Offering job opportunities, cultural and culinary diversity and the chance to experience life in a bustling metropolis, major cities around the world are struggling to cope with the influx of residents. The more desirable a place becomes, the higher house prices rise. Click or scroll through and grab your wallet as we take a look at desirable residences within the world's most expensive cities...

Extremely beautiful, Zurich is a global centre for banking and finance, but also offers plenty of attractions for fans of nature and architecture. It's also known for being incredibly expensive, and not just for tourists. Here, a single person's estimated monthly costs, without rent, are CHF1,548 ($1.6k), making Zurich 52% more expensive than London. In fact, Numbeo, the world’s largest cost-of-living database, named Zurich the third most expensive city in the world on its Cost of Living Index.

A house here also costs around CHF1,550 per square foot, which is $1,600. To put that into perspective, this stunning 3,713-square-foot home is currently on the market with Walde Immobilien for CHF 7.5 million. That's $7.9 million. The magnificent historic mansion was constructed in 1809 and is nestled in the sought-after Enge district of the city, right on the edge of Lake Zurich itself.

The 200-year-old residence comes with 12 rooms across its three floors and each one is overflowing with charm and character. From traditional wooden decorations to herringbone parquet floors, sash windows, vintage light fixtures and tile work, there's plenty to love. Although a bit of a fixer-upper, the dream home could be truly special if given a new lease of life.

Inside the main home you'll find a spacious entrance hall, a timber-paneled living room, a formal dining room, kitchen and numerous bathrooms and bedrooms, including a large attic that would make for a fantastic master suite. The historic home also boasts a detached eight-room house and a modern granny annex that was renovated in 2009. 

These properties provide an extra 3,681 square feet of inside space, while the estate's numerous ancillary rooms offer 624 square feet of space that could be converted into holiday accommodation, or anything of the new owner's choosing. There's also a sizable garden that features a lush meadow and plenty of leafy areas for soaking up the sunshine.

Known for its glistening coastline, designer boutiques and countless casinos, Monaco is a sovereign city-state that was designed for the wealthy. A well-known tax haven, this billionaires' playground doesn't charge residents income or capital gains taxes, so those lucky enough to live here can see their money stretch even further. According to Numbeo, the price per square foot to buy an apartment in the city center is €7,830, which equates to $8,300.

To put this figure into context, a 400-square-foot home in Monaco, which is the typical size of a tiny home on wheels, would set you back more than €3 million. Highlighting just how expensive Monaco is, this micro apartment spans just 1,334 square feet across what is essentially two rooms, but is currently up for grabs for a staggering €5.9 million, which is $6.2 million.

The stunning one-bedroom apartment is situated in the residential area of Fontvieille, a stone's throw from the ocean and the main attractions of Monaco. Inside, there's a small living room, kitchen and dining space, separated from the bedroom via steel-framed Crittall doors. 

Finished to a very high standard, the property includes marble, hardwood and travertine finishes, as well as bespoke joinery throughout. The bedroom befits from recessed LED lighting and a single ensuite bathroom, while the glass wall allows for unobstructed sea views from between the sheets.

A staircase behind the kitchen leads up to the home's pièce de résistance – a stunning rooftop deck. The terrace includes a fully fitted summer kitchen, with a built-in awning and a custom-made teak platform that houses a Jacuzzi big enough for six people. There's also a dining space and an outdoor shower, not to mention a truly mind-blowing view. Still, for the price we'd hope to gain rather a lot more for our money.

With world-renowned food, an iconic Opera House and endless days of sunshine, there are countless reasons why Sydney is a much-loved city. But it's also one of the most expensive on the planet when it comes to the cost of living. According to Demographia’s International Housing Affordability 2022 Edition, Sydney’s median house price is 15 times more than the average household income, coming in at just over AUD$1.1 million, or $755,000.

With this new release of data, Sydney was named by Demographia as the world’s second most expensive housing market, only beaten by Hong Kong, which has a property median that's 23 times the average annual income. Listed with Bresic Whitney Estate Agents for AUD$2.7 million, which equates to $1.8 million, this stylish townhouse lies in Darlinghurst, an eastern suburb of Sydney. Far from being in the middle of nowhere, the Opera House is a short 20-minute train ride away.

The four-level home was recently fully renovated and now boasts a light-filled and VIP-ready interior filled with one-of-a-kind touches. Open and free-flowing, the property benefits from 2,098 square feet of inside space, which includes a living room, dining space, kitchen, family room, four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Each floor of the house is connected via a statement staircase, while many of the spaces open up to exterior balconies and patios, thanks to French doors. Everywhere you look you'll spot the finest materials, too, such as hand-crafted joinery, marble and herringbone floors. The home's luxe stone bathrooms also boast underfloor heating.

The master suite occupies the top floor and opens to a private terrace overlooking the backyard. Here, a lovely deck can be found – kitted out with a dining table and chairs for soaking up the sun in total seclusion. 

