The results of Mercer’s 2009 Cost of Living Survey make interesting Reading, significant currency fluctuations and strengthening of the dollar having brought about a major reshuffle in the rankings. Tokyo replaces Moscow as the most expensive city for expatriates, while Johannesburg is the cheapest. Asian and European cities dominate the top 10.

London’s ranking falls 13 places to 16, and New York joins the top 10. The survey covers 143 cities across six continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. It is, says Mercer, the world’s most comprehensive cost of living survey and is used to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowance for their expatriate employees.

Further information from www.mercer.com