4 International Cities Where a 1-Bedroom Costs More Than $3,000
Written by
Emily Fowler
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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In some parts of the world, paying rent on a one-bedroom apartment feels less like covering housing and more like taking on a mortgage, or even two. Add in high healthcare costs and steep day-to-day expenses, and you can see why some international cities rank among the most expensive places to live.
For Americans exploring options overseas, these cities show just how far a monthly budget can stretch in some of the world’s most prestigious locations. Here are four cities where monthly rents are over $3,000, according to the Global Property Guide.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
- 1-bed rent: $3,171
- Cost of living (without rent): $1,113
- Healthcare costs: $200-$1,800
On Grand Cayman, even a modest apartment comes with luxury-level pricing, and imported goods drive up many everyday expenses. Legal residents with valid healthcare plans can access the public system, but costs remain high, especially for private services.
Monaco City, Monaco
- 1-bed rent: $7,657
- Cost of living (without rent): $1,037
- Healthcare costs: $30-$3,000 per service
Monaco tops nearly every list of pricey real estate, and rentals follow suit. Despite state-funded healthcare for residents, gaps in coverage make private insurance almost unavoidable. Wealth taxes don’t exist here, but the sheer price of housing makes the city accessible only to the ultra-rich.
Zurich, Switzerland
- 1-bed rent: $3,003
- Cost of living (without rent): $1,418
- Healthcare costs: $300-$450
As well as high rents, Swiss mandatory health insurance adds a few hundred dollars per month per person. Food, dining and transportation also come with premium pricing, keeping Zurich among Europe’s most expensive locations.
London, United Kingdom
- 1-bed rent: $3,294
- Cost of living (without rent): $1,196
- Healthcare costs: Free or $100-$500
While the National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive healthcare for residents, expats might want to take out private insurance for faster access, adding hundreds of dollars to monthly costs. Add in transport and the city’s famously expensive food scene, and living in London doesn’t come cheap.
Global cities like these may deliver world-class opportunities and lifestyles, but living in them comes at a steep price. Rent alone consumes a significant share of income, and healthcare along with daily living costs make these destinations affordable only for those with high earning power or substantial savings.
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