Luanda tops costliest cities for expatriates, according to Mercer survey

Mercer’s (www.Mercer.com) 2017 Global Talent Trends Study has listed Angola’s capital, Luanda, as the costliest city, driven by the cost of goods and security.

Mercer’s 2017 Cost of Living Survey also finds Asian and European cities, particularly Hong Kong (2), Tokyo (3), Zurich (4), and Singapore (5), topping the list of most expensive cities for expatriates.

Other cities appearing in the top 10 of Mercer’s costliest cities for expatriates are Seoul (6), Geneva (7), Shanghai (8), New York City (9), and Bern (10).

The world’s least expensive cities for expatriates, according to Mercer’s survey, are Tunis (209), Bishkek (208), and Skopje (206).

According to Mercer’s (www.Mercer.com) 2017 Global Talent Trends Study, fair and competitive pay as well as opportunities for promotion are top priorities for employees this year – not surprising given the current climate of uncertainty and change.

As a result, multinational organizations are carefully assessing the cost of expatriate packages for their international assignees. Mercer’s 23rd annual Cost of Living Survey finds that factors like instability of housing markets and inflation for goods and services contribute to the overall cost of doing business in today’s global environment.

“Globalization of the marketplace is well documented with many companies operating in multiple locations around the world and promoting international assignments to enhance the experience of future managers,” said Ilya Bonic, Senior Partner and President of Mercer’s Career business. “There are numerous personal and organizational advantages for sending employees overseas, whether for long- or short-term assignments, including career development by obtaining global experience, the creation and transfer of skills, and the re-allocation of resources.”

Top 15 Cities Ranking

Bottom 15 Cities Ranking

Source: Mercer’s 2017 Cost of Living Survey

Published courtesy of APO