VietNamNet Bridge - In 52 Asian cities that are most expensive for foreign visitors, HCM City ranks 43rd and Hanoi 38th.

Globally, HCM City ranks 227th on the expense level, jumping six spots from last year.

In 52 Asian cities surveyed recently, the cost of living is higher in Hanoi than HCM City, ranking 38th. Hanoi ranks 219th worldwide, up 7 spots from last year.

HCM City is in the top 10 cities with the cheapest cost for foreign workers.

According to research firm ECA International, this is the first time in the last three years Tokyo (Japan) left the top position of the world's most expensive cities for foreigners.

Tokyo has ceded the throne to Oslo (Norway) to stand at 6th place. The top 5 include Luanda (Angola), Stavanger (Norway), Juba (South Sudan) and Moscow (Russia).

India is a country with many cities of the cheapest cost of living in the world, with Kolkata (243), Hyderabad (242), Bangalore (231) and Mumbai (215).

In Asia, Japan's cities still dominate the list of expensive cities, contributing up to half of the top 10. The remaining locations are Seoul (Republic of Korea), Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Seoul jumped from 7th grade to 3rd this year. The cause is not rising prices but the stronger won.

Lee Quane - regional director of ECA Asia commented: "The yen falling against other major currencies in recent months was the main reason for this. However, Tokyo is always an expensive place for foreigners although the city dropped in the ranking."

The survey on the cost of living for foreign workers of ECA International is made twice a year. It compares the prices of a basket of goods and services in over 400 cities in the world.

According to ECA International, living costs are affected by inflation, availability of goods and exchange rates. Other items such as rent, electricity, water, gas, cars and school fees for children are not counted because they are usually covered by companies.

S. Tung