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Wednesday, Aug 13, 2025
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Bangkok rises to eleventh in global luxury living costs as Asia-Pacific wealth expands
Bangkok climbs six places to rank eleventh globally among cities most expensive for luxury lifestyle, amid rising regional HNWI numbers and changing spending patterns.
The latest Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report for 2025 shows Bangkok climbing six places to eleventh globally in terms of luxury living costs—making it the most expensive city in Southeast Asia for high-net-worth individuals.
The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index reveals particularly high prices in Bangkok for women’s luxury footwear, men’s fashion, cars, and watches, while services such as dining and personal care remain comparatively affordable.
Singapore maintains its position as the most expensive city overall, followed by London and Hong Kong.
In the Asia-Pacific region, gross domestic product grew by four point five percent in 2024—slightly down from five point one percent in 2023, but still ahead of the global average of three point three percent.
The number of high-net-worth individuals in Asia rose five percent year-on-year to eight hundred fifty-five thousand.
Between 2025 and 2028, the region is projected to generate forty-seven point five percent of the world’s new wealthy individuals, led by growth in China and India.
The report highlights a shift in luxury consumption, with affluent individuals in the Asia-Pacific placing greater emphasis on experiences—such as travel, health, and fine dining—over traditional luxury goods.
Prices for some luxury technology items declined by an average of twenty-one point four percent, while business-class airfare rates increased by twelve point six percent, suggesting a growing appetite for comfort and convenience.
The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index reveals particularly high prices in Bangkok for women’s luxury footwear, men’s fashion, cars, and watches, while services such as dining and personal care remain comparatively affordable.
Singapore maintains its position as the most expensive city overall, followed by London and Hong Kong.
In the Asia-Pacific region, gross domestic product grew by four point five percent in 2024—slightly down from five point one percent in 2023, but still ahead of the global average of three point three percent.
The number of high-net-worth individuals in Asia rose five percent year-on-year to eight hundred fifty-five thousand.
Between 2025 and 2028, the region is projected to generate forty-seven point five percent of the world’s new wealthy individuals, led by growth in China and India.
The report highlights a shift in luxury consumption, with affluent individuals in the Asia-Pacific placing greater emphasis on experiences—such as travel, health, and fine dining—over traditional luxury goods.
Prices for some luxury technology items declined by an average of twenty-one point four percent, while business-class airfare rates increased by twelve point six percent, suggesting a growing appetite for comfort and convenience.
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