As one of the most exciting cities in the world, London is a bustling metropolis that's home to iconic architecture, world-class museums and enviable green spaces. Such draws attract thousands of people every year. In fact, in 2020, 219,000 people moved to the capital. According to property website, Zoopla, over the last 12 months the average sales price for a property in London has crept up to £730,014 ($889k), while the average detached home goes for a cool £1.3 million ($1.6m). 

While three-quarters of a million could get you a one- to two-bedroom flat or a small house in a less desirable area of the city, those with bigger budgets can bag themselves a seriously awe-inspiring residence. On the market with Sotheby's International Realty for £10.5 million ($12.8m), this exquisitely designed private home sits on a generous plot in the residential area of Roehampton, moments away from iconic Royal Richmond Park. 

The four-story home sits behind a set of gates and an imposing entrance door leads inside to a sprawling 8,423-square-foot interior. On the ground floor there's a huge entrance hall, an elegant reception room, a study and an open-plan living room with a dining space and kitchen. This room opens up to the backyard via a set of frameless sliding doors. 

On the top two floors you'll find seven stunning bedrooms and five bathrooms. The master suite boasts dual dressing rooms and a high-end ensuite, finished with marble surfaces, his-and-hers showers and vanities and a huge soaking tub. The house is overflowing with hand-crafted details, too, such as the beautiful tulipwood cabinetry in the kitchen and the solid oak winding staircase that connects each floor.

Steps from the ground floor lead down to a luxurious basement level, which offers a gym, wine cellar, catering kitchen, entertainment room and a self-contained studio apartment for visiting guests. Head into the garden and you'll be greeted by gorgeous landscaping and a dining patio that's perfect for those balmy summer nights. 

For many years, New York City has been struggling to cope with the amount of people who have flocked there in search of fame and fortune. In 2020, it was thought that 8.38 million lived in the city and according to Zillow, the typical value of homes in New York City is $768,800. Plus, it's also been named the ninth most expensive city for cost of living, and with incredible museums, mouth-watering restaurants and Central Park as everyone's backyard, it's really no surprise.

For the city's average property price, you could probably pick up a two-bedroom place in the Bronx, but you need a slightly bigger budget in order to buy anything luxurious in Manhattan. If you've got $25 million in the bank, however, then your New York real estate options get really special. This luxurious penthouse lies on sought-after Park Avenue, in the very heart of Manhattan, and is every bit the dream home.

The apartment lies at the top of the 240 Park Avenue South Condominium, which was finished in 2007. The building was renovated by master designers, Matthew Hoey and Soren Rose, and was described by the pair as a “journey into bespoke craftsmanship”. The building's penthouse encompasses the entire top floor (three floors actually), allowing mesmerizing city views from almost every window. 

Of the home's three stories, one is a mezzanine level equipped with a private office – the ultimate working from home space. The main floor offers a grand gallery, an open-plan living-dining room, a kitchen, study, three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The master suite has copious closet space and a huge bathroom with a tub positioned next to the room's floor-to-ceiling window, allowing for incredible views while you soak.

From marble kitchen surfaces to oak flooring, Cognac-leather walls panels and smart home technology, no expense was spared in the making of this apartment. Yet the home's best asset has to be its rooftop terrace. With jaw-dropping views, a stunning pool, a sunbathing deck, an alfresco marble kitchen and a dining space, this is the only place you'd want to be. Such luxury doesn't come cheap though. Occupants of the building must folk out $4,614 in monthly taxes.

For many years, Hong Kong was the most expensive city on the planet, and its housing market continues to reach unrealistic heights. The bustling metropolis, loved for its dazzling skyline and fantastic culinary and cultural opportunities, is short on space and housing, which has consistently driven up prices. In fact, according to CBRE’s Global Living Report 2020, the average price of a home in Hong Kong is more than HK$10 million ($1.2m). 

Numbeo also calculates that the average house cost per square foot is HK$23,394, or $3,000, with the city's typical living space being just 161 square feet per person. Those lucky enough to have a larger budget need not opt for a coffin apartment and could instead snap up something like this. Detached villas and townhouses are exceptionally scarce in Hong Kong, and those that do come on the market sell for ridiculous sums of money. Cue this palatial property near Deep Water Bay...

Listed with Landscope for HK$980 million, which equates to $125 million, the exquisite four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom townhouse is located in a gated community that overlooks the water. The property extends an impressive 8,300 square feet – a mammoth size for a residential property in one of the most densely populated and overcrowded cities in the world. 

As well as several elegant reception rooms, decked out with high ceilings, antique furnishings and lavish fabrics, the terrific townhouse also features other billionaire-worthy essentials. There's a deluxe dressing room and numerous walk-in closets, with plenty of space for couture clothing, bags and shoes. There's also on-site staff quarters, as well as a covered garage for the new owner's favourite toys.

The property's most amazing feature has to be its rooftop garden and terrace, though. Offering 360-degree views across Deep Water Bay and the mountains surrounding Hong Kong, the dazzling outside space includes stylish seating areas and a designer plunge pool.

