Top Ten Most Expensive Items in the World

Read further through the article to find the price tags of the top ten most expensive items in the world and the reasons behind their expensiveness.

1. Antilla, Mumbai

The 24 floor Antilla is owned by the most influential Indian businessman, Mukesh Ambani and is credited to value one billion dollar. This unique building is 570 feet high and spreads over an area of 400,00 sq. feet with health spa, yoga studio, small theatre, 3 helipads, 600 servants and 9 lifts. The structure was designed by American architects according to the principles of Vaastu Shastra. it also has the facility for parking 168 vehicles at a go. No doubt it leads the list of top 10 most expensive items in the world.

 2. Eclipse- Yatch

Constructed by Blohm and Voss in Hamburg, Germany, Eclipse is the most expensive yacht owned by Roman Abramovich. Its exterior and interior were designed by Terence Disdale Design with the facilities of 2 heli-pads, 24 guest cabins, 2 swimming pools, several hot tubs and a disco hall. it is 0.5 meters long with a cost tag of $590,000,000. For security, Eclipse is fitted with intruder detection systems and a German-built missile defense system.

3. 201-Carat Chopard Watch

The $25 million 201-carat Chopard watch takes up the third position on the records of top ten most expensive items in the world. The watch is gorgeously studded with three heart shaped diamonds and credit for its luxuriousness goes to Swiss company established by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860. Also present are 163 carats of white and yellow diamonds to bring the total to 201 carats of diamonds. when pressed the 3 hearts opens up to display the time since it is base on spring-loaded mechanism.

4. IPhone 4 with 500 Diamonds

Mobile phone is quite a common thing which is owned by almost every individual on earth. It will not be incorrect to say that mobile phone is the result of the advancement made by technology and comes in between the range of 500 to 8 million $. This variation has come up by the most expensive cell phone which is IPhone 4 with 500 diamonds covering the sides of it with a weigh of 100 carats. The 8 million$ IPhone 4 is made only on orders and its custom based product.

5. Ronald Winston Shoes

With 50 carats of diamonds, sapphires and 4,600 rubies, Ronald Winston shoes are one of the best pairs in the list of most expensive items. The dazzling footwear was crafted for $ 3, 00,000 with shinny red as its color. The elegant and sophisticated pair was put on by Judy garland while attending one of the award functions.

6. Bugatti Veyron Car

Gifted with incredible speed and looks, Bugatti Veyron is the next name that follows the chart of most expensive items. Designed and developed by the Volkswagen group, the four wheeler comes for a whooping amount of $2.6 million with amazing facilities such as W16 Cylinder engine, computer controlled dual clutch direct shift gear box, 2,710 mm wheel base and few more that sums up to be a luxury car.

7. Luvaglio Laptop

List of 10 most expensive items in the world also includes the Luvaglio Laptop  the one which is regarded as one of the most innovative and expensive laptop in the world.  The reason for its expensiveness is the personalized covering work. Steel, wood and metal are the varied choices put out for the customers. unlike the other items it has no jewelry on it but has a unique built in watch tidier inside. And all these unique qualities makes this Laptop worth of 1 million $.

8. Imperial Majesty Perfume

There will be very few of us who lacks interest in perfumes. For the die hard fans of perfume, Imperial Majesty Perfume will be a dream to include it in their kit.  The most expensive perfume of the world is Clive Christian’s Imperial Majesty Perfume and costs 435,000 $ for a bottle according to Amazon. The perfume also has an 18 carat gold round ring which covers the neck of the bottle finished with a 5 carat Diamond cap.

9. Chateau Lafite 1787 Wine

The most expensive wine ever sold is Chateau Lafite 1787 bought by Thomas Jefferson with a price value of $1, 60,000. Chateau Lafite itself is a well accepted brand name and more over the texture and the quality of the drink makes it worthy of its price. The 1787 Lafite was explicitly bought as a piece of Jefferson memorabilia, not as a bottle of wine, and it now resides in the Forbes Collection in New York.

10. Tokyo, Japan

Every thing is expensive in the capital city of Japan. From monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom,Cup of Coffee, One Gallon of Gasoline, Daily International Newspaper to Fast-Food Meal nothing comes less than $7.With such high rates, it is next to impossible to survive in this city for the immigrants without work permit or high savings and has made it compulsory to be included in the list of top 10 most expensive items in the world.

