar. The company reported growing organic sales in all its product categories. Jon Moeller, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer stated:

“The April-June quarter provided a very strong finish to fiscal year 2023 – top-line growth, bottom-line growth, and cash generation. The team met or exceeded our going-in plans for sales, earnings, and cash in a difficult operating environment and despite significant cost headwinds. As we look forward to fiscal 2024, we expect to deliver strong organic sales growth, EPS growth and free cash flow productivity – each in-line with our long-term growth algorithm, despite continued macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. We remain committed to our strategy – a focus on daily use categories where performance drives brand choice, superiority (of product, package, communication, go-to-market execution and value), productivity, constructive disruption, and an agile and accountable organization structure and culture – all in pursuit of sustainable, balanced growth and value creation.”

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) reported its second-quarter results for the fiscal year 2023 on July 28, 2023. Like The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), the Colgate-Palmolive Company also experienced positive returns this quarter compared to the previous year. The company’s revenue for the quarter jumped 7.54% year over year and amounted to $4.82 billion, surpassing analyst estimates by $125.85 million. The company reported an EPS of $0.77 and beat expectations by $0.02. As stated by Noel Wallace, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer:

“We are pleased to have delivered another quarter of strong top-line momentum along with an increase in profitability. Net sales increased 7.5% and organic sales grew 8.0%. Gross profit margin, operating profit margin, operating profit, net income, earnings per share and free cash flow all increased versus the year ago quarter. Our strong results this quarter and in the first half add to our confidence that we are executing the right strategies to deliver on our updated 2023 financial targets, drive cash flow and generate long-term value for our stakeholders.”

These statements by the chairman of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) indicate the need for companies to constantly enhance their product portfolio, invest in innovative ideas, and make calculated decisions.

Now that we have discussed the implications of the US dollar on the global market, let’s assess the 35 most expensive countries in the world.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the 30 most expensive countries in the world to live in, we ranked countries based on their cost of living index for mid-year 2023. The numbers were extracted from Numbeo and are ranked in ascending order.

35 Most Expensive Countries in the World To Live In

35. Malta

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 59.4

While the cost of living in Malta is relatively lower than in the United States and the rest of the Western European countries, the country is still among the most expensive countries to live in. The cost of living index in Malta is 59.4.

Not only does the US dollar impact the cost of living, it also shapes the way global business works. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), and Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) are a few examples of companies that are standing strong against the uncertainty of the US dollar.

34. United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 60.7

The United Arab Emirates enjoys a relatively high standard of living, therefore pushing up prices for domestic goods and services. UAE has a cost of living index of 60.7.

33. Sweden

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 60.9

With a cost of living index of 60.9, Sweden is among the most expensive countries in the world to live in. High rent prices are primary contributors to the high cost of living in the country.

32. Italy

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 61.0

Italy has a cost of living index of 61. While living in Italy is less expensive than living in the United States, larger cities like Rome and Milan are expensive destinations.

31. Uruguay

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 61.0

High rent prices coupled with high food costs, Uruguay is among the most expensive countries in the world. The cost of living in the country is 61.

30. Isle of Man

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 62.5

The cost of clothing in the Isle of Man is particularly very expensive. While it is a desirable option for people to live in, the expenditure may be relatively high. The cost of living in the country is 62.5.

29. United Kingdom

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 63.6

The United Kingdom is known for its notoriously high rent prices. In fact, rent takes up most of the people’s income. With a cost of living index of 63.6, the country is one of the most expensive countries to live in.

28. Macao (China)

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 65.0

Alcohol and food are particularly expensive in Macao. However, it is possible to have budget meals in the country, making it a relatively inexpensive option overall. The country has a cost of living index of 65.

27. Belgium

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 65.8

Accommodation and food costs in Belgium are very expensive. With a cost of living index of 65.8, Belgium is among the most expensive countries in the world.

26. Germany

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 66.0

Germany faces a high cost of real estate, a primary contributor to the cost of living in the country. Germany has a cost of living index of 66, reflecting its rank as the 26th most expensive country to live in.

25. Netherlands

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 67.5

People in the country have to face high rental costs, food costs, and transportation costs. With a cost of living index of 67.5, the Netherlands is among the most expensive countries to live in.

24. Canada

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 68.0

Canada is known for its state welfare benefits. However, the prices of everyday items such as chicken, milk, internet, and housing are really expensive. Canada has a cost of living index of 68.

23. Puerto Rico

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 68.5

High rents and food costs contribute to the country’s rank as one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. Puerto Rico has a cost of living index of 68.5.

