Bangkok has ranked 10th among the world’s most expensive cities for luxury living in the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026.
The Thai capital moved up from 11th place in 2025 and 17th place in 2024, placing Bangkok alongside established international wealth centres such as Singapore, Zurich, Monaco, Hong Kong and London.
Top 10 Most Expensive Cities for Luxury Living in 2026
- 1st – Singapore, Singapore
- 2nd – Zurich, Switzerland
- 3rd – Monaco, Monaco
- 4th – Hong Kong SAR, China
- 5th – London, United Kingdom
- 6th – Shanghai, China
- 7th – Paris, France
- 8th – Sydney, Australia
- 9th – Milan, Italy
- 10th – Bangkok, Thailand
Singapore retained first place for the fourth consecutive year. Zurich climbed to second, Monaco entered the top three for the first time, and Bangkok rose one position to complete the global top ten.
How the Ranking Is Calculated
The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index compares the cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle across 25 major cities. It measures a basket of 20 luxury goods and services, including residential property, cars, travel, dining and other premium expenses.
The index is therefore different from a general cost-of-living ranking. It focuses specifically on the spending patterns and lifestyle costs of high-net-worth individuals.
Luxury Living Costs Continue to Rise
The average cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle increased by 10.2% in US dollar terms over the past year. Currency movements were a major reason for the change, helping cities connected to stronger currencies move higher in the ranking.
Average prices across Asia-Pacific increased by 7.4%, while luxury goods became 12.3% more expensive globally. Jewellery prices rose by 16.4%, and watches increased by 15.5%.
Bangkok’s Growing Position in the Luxury Market
Bangkok is one of five Asia-Pacific cities in the global top ten, together with Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney. Its rise reflects the city’s growing position within the international market for premium property, hospitality, dining and lifestyle services.
For Bangkok’s luxury property sector, the ranking may help strengthen the city’s visibility among international buyers and globally mobile residents. However, the report measures the overall cost of premium living and should not be treated as a direct ranking of condominium prices or property investment returns.
Bangkok’s move into the global top ten nevertheless places Thailand’s capital firmly among the world’s leading destinations for high-end urban living.
Source: Juliusbaer
