Top 5 Most Expensive Countries in the World

Here in America, at the mention of such cities as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, we think dollar signs. Life is expensive in those cities and many of us complain that it is nearly impossible to earn a well-off wage and pay for a regular four bedroom home. But, it could be worse. Following are the most expensive countries on our planet, according to aneki.com

5. Norway comes in as the fifth most expensive country in the world. A good portion of its citizen's income is spent on housing. Monthly groceries for a typical Norwegian family costs roughly $1,400. Dinner at an inexpensive restaurant for one averages from $15-20 while a trip to the local movie theatre is averages from $10-15. A typical 3 star hotel in Oslo costs a whooping $130 a night, starting at the smallest hotel room, facing the backstreet. Think gas is cheap in this oil abundant nation? One gallon costs $6.27.

High prices go hand in hand with this country's high standard of living. Hourly wages are extremely high to attract workers that would get the same pay in Norway's oil or fishing industry. Their products are expensive because manpower is expensive. Most of the money goes to welfare and free health care. But to Norwegians, their pricey lifestyle is just something that takes time accommodating to.

4. Taiwan compared to most Asian countries, is relatively expensive, but its low tax rates and high worker's wage make up for it. An alcohol drink in a regular town bar can cost you up to $8 and main courses at average-joe establishments go up to $18. A studio apartment in Taiwan averages about $500, which at first may sound affordable, but with its GDP per capita being $29,000, one realizes that that is a real slap in the wallet. Gasoline in Taiwan averages $2.90 a gallon, a lot for such a small nation.

It has the same high standard and cost of living as New York, which is slightly higher than the rest of America. An efficient welfare system and top-notch education balances out this pricey island nation. But one must take to mind that the cost of living implies the whole nation of Taiwan, not just a city.