Sophisticated, romantic and pricey are all words that might spring to mind when you picture the Alpine city of Geneva, Switzerland. Nestled on the shores of Lac Léman, the waterside city is surrounded by the Jura mountains and boasts dramatic views of iconic Mont Blanc. Living here isn't without its downsides, though. While income is high, the cost of living is higher, and RealAdvisor suggests the median price for houses on the market is CHF 2.4 million, which is around $2.6 million.

If you're wealthy in Geneva, then the real estate possibilities are endless. This is just one example of the type of home a millionaire could buy in the Alpine city. The lake view villa lies in the quiet residential neighborhood of Anières, around 30 minutes away from the city center by car or public transport. Positioned on a private lot overlooking the waters of Lake Geneva, the residence is every bit the perfect suburban home.

The home's exterior is reminiscent of dreamy European palaces, thanks to its beehive tiled roof, cream rendered walls and large arched windows finished with pretty wood shutters. Step inside the 2,906-square-foot home and the appeal continues. Modern and free-flowing, there's a living room with a statement fireplace, a modern kitchen and an adjoining dining room, all with access to the terrace and garden.

There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms, too, as well as a luxe basement that offers a games room, sauna, wine cellar and plant room. Perfectly maintained, the dwelling has been renovated over the years and is now decked out with top quality materials. From exposed ceiling beams to hardwood floors and designer appliances, the house is move-in ready – all you'd need is your toothbrush! Oh, and CHF6.39 million ($6.73m).

The home's half-acre garden is mature and flourishing, with lovely trees, a lush lawn and plenty of native flowers. There's also a dining deck, a sunbathing area, a swimming pool and pool house, all of which allow for lake views. How's that for envy-inducing?

The stunning coastal city of Tel Aviv is defined by its white sand beaches, 1930s Bauhaus buildings and fantastic museums. So, it's no wonder the Israeli city has become so desirable. In fact, according to Money Inc, property prices here rose by 102% between 2006 and 2015, which is apparently down to a shortage of properties and a low volume of construction. Numbeo advises that the average price per square foot here is ILS 4,884, which is $1,400.

Situated inside the five-star Jaffa Residences hotel in the oldest neighborhood in Tel Aviv, Old Jaffa, this incredible home is undeniably gorgeous. However, it comes with a seriously eye-watering price tag and is listed with Sotheby's International Realty for $65 million. In the local currency, that's ILS 227 million. For your money, however, you'll gain plenty of space. 

The interior measures an impressive 16,145 square feet and was designed by world-renowned architect, Pitsou Kedem. With spectacular glass walls, the penthouse benefits from unobstructed outlooks from every single room. Formed from intimate family spaces and large, open areas for entertaining, the property boasts a living room, dining room, kitchen, six bedrooms and six bathrooms, finished with warm Mediterranean stones and marble, light wood floors, rich fabrics and custom-made furniture.

Key features include its vast master suite, wine lounge and private gym. What's more, the luxurious apartment even comes with a private 10,763-square-foot rooftop deck, with a stunning garden that was curated by Israeli landscape architect, Mohr Avidan. Imagine pulling up a seat here and soaking up the sunset over the ocean. We're starting to see why this deluxe home deserves such an incredible price tag!

Residents of this high-end building also benefit from access to a shared swimming pool, sunbathing patio and all of the five-star amenities the lavish hotel offers. This includes a spa, state-of-the-art 24/7 fitness centre, room service from a local delicatessen, first-class dining experiences, 24/7 concierge services and private parking. We wonder what the monthly property tax is for all of that...

By 2028, China is set to become the world's largest economy and the country's biggest metropolis, Shanghai, has already been named the world's most expensive city. It's really no wonder when you consider the fact that it now has the sixth largest concentration of billionaires in the world. According to the latest figures, houses cost ¥11,562 per square foot here. That's $1,700. This price only increases for homes in the city's most desirable neighborhoods.

To put these stats into perspective, in July 2016 this newly-built mansion set China’s record for the highest per-square-foot price of any home every sold in the country. The 7,553-square-foot villa, known as No. 11 Shanghai Suhewan, sold for around $36.1 million – that's $4,780 per square foot, the highest ever paid in the country.

The property was developed and sold by Overseas Chinese Town (Asia) Holdings Limited and is one of 10 ultra-luxurious houses located at the crossing of the Huangpu and Suzhou Rivers. The design was undertaken by esteemed architect and interior designer, Fang Lei, and the residence exudes elegance, thanks to the use of the finest materials – this pad is all about billionaire bling!

Inside, each villa has a sprawling, open-plan living area with a double-height ceiling, shimmering marble floors and walls of glass. There's a sitting area, a formal dining zone, a cocktail bar, a kitchen, numerous bedrooms and numerous bathrooms, all finished to the very highest standard. Throughout, the rooms boast a dark color scheme, with rich woods, white-washed ceilings and furnishings in cream and brown.

Of course, the bedrooms are the size of an average apartment in London or New York, but benefit from a walk-in closet, his-and-hers ensuite bathrooms, soaring ceilings and full-height glass walls that allow for scenic views while you snooze. Outside, the villa comes with a stunning garden, complete with a swimming pool, alfresco dining space, sunbathing deck and shaded lounge. If only money grew on trees...

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