The World's Most Luxurious Cruise Ships

Sean & Lauren Spectacular

Just because you're in the middle of the ocean doesn't mean you should sacrifice luxury. 

These luxury cruise liners will sail pretty much anywhere, but the finest staterooms will cost you.

From learning how to play a piano, male escorts for the single ladies at dinner or apartment-style lofts, these cruise ships show that sailing can be quite luxurious.

THE NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY: The 4,000 passenger ship will set sail from New York to Bermuda in 2013.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruises

The staterooms have private balconies attached.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruises

To stay in a stateroom on the seven-day round trip from New York to Bermuda will cost $1,349 per person.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruises

THE CARNIVAL SPIRIT: There's a casino, a steakhouse, a spa, a theater, and several clubs on board.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

The atrium's rich wood and glass accents make the ship feel like a luxury hotel. And the single ladies won't have to walk to dinner alone; escorts are provided.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

To stay in the suite on a nine-day trip from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera will cost $1,649 per person.

THE CRYSTAL SERENITY: Condé Nast Traveler lauds the ship as the best on the seas.

While on board, learn how to play the piano in the Creative Learning Institute or perfect your golf game in a clinic given by PGA pros.

For a round trip from Los Angeles to Hawaii, staying in the penthouse will cost $15,490 per person.

THE DISNEY DREAM: Designed with families in mind, the ship has the world's first water-coaster at sea. There are three pools on board; one for kids, one for families, and one just for adults.

There are five night clubs and lounges, as well as several gourmet restaurants.

There's also a theater for watching Disney films in 3D, of course.

THE HERBIDEAN PRINCESS: This cruise only carries 50 guests around the islands and highlands of Scotland. It will feel like your own private cruise!

On board, have a drink near the inglenook fireplace in the Tiree Lounge.

The ship is described as "luxury fit for a queen." Seven nights to the Inner Isles will cost $6,790.

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES: While sailing near Tahiti, go scuba diving, kayaking, or try your hand at the casino.

Feel free to spread out; the ship has a space to guest ratio of 58 to 1, the highest in the North American market.

Staying in the owner's suite for seven days to Tahiti costs $8,727 per person.

OASIS OF THE SEAS: The Royal Caribbean's luxury liner has now partnered with Starbucks, so you can have your caramel frappuccino while on board.

Chef Michal Schwartz helped develop the menu for the restaurant, 150 Central Park.

The staterooms are described as New York-like loft apartments. A seven-night stay from Florida to the Caribbean in this room will cost $9,830 per person.

THE SILVERSEA WHISPER: Aboard you'll find boutique shopping, a multilevel theater, a beauty salon, spa and fitness center. When staying in the high-priced suites you get a complimentary butler.

Full-fledged performances in the theater provides great entertainment while the ship is at sea.

For a 16-day cruise from Florida to Brazil, it will cost $7,720 per person.

 

The World's Most Expensive Places to Live 2012

1. Tokyo, Japan


Tokyo is the most expensive place to live in the world for expatriates and is one of three Japanese cities to make the top 10 list this year. 

The city has risen from the number two spot last year and has been ranked either first or second for the past five years. While the cost of renting in Asia’s most expensive city has remained relatively the same, the cost of other goods like a cup of coffee, fuel and a fast-food meal has gone up over the past year. By comparison, Tokyo is about one-third more expensive than Karachi, which is the least expensive city for expats among the 214 cities surveyed by Mercer. 

As Japan’s most important economic center, Tokyo is the most desirable place for expats to live in. But the city's real estate market is expected to be hit by shrinking demand from expatriates in 2012 due to corporate cost-cutting and downsizing, according to Knight Frank. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $4,848 
Cup of Coffee: $8.29 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $7.34 
Daily International Newspaper: $6.38 
Fast-Food Meal: $8.29 

2. Luanda, Angola

Photo: Chad Henning/Getty ImagesLuanda, the capital of Africa’s second largest oil producer, has fallen to second place this year from the number one spot it has held since 2010. An oil boom has helped Angola become the third-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa and Nigeria. Crude oil sales account for over 95 percent of its export revenue, and the government expects GDP growth of 12.8 percent in 2012. 

The most costly expense in Luanda is renting property, similar to number 8th ranked N’Djamena. Despite the average monthly cost of renting a luxury two-bedroom apartment falling $500 compared to last year, it still remains high at $6,500. Consumer inflation in Angola was more than 11 percent year-on-year in March. 

