The 24 most expensive cities in the world to grab a beer at the local bar
Posted by
Martina Birk
on
Saturday, August 3, 2024
2017-05-11T15:35:00Z
Grabbing a beer at the local pub shouldn't break the bank. But in some cities, making it a habit could quickly balloon into a sizable monthly cost.
In Oslo, Norway, for instance, if you go out twice a week and buy two beers each time, you'll end up spending more than $150 per month — probably more than your cell phone bill.
Oslo happens to be the most expensive city in the world to grab a pint, according to a report by Deutsche Bank, but it's not the only major city where a cold one will give your wallet the chills. In 23 other metropolises across the globe you'll pay at least $5 on average for a beer at a local bar, including four cities in the US.
The report sources prices from Expatistan, a site that tracks cost-of-living expenses in over 200 countries, for a "beer in a neighborhood pub (500 ml or 1 pint) in expat area" in nearly 50 cities.
Here are the 24 most expensive cities where a beer at the local bar will set you back the most.
All prices are in US dollars. Photos are of bars found in each city.
24. Moscow, Russia — $5.00
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MARCH 29: A general view of atmosphere at the the Mercedes-Benz Party in Mercedes-Bar during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia Fall/Winter 2013/2014 at Radisson Royal Hotel on March 29, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
23. Toronto, Canada — $5.10
Toronto, Canada - September 17, 2016: The legendary Horseshoe Tavern on Queen Street West has been a popular concert venue for decades and has seen many live performances by Canadian bands.Shutterstock/Paul McKinnon
22. Chicago, United States — $5.30
CHICAGO - JUNE 21: Brandon Pool tends bar at the Inner Town Pub, a corner bar dating back before prohibition in the city's East Village neighborhood June 21, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois. Neighborhood taverns in the city once numbered several thousand but have dwindled to less than 1,500 as gentrification and Mayor Richard Daley's less-than-friendly attitude toward neighborhood taverns has taken a toll on the numbers. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)Scott Olson/Getty Images
20. TIE: Sydney, Australia — $5.40
SYDNEY,AUSTRALIA - MAY 26,2015: People enjoying the illuminations of the Vivid festival from Opera Bar. Taking place annually in Sydney, Vivid is the world's largest open-air art gallery.Shutterstock/PomInOz
20. TIE: Madrid, Spain — $5.40
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 3: People relaxing in a bar terrace in La Latina district, a very typical area to enjoy the spanish food and drink culture, on April 3, 2014 in Madrid, SpainShutterstock/Victor Torres
17. TIE: Edinburgh, United Kingdom — $5.80
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 16, 2014: Row of pubs at Grassmarket in an old town. Former place of public execution. People sitting and drinking outsideShutterstock/Madrugada Verde
17. TIE: Wellington, New Zealand — $5.80
Wellington, New Zealand - February 10, 2017: Inside The Rogue and Vagabond Craft Beer Bar in Wellington.Shutterstock/RUBEN M RAMOS
17. TIE: Milan, Italy — $5.80
MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 16, 2016 : View of out side bar, close to famous Brera Gallery, in Milan, Italy.Shutterstock/Boris-B
16. Shanghai, China — $5.90
SHANGHAI CHINA - NOVEMBER 2, 2016: Unidentified people visit Tianzifang. Tianzifang is a touristic arts and crafts enclave in traditional residential area of French Concession.Shutterstock/TK Kurikawa
LONDON - JUNE 3: Inside view of pub, for drinking and socializing, focal point of the community, on June 3, 2006, London, UK. Pub business, now about 53,500 pubs in UK, has been declining every yearShutterstock/Bikeworldtravel
10. TIE: Dublin, Ireland — $6.50
DUBLIN, IRELAND - DEC 28: A busy nightlife of the Temple Bar area on Dec 28, 2016 in Dublin, Ireland. Temple Bar is a popular historic quarter of Dublin filled with pubs, restaurants and music venuesShutterstock/Bartkowski
AUCKLAND, NZ - MAY 27:Man drink beer in a bar/restaurant in Karangahape (K) Road on May 30 2013.It considered to be one of the cultural centers of Auckland known for cafes and boutique shops.Shutterstock/ChameleonsEye
8. TIE: Melbourne, Australia — $6.70
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12, 2015: Unidentified people dine at outdoor restaurant bar in Degraves street. Melbourne is famous for its lane culture and outdoor dining area.Shutterstock/TK Kurikawa
HONG KONG - JUNE 03, 2015: streets of Hong Kong at night. Hong Kong, is an autonomous territory on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River Estuary and the South China SeaShutterstock/Sorbis
