Singapore may be small, but when it comes to luxury living, the city is sitting right at the top of the world.
According to Julius Baer’s Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026, Singapore has been named the world’s most expensive city for high-net-worth individuals for the fourth consecutive year, ahead of Zurich and Monaco. The ranking is based on the cost of maintaining a premium standard of living, not everyday travel expenses like hawker meals, MRT rides or your usual kopi run.
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What does “most expensive” actually mean?
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Before everyone starts panicking, this ranking is specifically about luxury living. Julius Baer’s Lifestyle Index looks at a basket of 20 goods and services across 25 global cities, representing the cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle.
In other words, this is not a ranking of the cheapest or most expensive places for regular travellers to visit. It is more about how much it costs to live well at the very top end of the market.
For 2026, the report places Singapore at No. 1, followed by Zurich, Monaco, Hong Kong and London. Other Asia-Pacific cities also feature strongly, with Shanghai, Sydney and Bangkok making it into the global top 10.
Why is Singapore so expensive for luxury living?
Singapore’s top ranking is largely driven by the high cost of residential property and cars, as well as the strength of the Singapore dollar. Julius Baer noted that while local price changes have been relatively muted, Singapore’s strong currency has kept overall costs high when measured in US dollar terms.
So yes, if your idea of Singapore living includes private property, car ownership, fine dining, luxury shopping and premium services, the price tag can climb very quickly.
How to experience Singapore, with or without the luxury price tag
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For travellers, though, the story is a little different. Singapore can be as polished and premium as you want it to be, but it can also be surprisingly easy to explore without spending like a millionaire.
On the luxury side, there are Marina Bay hotels, rooftop bars, designer shopping along Orchard Road, award-winning restaurants, spa stays and premium attractions. This is the Singapore of skyline views, infinity pools, tasting menus and curated city experiences.
But on the more wallet-friendly side, the city still has plenty to offer. Think hawker centres, heritage neighbourhoods, free public gardens, riverside walks, museum-hopping and efficient MRT rides across the island. Popular hawker centres highlighted by Visit Singapore include Amoy Street Market, Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Old Airport Road Food Centre and Chomp Chomp Food Centre, making it easy for travellers to eat well without committing to a luxury dining budget.
Where should travellers go?
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For first-time visitors, Marina Bay is the classic starting point for skyline views, waterfront walks and iconic attractions. Orchard Road remains the city’s major shopping belt, especially for travellers who want malls, boutiques and international brands in one easy stretch.
For a stronger sense of culture and neighbourhood charm, head to Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam. Chinatown is great for heritage, food and street markets, while Little India is known for colourful temples, heritage sites, street markets and food experiences. Kampong Gelam offers a mix of old and new, from traditional eateries and historic streets to cafés, boutiques and Haji Lane’s murals.
The best part? Singapore is compact, well-connected and easy to navigate. You can spend the morning admiring the skyline at Marina Bay, the afternoon exploring heritage streets, and the evening eating at a hawker centre without needing to rent a car.
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So, is Singapore really expensive for travellers?
Yes and no.
Singapore is officially the world’s most expensive city for luxury living, especially if you are looking at the high-end lifestyle basket. But for travellers, the city still offers many ways to enjoy a memorable, food-filled and culture-rich getaway without going full billionaire mode.
The trick is knowing where to splurge, where to save, and how to make the most of Singapore’s compact layout. Come for the skyline, stay for the neighbourhoods, and leave with the reminder that in Singapore, luxury may be expensive, but a good trip does not have to be.
