Expensive...

From The Star,Thursday June 11, 2009

KL and JB among most expensive Asian cities

SINGAPORE: Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and George Town are among the cities which are gaining reputation as the most expensive ones in Asia.

An ECA International survey on the 50 most expensive Asian cities ranked Kuala Lumpur at number 38, Johor Baru (40th) and George Town (42nd).

Globally, Kuala Lumpur is placed 210th, Johor Baru (216th) and George Town (218th).

According to ECA, strong currencies were pushing up the cost of living in Asian locations.

Tokyo, it said, remained the most expensive city in Asia due to the appreciation of the yen against other major currencies.

Others are Beijing (ranked 5th), Shanghai (6th), Hong Kong (7th) and Singapore (10th).

ECA regional director for Asia Lee Quane said the strengthening of Asian currencies was the factor which contributed to the region being more expensive for visitors than it was a year ago.

The cost of living survey is carried out by ECA bi-annually by comparing a basket of commonly purchased consumer goods and services in 370 locations worldwide. — Bernama