The Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 reveals where living in excellence costs the most. Singapore stays number one, Monaco enters the podium for the first time and Paris climbs to 7th. An ultra-luxury decoding and privileged access by AC Private, the reference concierge.
Each year, the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report measures the true price of excellence: what it costs, around the world, to live at the very top. The 2026 edition confirms the dominance of Singapore, crowns Monaco on the podium for the first time and sees Paris settle into the top 10. Here is our decoding — and above all, how to access it with the ease of an insider through AC Private.
Singapore, number one for the fourth consecutive year
For the fourth year running, Singapore remains the most expensive city in the world in which to lead an exceptional life. The city-state combines political stability, absolute security, rare real estate and an unrivalled concentration of luxury houses, Michelin-starred restaurants and private services.
The report is based on a basket of twenty luxury goods and services — prime residential real estate, cars, jewellery, watches, hospitality, fine dining and wellness — assessed across 25 cities, using data collected between November 2025 and March 2026.
The 2026 podium: Zurich and Monaco spring a surprise
Behind Singapore, Europe asserts itself. Zurich climbs to second place and Monaco enters the podium for the first time, in third. The appreciation of the Swiss franc and the euro against the dollar largely explains this rise, while London slips to fifth, the pound tracking the greenback.
A notable fact: for the first time in three years, no city in the Americas appears in the top 10. The centre of gravity of global luxury is shifting towards Europe and Asia.
The full ranking of the ten most expensive cities in 2026
- 1. Singapore — invariably at the top.
- 2. Zurich — buoyed by a strong Swiss franc.
- 3. Monaco — first-ever podium appearance.
- 4. Hong Kong
- 5. London — down.
- 6. Shanghai
- 7. Paris — France in the top 10.
- 8. Sydney — biggest climber, up 6 places.
- 9. Milan
- 10. Bangkok
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Request a confidential consultationWhat the price of luxury reveals: jewellery, watches and gold at the summit
Beyond the ranking, the report sheds light on deeper trends. The cost of a premium lifestyle rose by 10.2% on average (in dollars). The most dynamic categories? Jewellery (+16.4%) and watches (+15.5%), while gold has more than doubled since 2024. Rare objects are becoming symbols of taste as much as stores of value.
When surveyed, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) express a major concern about geopolitical volatility — one more reason to favour safe anchors such as Monaco, Zurich or Paris, and to surround oneself with trusted partners.
Paris and Monaco: AC Private's field of excellence
Two of the most coveted cities in this ranking lie at the heart of AC Private's expertise: Paris, the seventh most expensive city in the world, and Monaco, the jewel of the podium on the edge of the French Riviera. This is precisely where the most demanding art of living plays out — and where an exceptional concierge makes all the difference.
Living in these luxury capitals is not merely a matter of means: it requires the right introductions. Impossible reservations, off-market properties, access to the rarest jewellery and watch houses, private chefs, absolute security and discretion. AC Private orchestrates it all like an invisible conductor.
- Concierge in Monaco — privileged access to the Rock and the French Riviera.
- Concierge in Paris — the French capital decoded by insiders.
- Concierge on the French Riviera — from Saint-Tropez to Cap-Ferrat.
Why AC Private is the reference concierge
In a world where the price of luxury climbs and access becomes the true privilege, AC Private stands out as the number one concierge for the great fortunes who demand excellence without compromise. A single point of contact, a confidential network built over years of trust, availability at every moment. Where others promise, AC Private delivers.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most expensive city in the world in 2026?
According to the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026, Singapore is the most expensive city in the world for a luxury lifestyle, for the fourth consecutive year.
Which European cities are in the top 10 in 2026?
Zurich (2nd), Monaco (3rd), London (5th), Paris (7th) and Milan (9th) all feature in the 2026 ranking.
Where does Paris rank?
Paris ranks 7th worldwide in 2026, confirming its status as an essential capital of luxury.
How can I access the lifestyle of these cities?
AC Private, the reference luxury concierge, opens the doors of Monaco, Paris and the French Riviera: off-market real estate, exclusive reservations, rare jewellery and watches, private chefs and absolute discretion. Contact AC Private for bespoke support.
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Alexandre Emmelin
Founder, AC Private
Alsatian entrepreneur, Alexandre founded AC Private with one conviction: true luxury is reclaimed time. He personally leads the most sensitive missions and writes a monthly editorial sharing his vision of exceptional concierge service.
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