Hong Kong ends reign as world’s most expensive city for expats, Singapore gains eight places amid soaring property prices


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Hong Kong has lost its position as the world’s most expensive city for expatriates for the first time in four years due to lower accommodation costs, while Singapore has gained eight spots with its soaring property prices, according to a survey by a human capital firm.

New York has dethroned Hong Kong, which came in at No 2 after reigning at the top between 2019 and 2022, followed by Geneva which was ranked third and London fourth, ECA International’s cost-of-living survey revealed on Wednesday.

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Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (Feb 12, 2026)

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