The country is the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in sub-Saharan Africa with inflows of nearly $10 billion in 2010, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Its main overseas investors include China, Portugal, Brazil and the U.S. and expatriates from these countries are sent to oversee local operations in Luanda. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $6,500 
Cup of Coffee: $3.90 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $2.38 
Daily International Newspaper: $5.46 
Fast-Food Meal: $19.94* 

*Replaced by club sandwich and soda in absence of any comparable fast food outlets. 

3. Osaka, Japan


Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, has moved up three spots this year from sixth in 2011 and 2010.

Known as an important commercial center for Japan, about 1.1 million people commute into the city during the day, according to the Japanese Statistics Bureau. The city has high rental prices because of its dense population, a limited amount of accommodation and high expatriate demand. A relatively strong yen has also heightened the cost of living for expatriates. The cost of buying daily goods like a cup of coffee, fuel, an international newspaper and fast food have all gone up from last year. 

Osaka is also a key industrial hub and home to nearly 44,000 manufacturers, which creates added pressure on resources. But a strong yen and an aging labor pool have hit the once mighty industrial hub in recent decades. The city has seen a decline in manufacturing with three firms closing shop every day since the peak year of 1983.

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $3,062 
Cup of Coffee: $7.02 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $6.85 
Daily International Newspaper: $6.38 
Fast-Food Meal: $8.29 

4. Moscow, Russia

Photo: Lars Ruecker/Getty ImagesMoscow is the most expensive city in Europe for expatriates and has ranked fourth globally since 2010. 

Despite widespread concerns over corruption, red tape, pollution and growing traffic congestion, Moscow’s place as Russia’s main political and business capital makes it the top destination for expat workers. The city attracts more investment than other Russian cities and accounts for about a quarter of the country’s $1.5 trillion economy. Daily issues like power outages and safety also drive up the cost of living for foreigners. 

The rising cost of renting property is the most substantial increase in living costs for 2012, according to Mercer, with a luxury two-bedroom apartment going up by $200 compared to last year. Demand for luxury property in Moscow is also high because of growing wealth from the country’s oil and commodities boom. Moscow is home to the most billionaires in the world at 79, according to Forbes. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $4,200 
Cup of Coffee: $8.37 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $3.67 
Daily International Newspaper: $9.78 
Fast-Food Meal: $6.70 

5. Geneva, Switzerland

Photo: Katarina Stefanovic/Getty ImagesGeneva has been ranked as the fifth most expensive place to live in the world for the past three years by Mercer. It is Switzerland’s second-largest city after Zurich. Together, the two cities represent the high cost of living in Switzerland, the only Western European country to make the top 10 list. 

Geneva is the country’s most expensive metropolitan area and like Zurich, the Swiss franc’s appreciation has raised the cost of living for expatriates. The average monthly rent for a luxury two-bedroom apartment in the city has gone up by nearly $300 from last year to around $4,800. 

Geneva is home to 20 international organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization and Red Cross, making it a big draw for expats. Over 44 percent of the city’s population is made up of foreigners. The cosmopolitan hub is also home to the world’s most expensive private schools and is said to have one of the best education systems, further adding to the high cost of living for families. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $4,818 
Cup of Coffee: $6.57 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $7.46 
Daily International Newspaper: $4.38 
Fast-Food Meal: $12.59 

6. Zurich, Switzerland (Tied)

Photo: José Fuste Raga/Getty ImagesZurich, home to a number of banking giants such as UBS and Credit Suisse, moved one spot higher this year from 7th in 2011 and 9th in 2010. 

Zurich is an attractive location for international firms looking to take advantage of Switzerland’s low tax rates. Expatriates are also drawn to Zurich’s high quality of life. The city ranks third in the world when it comes to education, tax, and security as motives for purchasers to buy luxury property, according to Knight Frank. 

While most European cities have dropped in the rankings, the strength of the local currency, the Swiss franc, has boosted the cost of living in Zurich. While Mercer ranks Zurich as the sixth most expensive city, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranks it as number one. EIU’s survey covers 130 cities and takes into account 160 products and services. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $3,614 
Cup of Coffee: $6.02 
One of Gallon Gasoline: $7.38 
Daily International Newspaper: $4.38 
Fast-Food Meal: $12.59 

6. Singapore (Tied)

Photo: Wsboon Images/Getty ImagesSingapore, like other Asian financial centers, has seen a big inflow of expatriates, which has pushed up the cost of housing and other living costs. 

