Singapore still priciest for expats

Singapore has been judged the world's most expensive city for expatriates for a fourth straight year.
And Asia now accounts for half of the 10 priciest centres, after Tokyo and Osaka moved up in the rankings following a sustained recovery in the strength of the yen.
Hong Kong was the second most expensive city in the world, followed by Zurich in third place, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit yesterday.
Tokyo ranked fourth, followed by Osaka then Seoul. The South Korean capital's rapid rise - it ranked as low as 50 just seven years ago - contrasts with a fall among Chinese cities, where weaker consumption growth and a steady devaluation of the yuan has resulted in China's urban centres moving down in the annual rankings.
Despite topping the ranking, Singapore still offers relative value in some categories, especially compared with its regional peers, the EIU said. For example, personal care, household goods and domestic help are significantly more affordable in the country. In terms of food and drink, the cost of living in Singapore is on a par with that of Shanghai, whereas Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka are the three most expensive places in the world to buy staple goods.
Topping up a grocery basket in Seoul is almost 50 per cent more expensive than in New York.