Utility Prices Set New Record: Notable City Becomes the World's Most Expensive

Germany's capital, Berlin, has been recognized as the most expensive large city in the world for utility payments, according to an international study commissioned by Deutsche Bank. Analysts compared the average monthly costs for electricity, water supply, heating, cooling, and waste disposal for apartments measuring 85 square meters. The data was calculated in euros based on the exchange rate as of August 28, 2026.

According to the study, the cost of utilities in Berlin has increased by 48% over the last decade, rising from €239 per month to €353. In addition to the capital, two other German cities made it into the top ten: Munich (6th place, €325) and Frankfurt (7th place, €323).

The top ten cities with the highest utility payments in the world are as follows:

• Berlin (€353)
• Tel Aviv (€341)
• Oslo (€330)
• London (€329)
• Edinburgh (€326)
• Munich (€325)
• Frankfurt (€323)
• Warsaw (€294)
• Vienna (€292)
• Birmingham (€287)

At the same time, experts from the Berlin Tenants' Association have criticized the published results. According to Rbb, the specialists pointed out that the mechanisms for setting tariffs vary in different regions, and in Germany, prices are significantly influenced by the high cost of labor, attributed to the level of the minimum wage.