Buzz
If you're planning to visit London, New York, or Paris, make sure you have enough cash on hand, as the cost of accommodation and meals in these cities is rated the highest in the world.
15. London, United Kingdom
Average hotel price: $177 per night.
Travelers often lament that London is a pricey city. Despite Europe's current economic downturn, price and income reports indicate that between 2009 and 2011, London has risen from 21st to 15th place on the list of the world's most expensive tourist destinations. There are many ways to save money in the UK capital, but bargain hunters often find themselves in seedy pubs and less-than-luxurious accommodations.
14. New York City, United States
Average hotel price: $251 per night
New York City is renowned for its luxurious housing areas, glamorous restaurants, upscale shops, and sophisticated nightlife scenes. However, the economic crisis and the depreciation of the US dollar have brought New York City from the 6th most expensive position down to 14th for two consecutive years. Nonetheless, even though prices have significantly decreased, it's still advisable not to splurge excessively.
13. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Average hotel price: $250 per night
Luxembourg may be small in size, but the bills here are anything but small. Situated between France, Belgium, and Germany, Luxembourg boasts 1,607 square miles adorned with romantic castles and lush vineyards. However, ranking 13th in costliness on the price and income index promises to take quite a chunk of your money.
12. Paris, France
Average hotel price: $190 per night
Similar to New York, the City of Lights has undergone a significant price decrease over the past two years. In 2009, Paris was ranked 9th in the price and income index, while this year's summary shows the city at 12th place. But before you start planning to enjoy your trip, remember that you still have to deal with exchange rates. Europe may be facing challenging times, but the Euro's value remains high.
11. Vienna, Austria
Average hotel price: $122 per night
Unaffected by economic downturns, Vienna still profits from tourism. Although price and income reports show a significant decrease in costs compared to 2009, tourists will find it quite challenging to find inexpensive places, especially hotel rooms. In fact, many past travelers recommend skipping hotels altogether and opting for a rented apartment instead.
10. Singapore
Average hotel price: $204 per night
While the US and Europe are grappling with an economic crisis, Singapore is unfazed. Once ranked 24th on the list of expensive cities in 2009, Singapore has now climbed to 10th place. This development correlates with the increasing strength of the Singapore dollar. Although you can still find cheap food and affordable hotel prices, don't get your hopes up too much.
9. Toronto, Canada
Average hotel price: $133 per night
Toronto is a city near the northern border of the US. Taking advantage of this convenient geographical location, the currency here is not affected by recession. The Canadian dollar has been almost equivalent to the US dollar in recent years. Toronto is a prime example. Since 2009, this urban area has risen from 31st place to 9th on the list of the most expensive cities.
8. Helsinki, Finland
Average hotel price: $163 per night
Helsinki remains relatively intact after the European economic crisis, securing its spot at 8th on the report of pricey locations. However, recession may have finally arrived in Finland. This means that travelers now have more opportunities to visit this vibrant city.
7. Sydney, Australia
Average hotel price: $172 per night
In 2009, Sydney ranked 38th in the report of expensive cities. Since then, the city has soared to 7th place, partly due to a stable increase in the value of the Australian dollar. The most apparent evidence of expensiveness lies in room rates and menu prices.
6. Tokyo, Japan
Average hotel price: $163 per night
The lights of Tokyo's capital are likened to shining bills. Like Singapore, Japan has weathered the global economic crisis quite well over the past two years, with Tokyo only dropping one rank on the expensive city list. While travelers may find affordable local cuisine, a good hotel will leave you stunned by its price. The 2011 earthquake and tsunami had no impact on prices in 2012 and 2013.
5. Stockholm, Sweden
Average hotel price: $190 per night
Unlike neighboring countries, Finland and Sweden have been affected by Europe's economic downturn. Stockholm's strong economy not only allowed the country to overcome difficulties but also rose from 16th place in 2009 to 5th place on the Price and Income Ranking list of expensive cities.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Average hotel price: $174 per night
Like Helsinki, Copenhagen's prices have not been affected by Europe's economic downturn. The most recent price and profit report shows that the Danish capital has only decreased by one spot. So, while you can find the city's antique shops, cozy restaurants, and cafés, your wallet will also have to shell out a significant amount. Travelers will spend the most during the summer months as it's the ideal weather for sightseeing. Winter will see some discounts, but not significant ones.
3. Geneva, Switzerland
Average hotel price: $268 per night
Switzerland seems unaffected by the economic downturn, evidenced by Geneva surpassing Copenhagen to rank 3rd for the past 2 years. Unlike the Euro, the Swiss Franc remains strong throughout the recession, and the city's residents benefit from hefty salaries. In fact, Switzerland has the highest wages globally, and Geneva's prices reflect the residents' enormous purchasing power.
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Average hotel price: $224 per night
The average salary in Switzerland is quite high, so Zurich residents also greet tourists with steep bills. Unfortunately for travelers, Zurich doesn't offer many promotions. Prices skyrocket in the summer as tourists flock to the city to enjoy the comfortable temperatures and exciting activities on the lake. There are no discounts during the winter, with cold weather attracting visitors to nearby Alps skiing areas. Prices dip for a short while in spring and fall, but not significantly.
1. Oslo, Norway
Average hotel price: $169 per night
Oslo ranks among the expensive cities, but at least prices are more bearable than in other cities. Norway's capital has topped the price and income report since 2006. Not only are hotel prices high, but in 2009, the New York Times noted that a bottle of water in Oslo costs $6. Money-saving tactics like traveling in July or August when most locals are on vacation also don't limit the expenses of a trip to Oslo.
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Source: Travel Handbook by Mytour – Via Zing
MytourJuly 2, 2013
