Monaco: The World’s Most Expensive City in 2025
When it comes to opulence, prestige, and record-breaking real estate prices, Monaco reigns supreme as the most expensive city in the world in 2025. Nestled on the French Riviera, this glamorous city-state outshines financial giants like New York, Hong Kong, and Zurich in cost of living and property values, solidifying its status as the ultimate playground for the ultra-wealthy.
Why Monaco Remains the Priciest Place to Live on Earth
1. Record-Breaking Real Estate Market
Real estate in Monaco is unlike anywhere else. Due to its limited landmass—just over 2 square kilometers—the demand far outweighs supply. In 2025, average property prices soar beyond €51,967 per square meter, with the luxurious Larvotto district nearing a staggering €97,563 per square meter. This exclusivity fuels constant competition among global elites to secure a slice of Monaco’s prestigious real estate.
2. Elevated Cost of Living
Life in Monaco doesn’t come cheap. A modest lifestyle here starts at around €5,000 to €7,000 monthly, covering essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities. For those accustomed to luxury, monthly expenditures can easily exceed €10,000. From Michelin-starred restaurants to designer boutiques and world-class entertainment, Monaco is engineered for indulgence—with prices to match.
3. An Epicenter of Wealth
Approximately 40% of Monaco’s residents are millionaires, and the average wealth per capita surpasses $20 million. This intense concentration of affluence not only justifies the elevated costs but actively supports a market rich in premium services, high-end goods, and elite experiences. It's a city where wealth isn’t just common—it’s the standard.
4. Tax-Free Living and Elite Security
One of the biggest attractions for global millionaires is Monaco’s zero personal income tax policy for residents. This, combined with exceptional public safety, political stability, and tight-knit security, makes it a top choice for celebrities, investors, royals, and tycoons. Monaco promises not just luxury—but peace of mind.
Global Comparisons: Monaco vs. Other Expensive Cities
When comparing Monaco to other major cities worldwide, it clearly stands out as the most expensive in both real estate and overall cost of living. Monaco's average property prices exceed €51,967 per square meter, with luxury areas like Larvotto reaching nearly €97,563 per square meter. Monthly living expenses range from €5,000 to €7,000 or more, far surpassing other global hotspots. Hong Kong follows with real estate averaging over $40,000 per square meter and monthly costs above $4,800. Singapore ranks third, with average property prices around $28,000 per square meter and living expenses nearing $4,796 per month. Zurich, Switzerland, offers a similarly high cost of living at approximately $4,780 per month, paired with property values above $25,000 per square meter. Meanwhile, New York City, a long-standing icon of urban affluence, sees real estate prices averaging $27,500 per square meter and monthly costs around $5,295. Despite these figures, none match the exclusivity and price tag associated with life in Monaco.
Note: Figures vary based on district, property type, and lifestyle preferences.
What Makes Monaco So Expensive?
Limited Land and Unlimited Demand
With only a few square kilometers of space, Monaco’s geography inherently limits expansion. This constraint, paired with consistent demand from the world’s elite, ensures that property values remain sky-high.
Infrastructure for the Ultra-Wealthy
Every element of Monaco’s infrastructure is tailored to the high net-worth individual. From luxury healthcare facilities and private schools to high-end shopping and VIP entertainment, the city is built to cater exclusively to the rich.
Exclusive Lifestyle and Prestige
The Monaco Grand Prix, world-famous casinos, superyacht-lined marinas, and luxury hotels draw the global elite not just to live—but to be seen. This exclusivity drives both demand and desirability, further inflating costs.
Is Living in Monaco Right for You?
Monaco isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle. But it’s a lifestyle reserved for those with substantial financial means. If your dream includes rubbing shoulders with royalty, walking along harbors filled with billion-dollar yachts, or enjoying a tax-free income in one of the world’s safest places, then Monaco could be your ideal home—if your budget can handle it.
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, Monaco offers unmatched value: status, safety, luxury, and strategic tax advantages. But for the average person, it remains a fantasy destination rather than a feasible place to live.
Monaco’s Crown Remains Untouched
In 2025, Monaco continues to set the global standard for luxury living. With its elite population, extraordinary property prices, and unparalleled lifestyle offerings, it holds firmly onto its title as the most expensive city in the world. For those chasing the pinnacle of affluence and exclusivity, Monaco is more than a destination—it’s a statement.
Whether you’re an investor, a luxury lifestyle enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the world’s most glamorous locales, Monaco remains a shining beacon of what it means to live on the highest tier of global society.
