For the third time in a row Moscow, host city of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, has proved its status as the most expensive city on the Globe. That was stated by the Mercer Human Resource Consulting research, published last week.
The top 10 list of the most expensive cities, according to the Mercer Human Resource Consulting research, is the following:
1. Moscow, Russia
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. London, UK
4. Oslo, Norway
5. Seoul, South Korea
6. Hong Kong, China
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
8. Geneva, Switzerland
9. Zurich, Switzerland
10. Milan, Italy
Some recent Eurovision host cities are in the top 50. Copenhagen came as nr. 7, Helsinki – 21, Istanbul – 23, Athens – 25, Kiev – 42, and Riga – 44.
This rating was concluded by calculating an average price for about 200 goods and services. Among other goods the average tourist traditionally spends money on, were taxi fares, accommodation fees and restaurant bills. So, for example, it turned to be that the most expensive coffee is still in the Russian capital. An average price for this drink is about € 7 per cup including tips.
This fact could prove to be quite challenging for the loyal Eurofan's (usually limited) budget considering that an average stay during the contest lasts a week minimum, two weeks for those who wish to attend rehearsals as well. Considering also the ticket package prices, should the same system be retained next year, then fans are looking at a far greater sum required than Helsinki and definitely Belgrade where prices were considerably lower.
A standard room at the fashionable Ritz-Carlton-Moscow is about € 950 euros per night. Also Moscow is not really a good city for shopping because of the prices again. Many Muscovites prefer to fly to Turkey, Italy, England or Germany to buy good new clothes at better prices.
Of course the social level of the citizens is different which results in quite a large choice. Not everyone goes to Pushkin Restaurant where an average bill is € 200. You may choose McDonald's, Yolki-Palki or Mu-Mu, where you will spend € 10-12 for lunch. The Moscow metro is another example. One trip there costs 19 rubles, that is just € 0,50 whichis 2-4 times cheaper than in Western Europe.
An article by Anton Kudrevich
