Kolkata

: Kolkata is India's least expensive city for expatriates while Mumbai continues to be the most expensive, closely followed by New Delhi and Chennai, an annual survey by a leading global HR consultancy has shown. Among the metros, Bengaluru is comparatively easier on the pocket for foreigners though not as cheap as Kolkata. According to Mercer's 2016 Cost of Living Survey, Hong Kong tops the list of most expensive cities for expatriates, pushing Luanda, the capital of Angola, to second position. Zurich and Singapore remain in third and fourth position while Tokyo stands fifth, up six places from last year. At number six, Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, has appeared for the first time in the top 10, moving up from its previous rank of 13.Mumbai (82) is India's most expensive city followed by New Delhi (130) and Chennai (158).On the other hand, Kolkata (194) and Bengaluru (180) are the least expensive among those ranked. Mumbai is ranked higher than even Seattle (83), Frankfurt (88), Canberra (98), Berlin (100) and Istanbul (101). The data helps Mercer derive the cost of living allowance for expatriates coming into the country. Data is collected each year in March and the rankings are released in May-June.Ruchika Pal, principal India practice leader, global mobility at Mercer said, “Each year we analyse ten categories like goods and services and housing which together impact the cost of living in any city . Since three years, Mumbai has been ranked more expensive than Delhi on five parameters, which includes alcohol and tobacco, personal care items, eating out, eating at home which includes groceries, poultry and meat, as well as transportation. Petrol is more expensive in Mumbai which fuels the cost of living.“Mumbaikars know only too well how difficult it is to buy or rent a home in the city .Mercer's survey confirms that the cost of rentals is 18% more expensive than Delhi.New Delhi and Bangalore have become more expensive over last year and their rankings have gone up.Bengaluru has witnessed the highest jump in ranking owing to a surge in the price of food and personal care items.