The results of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey have been released, and the annual report sees three cities gain the dubious honor of being named the world’s most expensive in 2019: Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore.

It’s the first time three cities have shared first place in the 30-year history of the survey, which considers 133 cities around the world.

Four European cities are in the top 10, with Paris ranking as the least affordable in the region, having previously been seventh overall in 2017. According to the Economist, it only offers value for money (in comparison with other European cities) for alcohol, transport and tobacco.

The US and Switzerland both have two cities included in the top 10, with a stronger US dollar making the destination less affordable for travelers.

And, although London is often considered one of the most expensive cities to live in, it actually doesn’t come in the top 20, instead ranking joint 22^nd alongside Melbourne and Milan, although it nonetheless climbed eight places this year. Meanwhile, the second-most expensive city in the UK, Manchester, climbed five places to joint 51^st.

The world’s 10 most expensive cities

What about the world’s cheapest cities?

On the other side of the coin, Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, was named the cheapest city in the world to live in in 2019, followed by Syrian capital Damascus in second place.  Unfortunately, these locations are ‘cheap but not always cheerful’ according to the Economist, which referred to the ‘element of risk’ in some of the world’s cheapest cities, as more locations are becoming more affordable due to economic or political disruptions, with war-torn Damascus being one example. The report stated: "Put simply, cheaper cities also tend to be less livable”.

Comparing rankings: the Economist vs QS

But how does the Worldwide Cost of Living Survey compare with QS’s Best Student Cities index, which includes affordability as one of the five indicators used to compile the ranking? The most affordable city according to the most recent QS Best Student Cities index is Budapest, followed by Kuala Lumpur, and three Russian cities are also included among the top 10 most affordable cities for students – Tomsk, Novosibirsk and St Petersburg.

In contrast, no European cities were included within the 10 cheapest cities in the world in the Worldwide Cost of Living Survey. Last year’s edition had included Romanian capital Bucharest in ninth place, but it’s dropped this year. Also, three Indian cities are featured in the top 10 for affordability according to the Economist, while India’s only entrant in the Best Student Cities index, Mumbai, is ranked 32^nd for affordability according to QS.

Buenos Aires fell a whopping 48 places to now rank among the 10 cheapest cities in the world, but actually doesn’t score well for affordability in the QS Best Student Cities index, at 71^st out of 101.

The cause of such considerable discrepancies between the two rankings are the differing methodologies used to compile them. The Economist’s survey is aimed at expatriates and business travelers, and compares the cost of 160 products and services, including household items, rent, food, public transport, fuel and bills. In contrast, the Best Student Cities index considers tuition fees and general costs of living – arguably making it more applicable to student expenses. Also, most of the cities in the top 10 for affordability according to the Economist are not currently featured in the QS Best Student Cities index.

Read a more detailed explanation of how the Affordability category of the Best Student Cities index is calculated.

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Studying abroad in a completely foreign destination can be extremely overwhelming, particularly as Australia’s so far away from home for most of us. Not only are you in a new place, but you’re trying to balance your studies, your social life, and eating healthily, all while making sure you’re making the most of your time in the land down under (I mean, who wants to study when you could be at the beach?). Here are some ways to help manage all the changes coming your way as you adapt to studying in Australia, and stop university stress getting the best of you while hitting the books.

1. Take a self-care day

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But for real, grab a face mask, some ice cream, and your favorite Netflix show. Taking time to put your mind and body first throughout the madness of the school year is the most important thing you can do. Whether it means taking an hour for yourself between studying, or taking a day to put away the books, self-care is vital.

2. Get some exercise

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Staying active is a sure-fire way that you will at the very least feel a little better about all the studying you have to do. For a lot of people, exercise can act as a release of anxiety and a restart to your mind. And lucky for you, Australia is pretty much the best place to get outside since you are never too far from the coast. There is truly no better therapy than taking a stroll along the beach, listening to the waves crash, and breathing in the sea breeze.

3. Stay hydrated

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Australia can get hot, and I mean really hot. If you aren’t staying hydrated throughout the day, there’s a good chance you’ll end up feeling sluggish and unmotivated to get things done. If you don’t believe me, you’ll learn pretty quick that you need to have a bottle of water with you at all times in this desert land.

4. Get some vitamin D

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After a day in the sun, you always seem to feel a little happier, a little more refreshed, and a little less stressed. Even if you’re stuck in the library all day, take the time to go outside for an hour to soak in some of that glorious vitamin D. After all, being stuck inside in a place like Australia is pretty much a crime.

5. Load up on healthy foods

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If you’re going to fill your body with junk food, you are going to feel like junk and perform like junk in your everyday life. I know it’s tough to eat 100 percent healthily as a busy student, but do the best you possibly can in order to keep your body happy. There’s also most likely a local market in your area where you can get fresh fruits and veggies every week. Find out what ‘brain foods’ you should eat for a top academic performance here.

6. Call your loved ones back home

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Homesickness can be extremely hard and can definitely add to the university stress you can feel while you settle in. A quick call to a family member or friend back home does wonders, as they know you the absolute best and know exactly what to say to make you feel better. There’s something about feeling familiarity while in a foreign place that just puts you at peace again.

7. Create a social circle

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University stress is a lot more manageable when you have people in the same boat as you. Having a social circle while you’re away from all your friends back home can make all the difference.  Whether you join a club on campus, hang with the people in your dorm, or get a part time job and make some work friends, having others to depend on is very important whilst managing university stress. Get more tips on making friends while studying abroad here.

8. Try meditation

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A few minutes of meditation every day can make the world of difference on your stress. Whether it’s in the morning, between studying, or before you go to sleep, taking some time to ground yourself and breathe is an amazing way to manage stress or anxiety. You could attend a local yoga class, use a meditation app on your phone, or simply take a second to breathe.

9. Plan a trip

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There is no better motivation in life than when you know you have a trip waiting on the other side of your assignment. Planning a weekend getaway with friends or simply a Sunday activity can motivate you to stay productive throughout the week and stay on top of your schedule (to assure it doesn’t interact with your fun).

10. Look into your university’s resources

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When you’re starting university, you can definitely feel unsure on where to start. Luckily, all Australian universities provide international student support services, with orientation programs which include information sessions, guided campus tours, and social activities. And if you’re really struggling, most institutions offer experienced counselors. Visiting a guidance counselor at university can give you the opportunity to talk to someone who can guide you through this new chapter, tell you more about the university’s resources, and simply be someone who is there to listen.

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