Cost of Living: US vs International Cities (2026)
Data-driven city rankings · 2026
Overview
How do American cities compare to the world's major metros? This guide places our US cost-of-living data alongside 20 major international cities, all converted to the same USD-based index for direct comparison. Whether you are considering an international relocation, evaluating a job offer abroad, or simply curious about global cost differences, this data provides a starting framework.
International indices carry more uncertainty than domestic ones due to currency fluctuation, different tax structures, public healthcare systems, and cultural spending norms. Use these numbers as directional guidance rather than precise equivalents.
Ranking Criteria
All cities ranked on the same 100-baseline index (US national average = 100). International prices converted to USD at current exchange rates. Rankings show a mix of US and international cities for direct comparison.
Top Cities
| # | City | Index | Rent | Home Price | Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico City, MX | 55 | $960/mo | $214,000 | $34,300 |
| 2 | Bangkok, TH | 57 | $840/mo | $193,000 | $38,700 |
| 3 | Mumbai, IN | 60 | $1,080/mo | $266,000 | $44,400 |
| 4 | Sao Paulo, BR | 65 | $790/mo | $202,000 | $48,900 |
| 5 | Berlin, DE | 90 | $1,020/mo | $267,000 | $48,300 |
| 6 | Seoul, KR | 106 | $1,850/mo | $442,000 | $76,200 |
| 7 | Barcelona, ES | 106 | $1,450/mo | $270,000 | $59,800 |
| 8 | Toronto, CA | 114 | $1,590/mo | $357,000 | $67,500 |
| 9 | Vienna, AT | 120 | $1,530/mo | $375,000 | $66,000 |
| 10 | Dubai, AE | 124 | $1,770/mo | $460,000 | $73,300 |
| 11 | Amsterdam, NL | 126 | $1,920/mo | $457,000 | $72,600 |
| 12 | Tokyo, JP | 132 | $1,780/mo | $417,000 | $99,900 |
| 13 | Stockholm, SE | 135 | $1,830/mo | $414,000 | $74,000 |
| 14 | Dublin, IE | 140 | $1,880/mo | $468,000 | $78,800 |
| 15 | Sydney, AU | 145 | $1,830/mo | $463,000 | $92,700 |
| 16 | Paris, FR | 146 | $1,930/mo | $448,000 | $87,000 |
| 17 | Singapore, SG | 151 | $2,200/mo | $552,000 | $97,200 |
| 18 | London, GB | 156 | $2,500/mo | $586,000 | $105,000 |
| 19 | Hong Kong, HK | 160 | $2,370/mo | $578,000 | $106,800 |
| 20 | Zurich, CH | 201 | $2,480/mo | $584,000 | $115,800 |
City-by-City Breakdown
1. Mexico City, MX (Index: 55)
Mexico City sits 45% below the national average with a cost index of 55. Median rent runs $960/mo per month, and the median home price is $214,000. With a median household income of $34,300, the purchasing power here stretches further than in most metros. Housing is indexed at 60, which drives most of the overall cost in Mexico City.
2. Bangkok, TH (Index: 57)
Bangkok sits 43% below the national average with a cost index of 57. Median rent runs $840/mo per month, and the median home price is $193,000. With a median household income of $38,700, the purchasing power here stretches further than in most metros. Housing is indexed at 60, which drives most of the overall cost in Bangkok.
3. Mumbai, IN (Index: 60)
Mumbai sits 40% below the national average with a cost index of 60. Median rent runs $1,080/mo per month, and the median home price is $266,000. With a median household income of $44,400, the purchasing power here stretches further than in most metros. Housing is indexed at 74, which drives most of the overall cost in Mumbai.
4. Sao Paulo, BR (Index: 65)
Sao Paulo sits 35% below the national average with a cost index of 65. Median rent runs $790/mo per month, and the median home price is $202,000. With a median household income of $48,900, the purchasing power here stretches further than in most metros. Housing is indexed at 60, which is the most affordable category in Sao Paulo.
5. Berlin, DE (Index: 90)
Berlin sits 10% below the national average with a cost index of 90. Median rent runs $1,020/mo per month, and the median home price is $267,000. With a median household income of $48,300, the purchasing power here stretches further than in most metros. Housing is indexed at 82, which is the most affordable category in Berlin.
6. Seoul, KR (Index: 106)
Seoul sits 6% above the national average with a cost index of 106. Median rent runs $1,850/mo per month, and the median home price is $442,000. With a median household income of $76,200, residents benefit from a strong job market that helps offset higher costs. Housing is indexed at 124, which drives most of the overall cost in Seoul.
7. Barcelona, ES (Index: 106)
Barcelona sits 6% above the national average with a cost index of 106. Median rent runs $1,450/mo per month, and the median home price is $270,000. With a median household income of $59,800, residents benefit from a strong job market that helps offset higher costs. Housing is indexed at 102, which is the most affordable category in Barcelona.
8. Toronto, CA (Index: 114)
Toronto sits 14% above the national average with a cost index of 114. Median rent runs $1,590/mo per month, and the median home price is $357,000. With a median household income of $67,500, residents benefit from a strong job market that helps offset higher costs. Housing is indexed at 111, which is the most affordable category in Toronto.
9. Vienna, AT (Index: 120)
Vienna sits 20% above the national average with a cost index of 120. Median rent runs $1,530/mo per month, and the median home price is $375,000. With a median household income of $66,000, residents benefit from a strong job market that helps offset higher costs. Housing is indexed at 119, which is the most affordable category in Vienna.
10. Dubai, AE (Index: 124)
Dubai sits 24% above the national average with a cost index of 124. Median rent runs $1,770/mo per month, and the median home price is $460,000. With a median household income of $73,300, residents benefit from a strong job market that helps offset higher costs. Housing is indexed at 139, which drives most of the overall cost in Dubai.
How to Use This Data
International cost comparisons require additional context beyond the raw index. Many countries provide universal healthcare, which means the healthcare index may not capture out-of-pocket costs accurately. Tax structures differ dramatically — high-tax countries like Sweden provide extensive public services that reduce private spending. Currency risk also matters: a favorable exchange rate today may shift significantly over a multi-year stay. Treat international indices as a starting point, and research country-specific factors before making relocation decisions.
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