Luanda in Angola and Hong Kong came out top in a recently published list of the most expensive and least expensive rental markets for expatriates in the world—Banjul in Gambia and Mbabane in Swaziland were the least expensive. The list was published by the Associates for International Research (AIRINC) to offer some insight into international cost differences and to show what businesses can get for their money when relocating their best and brightest.
According to the rankings, at the top end of the scale, a 2,700 square foot, 3 bedroom house in Luanda’s Sul district could fetch for USD 14,000 a month while a 1,900 square foot, 3 bedroom apartment downtown would cost the same amount. Hong Kong is not far behind. Going for an 1,800 square foot, 3 bedroom apartment in The Peak would cost USD 13,000.
This compares unfavourably with the likes of Banjul in Gambia where rents for a 5 bedroom house with sea views and staff quarters come in at a mere US 1,250 a month. In Swaziland, a 4 bedroom house can fetch for USD 1,350.
Jeff Hawk, Vice President of Data Services, AIRINC stated, “Housing is very significant component of relocation compensation, and often a key concern for employees considering a job away from home. Human resource departments benefit greatly from ensuring they have the most accurate and up-to-date global housing data to determine fair and suitable budgets.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
