They say money makes the world go round and that couldn’t be more true for expats living in countries where the cost of living are just so high.

According to au.pfinance.yahoo.com:

A new Cost of Living survey has revealed the priciest expatriate destinations – and the results may surprise.

The poll, conducted by consulting firm ECA International, shows that Caracas, Venezuela is the priciest city for expats.

1. Caracas, Venezuela

In 2012, the capital city of Venezuela ranked 7th. Its rise to being the #1 of this list is because of a 60% increase in the price of goods and services that are used by expatriates.

2. Luanda, Angola

Never did this place rank down lower than 5^th and this year, this city ranked second as costliest city for expat with minimum rental of unfurnished apartment costing $6,500 a month.

3. Oslo, Norway

Causes of the rank up of this city are the strong Krone and the country’s income from its oil reserves.

4. Juba, South Sudan

South Sudan became one of the the costliest city of the world because of its relatively expensive oil and gas that makes transportation relatively expensive too.

5. Zurich, Switzerland

The cost of seeing a movie in Zurich is over $20, which is one of the reasons why it is the costliest city for expat in Europe and the costliest city in Switzerland.

6. Geneva, Switzerland

Look to pay $6.52 for a coffee here in Swiss city. Or, prepare your $12.51 when you eat hamburger at a typical fast food restaurant.

7. Bern, Switzerland

You might learn to be practical in this place when you face their jeans costing $138 or their coffee costing $4.68.

8. Basel, Switzerland

Monthly rent in Basel could cost expats around $2ooo, a movie would be about $$20 and coffee would be almost $5.

9. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan is Asia’s most expensive city for expat this year. No doubt because you will have to budget $19.34 just to watch a movie.

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

A cup of cappuccino in Copenhagen would be about $4.90 and a one bedroom apartment in the city would cost over $1000 a month.

11. Moscow, Russia

What made Moscow, Russia to rank is  its expensive mortgage, housing and rentals. It will cost you $4,500 a month or you will find yourself spending $8.29 just for a cup of coffee.

12. Brazzaville, Congo

A cup of coffee in Brazzaville costs about $2.88, imported beer costs over $3 and basic monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city is $1,000.

13. Helsinki, Finland

Coffee in Helsinki would set you back around $4.14, a pair of jeans costs about $130 and a one room apartment is over $1200 a month to rent.

14. Beijing, China

Beijing, from 5^th, ranked up to 2^nd as one of the most expensive city in Asia. This is attributed to the weakening of yen of Japan

15. Nagoya, Japan

Being the second costliest city in Japan, it was still included in the top 15 list of the world’s most expensive cities for expats. A beer will cost you $11 for bottle or $4 for a glass.

Photo credits: www.entrepreneur.com