Singapore is the most luxe city to live in: Julius Baer Global Wealth Report 2025

India Today

15-07-2025

What does it take to live life king size? A lot. Sipping wine, luxe vacations, private jets, and maybe a Birkin - it's all luxe-coded in Gen Z lingo. And if you dream of luxury and a premium subscription to the idea of 'living well', there are some cities that truly fit the bill.According to the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025, Singapore ranks as the most expensive city for a luxurious lifestyle. The report analyses the cost of living for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) across 25 cities globally, based on a basket of goods and services representative of 'living well'. These index items include everything from real estate and luxury travel to high-end shopping, treadmills, MBAs, legal services, watches, and designer handbags.Top three cities are...advertisementThe report states that the Lion City is the costliest when it comes to upholding a lavish lifestyle. For the third time in a row, the city boasts of quality of life, infrastructure, cleanliness, and safety.
In the past year alone, there has been a 14.5 per cent increase in business-class flight prices in Singapore. Interestingly, the costliest index items in Singapore are cars and women's handbags - proof that speed and style come at a serious premium.What makes Singapore retain the spot? 'Since the pandemic, population growth has been driven largely by non-residents drawn by regimes such as the Global Investor Programme. As a result, it is one of the world's most densely populated, but will likely continue to draw the wealthy global elite,' the report notes.Much like Singapore, London also witnessed an uptick in business-class flight prices, securing the second spot on the list. Meanwhile, LASIK, MBA programs, and private schools remain the costliest index items in the British capital.
London ranks at the second position (Photo: Pexels)
Meanwhile, Hong Kong, once a runner-up, slipped to third this year. Its investment environment, tax incentives continue to attract the elite. The report states, 'although the city recovered at a slower pace than others post-pandemic, it has seen a return to strong economic growth, buoyed by higher tourism receipts and a surge in goods exports.'Speaking of luxury living, how can one not talk about Dubai bling? Not just for Burj Khalifa and the holidays, people are also investing in real-estate here. Interestingly, Dubai jumped five spots. Last year it was in 12th place and now is in seventh position. Its residency schemes, low personal taxation, and growing business opportunities appeal to affluent and elite expats.Apart from these, Monaco, New York, fashion capital Paris and Milan also rank amongst the top 10 cities.Here's the list in order:SingaporeLondonHong KongShanghaiMonacoZurichNew YorkParisSao PauloMilanChristian Gattiker-Ericsson, Head of Research at Julias Baer states that the report is based on 'moments of the 'old' situation, just before President Donald Trump introduced new tariffs, which had and will continue to have ongoing implications for financial markets worldwide.' As the global economic landscape is changing due to escalating trade tensions analysts eagerly anticipate the forthcoming report that is expected to shed light on how these factors evolve.- Ends