MOSCOW: Moscow is the world’s most expensive city for expatriates, while Tokyo has replaced London in second place, according to a global cost-of-living survey.

The study takes New York as the base measure for prices, comparing over 200 items, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment, in 143 cities across the globe.

Europe and Asia dominate the top 10 in the study by British-based consultancy firm Mercer, while the Paraguayan capital Asuncion is the least expensive for the sixth straight year.

The Russian capital is the world’s most expensive city for the third straight year, with a cup of coffee in a Moscow cafe priced at 10.40 dollars (6.60 euros) including service. Other Asian cities in the top 10 include Seoul in fifth and Hong Kong in 6th. Osaka is just outside the top 10 at number 11.

North America is the place to go for cheap living: New York is its only city to feature in this year’s top 50 in 22nd place, dropping seven places on its 2007 ranking.

In the Middle East, Tel Aviv remains the most expensive city in 14th place, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi have dropped to 52 and 65 respectively, mainly due to their currency being pegged to the US dollar. African cities have mostly moved down the league table, except for Lagos, which has moved up to 30th place.