22. Finland

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 68.7

Food, coffee, and alcohol costs in Finland are particularly very high. It is very expensive to afford full-course meals from restaurants. The country has a cost of living index of 68.7.

21. Austria

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 68.7

The high food prices in Austria contribute to the country’s rank as one of the most expensive countries to live in. Austria has a cost of living index of 68.7

20. France

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 69.1

Compared to the rest of the European countries, the prices for groceries and essentials are particularly high in France. With a cost of living index of 69.1, France is among the most expensive countries to live in.

19. South Korea

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 69.2

South Korea is not a cheap country to live in. The cost of living, especially in the capital Seoul, is relatively higher than in neighboring countries, contributing to a cost of living index of 69.2.

18. Israel

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 70.0

The cost of food and agriculture is particularly very high in the country, therefore, contributing to a high cost of living index. Israel is the 18th most expensive country in the world to live in.

17. Ireland

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 70.4

With a cost of living index of 70.4, Ireland is among the most expensive countries to live in. The transport, communications, alcohol, and tobacco industry in Ireland is particularly very expensive.

16. New Zealand

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 70.7

New Zealand imports most of its goods and services. With its absurd geographic location, the country is isolated from the world, contributing to high retail prices of domestic products.

15. Luxembourg

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 71.7

Luxembourg has long been known as the country with the highest standard of living. Therefore, with a booming economy and large family incomes, the domestic prices for goods and services are also high.

14. Guernsey

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 71.8

The island suffers from limited space. The lack of spaces pushes the prices of housing making it unaffordable for most.

13. Hong Kong (China)

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 72.4

With a cost of living index of 72.4, Hong Kong is among the most expensive countries to live in. The country is expensive due to its large population and growing economy.

12. United States

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 74.2

The labor market in the United States enjoys high wages, ultimately leaving people with more disposable income to spend. This naturally increases costs for businesses, pushing the retail prices for goods and services.

11. Australia

Cost of Living Index (2023 Mid-Year): 75.4

Lack of competition between firms and high taxes together contribute to the high standards of living in the country.

The impact of a strong dollar extends to giants like The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), and Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL).

Click to continue reading and see the 10 Most Expensive Countries in the World To Live In.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 35 Most Expensive Countries in the World To Live In is originally published on Insider Monkey.

The $250 Trillion AI Hype is Real. A few years from now, you’ll probably wish you’d bought this stock.

When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard.

Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences.

At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000.

Do the math. According to Musk, this technology could be worth $250 trillion by 2040.

Put another way, that’s roughly equal to:

  • 175 Teslas
  • 107 Amazons
  • 140 Metas
  • 84 Googles
  • 65 Microsofts
  • And 55 Nvidias

And here’s the wild part — this $250 trillion wave isn’t tied to one company, but to an entire ecosystem of AI innovators set to reshape the global economy.

It’s a leap so massive, it could reshape how businesses, governments, and consumers operate worldwide.

Even if that $250 trillion figure sounds ambitious, major firms like PwC and McKinsey still see AI unlocking multi-trillion-dollar potential.

How could anything be worth that much?

The answer lies in a breakthrough so powerful it’s redefining how humanity works, learns, and creates.

And this breakthrough has already set off a frenzy among hedge funds and Wall Street’s top investors.

What most investors don’t realize is that one under-owned company holds the key to this $250 trillion revolution.

In fact, Verge argues this company’s supercheap AI technology should concern rivals.

Before I reveal the details, let’s talk about how some of the richest people on the planet are positioning themselves.

  • Bill Gates sees artificial intelligence as the “biggest technological advance in my lifetime,” more transformative than the internet or personal computer, capable of improving healthcare, education, and addressing climate change.
  • Larry Ellison — through Oracle, is spending billions on Nvidia chips and partnering with Cohere to embed generative AI across Oracle’s cloud and apps.
  • Warren Buffett — not known for tech hype — says this breakthrough could have a ‘hugely beneficial social impact.

When billionaires from Silicon Valley to Wall Street line up behind the same idea — you know it’s worth paying attention to.

Even as we admire what Tesla, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft have built, we believe an even greater opportunity lies elsewhere…

But the real story isn’t Nvidia — it’s a much smaller company quietly improving the critical technology that makes this entire revolution possible.

And judging by what I’m hearing from both Silicon Valley insiders and Wall Street veterans…

This prediction might not be bold at all:

A few years from now, you’ll wish you’d owned this stock.

