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30. St Helier, Jersey -

St Helier, with a rent index of 55.2, is a blend of small-town charm and modern living. As the capital of Jersey, it offers a serene lifestyle within its 10.6 km² (4.09 miles²), making it a uniquely upscale destination.

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29. Nashville, Tennessee, US -

Nashville, scoring 55.7 on the rent index, is the heart of country music and a burgeoning business hub. Its blend of cultural richness and economic growth makes it an appealing, yet expensive, place to live.

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28. Chicago, Illinois, US -

Chicago, with a rent index of 56.0, is a blend of architectural marvels and culture. As one of America's largest cities, it offers a dynamic urban lifestyle. However, it's also one of the most expensive to live in. 

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27. Sydney, Australia -

Sydney's rent index of 56.2 reflects its status as Australia's bustling economic powerhouse. Known for its stunning harbor and vibrant lifestyle, living here comes with a high price tag.

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26. Raleigh, North Carolina, US -

Raleigh, with a rent index of 56.4, is a hub of education and technology in North Carolina. Its blend of academic institutions and tech companies makes it a highly desirable, yet costly, place to live.

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25. St. Petersburg, Florida, US -

With a rent index of 57.0, St. Petersburg is a gem on Florida's gulf coast. Known for its sunny weather and arts scene, it's a smaller city with a big appeal and equally big living costs.

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24. Tampa, Florida, US -

Tampa, scoring 59.4 on the rent index, is known for its port and rich cultural history. This coastal city combines business with leisure, offering a lively yet expensive lifestyle.

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23. Charlotte, North Carolina, US -

With a rent index of 59.7, Charlotte is North Carolina's commercial giant. Known for its influential banking sector, it's a city where business thrives against a backdrop of Southern charm.

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22. Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US -

Fort Lauderdale scores 61.3 on the rent index. It's famed for its boating canals and splendid beaches, making it a sought-after location for sun-seekers and yacht enthusiasts alike.

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21. Dublin, Ireland -

Dublin, with its rent index of 61.6, is Ireland's cultural heart and economic center. Known for its vibrant history, literature, and cozy pubs, it offers a rich lifestyle that comes at a serious premium.

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20. Honolulu, Hawaii, US -

Honolulu, paradise personified, has a rent index of 62.0. As Hawaii's vibrant capital, it's known for its stunning beaches and tourism-driven economy, making it an expensive but desirable place to live.

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19. Hong Kong, Hong Kong -

Hong Kong, with a rent index of 64.1, is an East-meets-West metropolis. Known for its skyline and deep natural harbor, it's a financial giant where space is at a premium.

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18. Austin, Texas, US -

Austin, scoring 65.1 on the rent index, is Texas' vibrant capital. Famous for its music scene and tech industry, it's a city where innovation meets tradition, driving up living costs.

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17. Zug, Switzerland -

Zug, with a rent index of 66.5, is a blend of ancient charm and modern affluence. Known for its low taxes and high quality of life, it's a discreet yet expensive haven for the wealthy.

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16. Zurich, Switzerland -

Zurich scores 69.0 on the rent index, reflecting its status as a global financial center. Known for its pristine environment and affluent lifestyle, Zurich combines luxury with the tranquility of nature.

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15. Geneva, Switzerland -

Geneva, with a rent index of 69.0, is a city of international diplomacy. Nestled amidst Alpine beauty, it's a financial and cultural hotspot, offering a high quality of life at a high cost.

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14. London, United Kingdom -

With a rent index of 69.5, London is a global city of immense prestige. It combines rich history with modern flair, making it one of the world's most sought-after yet expensive places to live.

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13. Seattle, Washington, US -

Seattle's 69.6 rent index mirrors its status as a booming tech hub. Home to major firms and lush green landscapes, it offers a unique mix of urban and natural beauty, albeit at a premium.

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12. Washington, D.C., US -

Washington D.C., the nation's capital, scores 70.9 on the rent index. Known for its historical monuments and high living costs, it's a hub of political power and cultural diversity.

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11. Miami, Florida, US -

Miami, a sun-drenched paradise with a rent index of 72.1, is Florida's economic powerhouse. Famous for its beaches and the world's largest cruise ship port, it's as dynamic as it is expensive.

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10. Los Angeles, California, US -

With a rent index of 72.3, Los Angeles epitomizes the blend of entertainment, culture, and business. Known for Hollywood, it's a city where dreams are pursued, albeit at a high cost of living.

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9. San Jose, California, US -

Boasting a rent index of 74.2, San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. This city is a tech enthusiast’s dream, hosting numerous innovative firms, which contributes to its high living expenses.

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8. Oakland, California, US -

Oakland stands out with a rent index of 74.3. Known for one of America's busiest ports, this Californian city is a vital trade and transport center with escalating rental prices.

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7. Boston, Massachusetts, US -

Boston's rent index of 75.2 mirrors its role as a significant educational and technological hub. This city blends a rich history with modern innovation, contributing to its high living costs.

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6. George Town, Cayman Islands -

George Town, with a rent index of 76.4, is the epitome of luxury in the Cayman Islands. Its tax-friendly policies make it a magnet for financial institutions.

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5. San Diego, California, US -

With a rent index of 76.5, San Diego's appeal is multifaceted – a military stronghold, a tech hub, and a city rich in employment opportunities.

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4. San Francisco, California, US -

San Francisco's rent index of 91.4 reflects its status as a tech and cultural hub. This vibrant city, known for steep hills and eclectic architecture, faces a housing crunch that drives up living costs.

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3. Hamilton, Bermuda -

In Bermuda's heart lies Hamilton, a tax haven and insurance powerhouse. With a rent index of 92.2, it's a blend of finance and tropical allure, making it a unique and costly residence.

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2. Republic of Singapore -

Singapore, a city-state, dazzles with prosperity. With a rent index of 97.1, this global powerhouse is renowned for its wealth, high living standards, and as a pivotal transportation hub in Asia.

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1. New York, US -

New York, the epitome of urban living, leads with a rent index score of 100. Known as the financial and cultural heart of the U.S., it combines high finance and high fashion, making it an irresistible yet pricey choice for many.

Sources: (Yahoo Finance)

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