The city has been moving up Mercer’s most expensive cities list, rising two spots this year from eighth in 2011 and 11 th in 2010. Known for its high property prices and rents compared to the rest of Southeast Asia, Singapore is also an extremely expensive place to own a car. The permit to buy a new car can cost anywhere between $46,000 to over $67,000. Prices of these 10-year permits, known as Certificate of Entitlement (COE), have jumped 40 percent  since the beginning of this year. 

An average Toyota Vios subcompact costs $85,700 including the permit, up from about $60,000 at the beginning of the year, according to motoring website SGcarmart.com. 

Given the steep cost of living in Singapore, expat salaries are also correspondingly high. According to a survey by HSBC  more than half of expats in Singapore earned more than $200,000 in 2011, making it the country with the highest expat salaries in Asia. Expats in Singapore need to have larger incomes than their home countries to maintain their standard of living. About 82 percent of expats surveyed said they were more likely to spend more money on accommodation, while 65 percent said they would spend more on food in 2011 compared to the global average of around 50 percent. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $3,588 
Cup of Coffee: $5.18 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $6.55 
Daily International Newspaper: $3.59 
Fast-Food Meal: $5.66 

8. N’ Djamena, Chad

Photo: Kanbou Sia/AFP/Getty ImagesN’Djamena, the capital and economic center of the central African country of Chad, fell five spots this year from third place in 2011 and 2010.

The key reason behind the high cost of living in N’Djamena is the difficulty in finding suitable and safe accommodations for expatriates, making the few available places extremely expensive. Companies must also take into account the personal safety of employees in the violence-mired city, further adding to costs. 

The influx of expatriates working in Chad’s oil industry has pushed up the cost of living, with a fast-food meal costing as much as $25. Chad’s oil fields have attracted a number of international energy giants such as China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Malaysia’s state-run Petronas. Chad saw investments of more than $8 billion in 2011 by Chinese firms keen to cash in on the country’s energy industry. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: N/A 
Cup of Coffee: $3.32 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $6.55 
Daily International Newspaper: $6.85 
Fast-Food Meal: $25.18 

9. Hong Kong

Photo: Joe Chen Photography/Getty ImagesHong Kong, the only Chinese city or territory to make the top 10 list, has been ranked the ninth most expensive place to live for the past two years, falling from the eighth spot in 2010. 

One of the most substantial increases in the cost of living in Hong Kong has been in renting property. The average monthly rent for a luxury two-bedroom apartment jumped around $1,300 from $5,800 in 2011 to almost $7,100 this year. As one of the most densely populated cities in the world with limited housing supply, average house prices have skyrocketed over 93 percent between 2006 and 2011 — making Hong Kong the world’s second-hottest property market, according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank. 

Hong Kong’s reputation as a major global financial center remains a big draw for international businesses and expatriates, which in turn pushes up the cost of living. The cost of food and fuel has also gone up from last year with headline inflation jumping nearly 5 percent in April. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $7,092 
Cup of Coffee: $6.83 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $8.36 
Daily International Newspaper: $3.61 
Fast-Food Meal: $3.54 

10. Nagoya, Japan

Photo: Jantelagen/Mark McDonald/Getty ImagesThe cost of living in Nagoya has risen rapidly in the past few years, with the city breaking into the top 10 for the first time in 2012 from 11th in 2011 and 19th in 2010. 

Nagoya is Japan’s auto manufacturing hub, and an important place of business for some of the world’s leading carmakers like Toyota, Honda, General Motors and Volkswagen. 

Expats are generally drawn to the city because of its large industrial sector. Demand for housing in the densely populated area, which is the third-largest in Japan, has driven up the cost of housing. 

Still, the cost of renting a luxury two-bedroom apartment in Nagoya is around half the cost of renting in Tokyo. But Nagoya is as expensive as Tokyo when it comes to the cost of a cup of coffee, fuel or a fast-food meal. To top it off, a surging yen has resulted in higher prices in general for expats living in Japan. 

Monthly Rent, Luxury 2 Bedroom: $2,551 
Cup of Coffee: $6.38 
One Gallon of Gasoline: $6.70 
Daily International Newspaper: $6.38 
Fast-Food Meal: $8.42