According to the latest EIU cost-of-living report, the recent appreciation of the yen against the dollar was the main factor in boosting the cost of living in Tokyo and Osaka. Zurich, in fourth position, is now the most expensive European city followed by the African city of Librevill. Rounding out the ``top 10'', the European cities of Oslo, Paris, Geneva, London and Copenhagen followed with places 6-10 on the list.

According to the EIU, its bi-annual survey compares prices and products in 122 cities around the world with New Delhi, Harare and Quito being the three least expensive cities on the list. The data quoted used New York as a base index of 100 for relative comparisons. While New York (13th on the list) retained its position as the most expensive city in the US,while Sydney remains the most expensive city in Australia to live for foreigners.

In the Mideast, the cost-of-living is the highest in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv (22) followed by the Egyptian capital Cairo (41).

Asia has nine big cities amongst the top 50 with the Chinese cities of Beijing (12), Shanghai (15), Guangzhou (16) ahead of Taipei (17), Singapore (20), Seoul (36), and Ho Chi Minh city (75).

Cost-of-living in eastern and central European cities remaind comparatively moderate. Moscow (37) was ahead of Warsaw (101), Prague (102), Bucharest (112) and Budapest (113).

On the other hand, real estate prices in Mumbai, one the most expensive cities in India, have softened of late. Real estate dealers said prices had fallen by 15-20 per cent last year. This is also the case in other Indian cities. In Mumbai, companies have been moving away from prime locations to less expensive suburbs.