The best part? You can discover everything about this company and its groundbreaking technology right now.

I’ve compiled everything you need to know about this groundbreaking company in a detailed, members-only report.

Trust me — you’ll want to read this report before putting another dollar into any tech stock.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 a month, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.

• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.

• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149

• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews

• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

If you’re thinking about getting in, don’t wait – because once Wall Street catches wind of this story, the easy money will be gone.

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99 a month.

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!

AI, Tariffs, Nuclear Power: One Undervalued Stock Connects ALL the Dots (Before It Explodes!)

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

AI is eating the world—and the machines behind it are ravenous.

Each ChatGPT query, each model update, each robotic breakthrough consumes massive amounts of energy. In fact, AI is already pushing global power grids to the brink.

Wall Street is pouring hundreds of billions into artificial intelligence—training smarter chatbots, automating industries, and building the digital future. But there’s one urgent question few are asking:

Where will all of that energy come from?

AI is the most electricity-hungry technology ever invented. Each data center powering large language models like ChatGPT consumes as much energy as a small city. And it’s about to get worse.

Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, issued a stark warning:

“The future of AI depends on an energy breakthrough.”

Elon Musk was even more blunt:

“AI will run out of electricity by next year.”

As the world chases faster, smarter machines, a hidden crisis is emerging behind the scenes. Power grids are strained. Electricity prices are rising. Utilities are scrambling to expand capacity.

And that’s where the real opportunity lies…

One little-known company—almost entirely overlooked by most AI investors—could be the ultimate backdoor play. It’s not a chipmaker. It’s not a cloud platform. But it might be the most important AI stock in the US owns critical energy infrastructure assets positioned to feed the coming AI energy spike.

As demand from AI data centers explodes, this company is gearing up to profit from the most valuable commodity in the digital age: electricity.

The “Toll Booth” Operator of the AI Energy Boom

  • It owns critical nuclear energy infrastructure assets, positioning it at the heart of America’s next-generation power strategy.
  • It’s one of the only global companies capable of executing large-scale, complex EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) projects across oil, gas, renewable fuels, and industrial infrastructure.
  • It plays a pivotal role in U.S. LNG exportation—a sector about to explode under President Trump’s renewed “America First” energy doctrine.

Trump has made it clear: Europe and U.S. allies must buy American LNG.

And our company sits in the toll booth—collecting fees on every drop exported.

But that’s not all…

As Trump’s proposed tariffs push American manufacturers to bring their operations back home, this company will be first in line to rebuild, retrofit, and reengineer those facilities.

AI. Energy. Tariffs. Onshoring. This One Company Ties It All Together.

While the world is distracted by flashy AI tickers, a few smart investors are quietly scooping up shares of the one company powering it all from behind the scenes.

AI needs energy. Energy needs infrastructure.

And infrastructure needs a builder with experience, scale, and execution.

This company has its finger in every pie—and Wall Street is just starting to notice.

Wall Street is noticing this company also because it is quietly riding all of these tailwinds—without the sky-high valuation.

While most energy and utility firms are buried under mountains of debt and coughing up hefty interest payments just to appease bondholders…

This company is completely debt-free.

In fact, it’s sitting on a war chest of cash—equal to nearly one-third of its entire market cap.

It also owns a huge equity stake in another red-hot AI play, giving investors indirect exposure to multiple AI growth engines without paying a premium.

And here’s what the smart money has started whispering…

The Hedge Fund Secret That’s Starting to Leak Out

This stock is so off-the-radar, so absurdly undervalued, that some of the most secretive hedge fund managers in the world have begun pitching it at closed-door investment summits.

They’re sharing it quietly, away from the cameras, to rooms full of ultra-wealthy clients.

Why? Because excluding cash and investments, this company is trading at less than 7 times earnings.

And that’s for a business tied to:

  • The AI infrastructure supercycle
  • The onshoring boom driven by Trump-era tariffs
  • A surge in U.S. LNG exports
  • And a unique footprint in nuclear energy—the future of clean, reliable power

You simply won’t find another AI and energy stock this cheap… with this much upside.

This isn’t a hype stock. It’s not riding on hope.

It’s delivering real cash flows, owns critical infrastructure, and holds stakes in other major growth stories.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 100+% Return within 12 to 24 months.

We’re now offering month-to-month subscriptions with no commitments.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 per month, you can unlock our in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99.

2. Enjoy a month of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the Trump tariff and nuclear energy company as well as the revolutionary AI-robotics company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!


No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!