Singapore maintained pole position as the world’s most expensive city for the ninth time in the last eleven years, tying with Zurich.

While Zurich’s rise reflects the strength of the Swiss franc and high prices for groceries, household goods and recreation, Singapore continues to see high price levels across several categories, the EIU said.

Singapore, a city state, has the world’s highest transport prices, owing to strict government controls on car numbers.

It is also among the most expensive cities for clothing, groceries and alcohol, due to its success as business hub.

Overall, the top ten consists of two Asian cities (Singapore and Hong Kong), four European cities (Zurich, Geneva, Paris and Copenhagen), three US cities (New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco) and Tel Aviv in Israel.