Daily Cost of Living for a Single Person in Top Countries

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Top Countries with the Highest Daily Cost of Living for a Single Person in 2025

1. Singapore – $107.30

Singapore continues to top the list for the most expensive countries to live in on a daily basis. With its high living standards, top-tier healthcare, and premium housing, it’s no surprise that the daily expenses here are above $100. Residents often spend on luxury services, dining out, and private transportation, contributing significantly to this high cost.

2. Iceland – $106.50

Known for its stunning natural landscapes and high-quality public services, Iceland’s cost of living remains steep. Food, accommodation, and transportation are notably expensive, especially in Reykjavik, where residents are accustomed to paying a premium for their lifestyle.

3. Switzerland – $106.30

Switzerland maintains its position with its world-renowned healthcare system, high wages, and quality infrastructure. Daily expenses include premium grocery prices, luxury dining, and transportation, making it one of the highest costs globally.

4. Ireland – $90.07

Ireland’s rising cost of living reflects in daily expenses, driven by expensive housing markets and high prices for dining, transportation, and utilities. Dublin, in particular, has seen significant inflation, impacting residents’ daily budgets.

5. Luxembourg – $89.27

Luxembourg stands out for its high standard of living. Residents face significant daily costs, especially with premium services, dining, and housing, despite the country’s small size.

6. United States – $83.47

While the U.S. boasts diverse living costs depending on the state, major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. push the average daily expenditure above $80, covering rent, dining, transportation, and entertainment.

7. United Kingdom – $79.67

London and other major cities in the UK contribute to the high daily costs, with expenses on housing, transportation, dining, and leisure activities. Ongoing inflation has further increased these costs in 2025.

8. Netherlands – $78.80

Amsterdam remains an expensive city to live in, driven by high rental prices, dining, and transportation costs. The country’s high quality of life correlates with these elevated daily expenses.

9. Australia – $74.40

Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne maintain high living costs, especially in housing, healthcare, and dining, affecting daily expenses for individuals living there.

10. Norway – $73.67

Norwegian residents spend significantly on utilities, transportation, and dining, thanks to the country’s high wages and strong social benefits system, which keep the standard of living high but costly.

Emerging Trends and Insights in 2025

The data reflects a persistent trend: countries with higher standards of living, advanced infrastructure, and robust social services tend to have higher daily living costs. However, some countries with developing economies show relatively low daily expenses, making them attractive for budget-conscious expatriates.

Note: The cost figures include essentials like food, housing, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a comprehensive snapshot of daily financial commitments for a single individual.

Source: World Population Review, Numbeo – 2025 Data

For more details on the cost of living across various countries and to explore specific expenses, visit Numbeo or World Population Review’s latest reports.