The Most Expensive Cities to Live in as an Expat

I just received an interesting tidbit from Steven Coleman of Expatriate Cost of Living group on Facebook.

Steven runs the Xpatulator, a tool which calcuates cost of living around the world based on a variety of factors.

Based on the Xpatulator's calculations, the current top 20 most expensive overall cost of living locations as at 1 October 2008, before the impact of the relative strengthening dollar and the credit crisis, are:

1. Japan, Tokyo
2. Norway, Oslo
3. Switzerland, Geneva
4. United Kingdom, London
5. Switzerland, Zurich
6. Denmark, Copenhagen
7. New Caledonia, Nouméa
8. Australia, Sydney
9. Ireland, Dublin
10. Liechtenstein, Vaduz
11. China, Hong Kong
12. France, Paris
13. Cameroon, Douala
14. Italy, Milan
15. San Marino, San Marino
16. Monaco, Monaco
17. Nigeria, Lagos
18. Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
19. Austria, Vienna
20. Italy, Rome

YOUR EXPAT SUCCESS TIP:  If you are considering moving abroad, understanding the cost of living in your prospective locations obviously is an important factor in your decision making process.  Consider taking advantage of the Xpatulator as a way to understand how the cost of living compares where you are living now to your destination so you can be making informed choices that serve you well.

YOUR THOUGHTS? Are you an expat living abroad who had found changes in costs of living a challenge?  Have you used the Xpatulator and found it helpful?  Please share your experience so others may benefit.