Cost of Living Comparison
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Data: WhereNext Cost of Living Index 2026, CC BY 4.0. Derived from World Bank ICP, Eurostat and OECD.
Cost of Living FAQ
How is the cost of living compared between countries?
By purchasing power. Each country gets an index number built from World Bank price-level data, so the same basket of goods is priced the same way everywhere. The comparison then shows how much further your money goes in one country versus another.
What does the monthly estimate include?
Everyday living for one person at a moderate standard: rent, groceries, utilities, local transport and basic services. It does not include flights, tuition, private healthcare or luxury spending.
Which countries are the cheapest to live in?
Egypt, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Nepal sit at the bottom of the index, with monthly estimates between $700 and $800. Vietnam, Georgia and Turkey follow closely.
Which countries are the most expensive?
Switzerland is the most expensive by a clear margin, followed by Iceland, Israel, Luxembourg and Norway. Living costs there run roughly five times higher than in the cheapest countries.
Do these numbers work for a short trip?
Partly. Groceries, transport and everyday prices carry over well. Rent does not — short stays are priced as tourist accommodation, which is usually far above local rent. Treat the figure as a guide to daily spending, not a holiday budget.
How often is the data updated?
Once a year. The current release is dated September 2026. Cost of living moves slowly compared to exchange rates, so an annual update reflects real change without chasing noise.
Is a cheaper country always better value?
Only if your income travels with you. The index measures what things cost, not what people earn locally. It works in your favour on a foreign salary, a pension or remote work — but local wages in cheaper countries usually fall faster than local prices.
Why does the capital cost more than the country average?
Because rent drives the gap. These are national figures. Capitals and big cities typically run 20–40% above the national average, almost entirely through housing, while food and transport stay close to it.
