Southeast Asia’s major cities are growing fast, and living costs are climbing in many of them. This article ranks the top 10 most expensive based on Numbeo’s 2025 Cost of Living Index, which tracks expenses like rent, groceries, and transportation. We define a “major city” as an urban hub with over 1 million residents or a national capital, wielding significant economic, cultural, or political clout.
Time’s ticking—whether you’re an expat, a digital nomad, or just curious, these costs matter now. Let’s dive into the data, sourced from Numbeo, and see where your wallet takes the biggest hit.
Understanding the Cost of Living Index
Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index compares cities to New York City, set at 100, covering essentials like housing and food. A score of 79 means it’s 79% as expensive as NYC—simple, but effective for ranking.
The data’s crowd-sourced and updated for 2025, so it’s fresh and reliable. Here’s the countdown, starting with the priciest.
1. Singapore (Cost of Living Index: 79.1)
Singapore tops the list—no surprise there. Its Cost of Living Index of 79.1 reflects sky-high housing, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center averaging $2,600 monthly (Numbeo).
A meal at a cheap restaurant runs about $10, and a monthly transport pass costs $100. As a global financial hub with limited land, Singapore’s prices are driven by demand and scarcity.
The city-state’s robust economy pulls in expats and businesses, jacking up costs further. If you’re moving here, brace yourself—your bank account will feel it.
2. Phuket, Thailand (Cost of Living Index: 38.1)
Phuket lands at number two, with a Cost of Living Index of 38.1. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $600 per month (Numbeo), thanks to its tourist appeal.
A local meal costs around $3, but prices spike in expat-heavy zones. This island’s tourism boom fuels higher housing and service costs.
Unlike Thailand’s rural areas, Phuket caters to foreigners, pushing expenses up. It’s cheaper than Singapore, but still a leap from mainland norms.
3. Bangkok, Thailand (Cost of Living Index: 37.1)
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, sits at third with an index of 37.1. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center goes for $500 monthly (Numbeo), while street food keeps meals at $2.50.
A monthly transport pass is $35—affordable, but costs add up in this bustling hub. Bangkok blends modern skyscrapers with cheap local markets, balancing its expenses.
As the country’s economic engine, it draws millions, nudging living costs above regional averages. You’ll pay more here than in Thailand’s smaller cities.
4. Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Cost of Living Index: 36.9)
Phnom Penh ranks fourth, with an index of 36.9—higher than you’d expect. City-center rent for a one-bedroom averages $400 per month (Numbeo), and a meal costs $3.
Foreign investment and expats are pushing prices up fast. Cambodia’s capital is developing, but it’s not the bargain it once was.
Growth means more jobs and infrastructure, yet it’s squeezing affordability. Watch this city—costs are on the rise.
5. Manila, Philippines (Cost of Living Index: 34.3)
Manila clocks in at fifth, with a Cost of Living Index of 34.3. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center is around $450 monthly (Numbeo), and meals are $3 at local spots.
Public transport’s cheap—a monthly pass is just $10—but traffic jacks up daily stress. The Philippines’ capital mixes high-end condos with crowded slums, skewing costs.
Its dense population and urban sprawl keep expenses moderate, not cheap. Living here means navigating both price and chaos.
6. Pattaya, Thailand (Cost of Living Index: 33.6)
Pattaya, Thailand’s nightlife hub, hits sixth with an index of 33.6. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $400 per month (Numbeo), and meals run $2.50.
Tourism drives its economy, inflating prices beyond typical Thai levels. Beaches and bars draw crowds, but they don’t come cheap.
Compared to rural Thailand, Pattaya’s a splurge for residents. It’s a hotspot, and you’ll pay for the vibe.
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Cost of Living Index: 33.3)
Kuala Lumpur ranks seventh, with an index of 33.3—pretty reasonable. City-center rent for a one-bedroom is $350 monthly (Numbeo), and a meal costs $2.50.
A monthly transport pass is $25, thanks to solid public systems. Malaysia’s capital offers modern living without breaking the bank.
KL’s developed infrastructure keeps costs in check compared to peers. It’s a sweet spot for urban life on a budget.
8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Cost of Living Index: 28.5)
Ho Chi Minh City takes eighth, with an index of 28.5. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $400 monthly (Numbeo), while meals are $2.
Transport’s dirt cheap—a monthly pass is $7—making it a steal for a big city. Vietnam’s economic powerhouse keeps costs low despite its size.
Growth is rapid here, but prices haven’t caught up yet. It’s a deal for now—jump in quick.
9. Jakarta, Indonesia (Cost of Living Index: 28.4)
Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, sits at ninth with an index of 28.4. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $300 monthly (Numbeo), and a meal is $2.
A monthly transport pass is $10—affordable for a sprawling metropolis. Despite its scale, Jakarta stays cheaper than most on this list.
Traffic and pollution are trade-offs for low costs. It’s a budget-friendly giant, but not luxurious.
10. Hanoi, Vietnam (Cost of Living Index: 27.7)
Hanoi rounds out the top 10, with an index of 27.7—super affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center is $300 monthly (Numbeo), and meals cost $2.
A transport pass is just $8, keeping daily expenses minimal. Vietnam’s capital blends culture and growth without hefty price tags.
Hanoi’s still catching up economically, which keeps it cheap. It’s the best bang for your buck here.
Why These Costs Matter
Singapore’s 79.1 dwarfs Hanoi’s 27.7—Southeast Asia’s cost spectrum is wide. Housing drives the gap, with tourist spots like Phuket and Pattaya punching above their weight.
Numbeo’s data shows expat hubs and capitals dominate the high end. If you’re relocating, these numbers shape your budget fast.
What’s Pushing Prices Up?
Tourism, foreign investment, and land scarcity are key culprits. Singapore and Phuket thrive on global appeal, while Phnom Penh’s growth signals rising demand.
Local economies matter too—Bangkok and Manila balance urban pull with affordable pockets. Costs won’t stay still as the region booms.
