What is included
The cost of living score is calculated out of 100 by reversing the national level of everyday and housing expenses. The lower the expenses, the higher the score.
Where Next Index “Cost of living” score, July 2026 edition
The Where Next cost of living score for 2026
In the July 2026 edition of the Where Next Index, Indonesia (Bali) has the highest cost of living score with 82/100.
19 countries assessed under the same rules. Score out of 100. Weight in the global score: 15%.
- Edition
- July 2026
- Published
- 15 July 2026
- Coverage
- 19 countries
- Global weight
- 15%
Published scores
“Cost of living” scores for 19 countries
Countries with the same score share the same rank in the July 2026 edition.
| Rank | Country | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Indonesia (Bali)outside EU | 82/100 |
| #2 | Georgiaoutside EU | 76/100 |
| #3 | Thailandoutside EU | 73/100 |
| #4 | BulgariaEU | 72/100 |
| #5 | Mexicooutside EU | 69/100 |
Score calculation
How is the “Cost of living” score calculated?
The same rules apply to every country in the July 2026 edition.
What a high score means
A high score indicates a lower national level of everyday and housing expenses.
What the score cannot establish
The score is national. It is not a budget by city, housing type or household composition.
Official edition
The reference to cite
The July 2026 edition covers 19 countries and was published on 15 July 2026.
- Edition
- July 2026
- Published on
- 15 July 2026
- Coverage
- 19 countries
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the “Cost of living” score
Where Next answers based on the scores published in the July 2026 edition.
Which country has the highest cost of living score in 2026 according to Where Next?
In the July 2026 edition of the Where Next Index, Indonesia (Bali) has the highest cost of living score with 82/100.
Which five countries have the highest “Cost of living” scores in 2026?
In the July 2026 edition, the five highest “Cost of living” scores belong to Indonesia (Bali) (82/100), Georgia (76/100), Thailand (73/100), Bulgaria (72/100) and Mexico (69/100).
How does Where Next calculate the “Cost of living” score?
The cost of living score is calculated out of 100 by reversing the national level of everyday and housing expenses. The lower the expenses, the higher the score.
What does a high “Cost of living” score mean?
A high score indicates a lower national level of everyday and housing expenses.
When is the “Cost of living” score updated?
Published scores are recalculated in the annual August 1 edition. The edition currently displayed is July 2026, published on 15 July 2026. A monthly edition may add new countries, and a dated correction may be published when needed.