Beirut ranks as the 113th most expensive city in the world, according to the latest report from Numbeo's annual Cost of Living Index, which covers 178 cities up to the first half of the year. 

Despite Lebanon's ongoing crisis since 2019, where a substantial portion of private and public sector salaries have depreciated, its capital maintains a regional ranking of 9th with a score of 45.2 points. 

The city's affordability challenges are exacerbated by its low quality of life ranking. In the Mercer consultancy's winter 2023 ranking, Beirut placed 184th out of 241 cities worldwide and 14th in the region. 

Geneva in the lead, Tel Aviv first regionally 

According to Numbeo's rankings, Beirut is surpassed regionally by Tel Aviv, followed by Haifa, Dubai, Limassol, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh and Jeddah, with Kuwait City completing the top 10. Scores range from 69.1 to 49.3 points. Worldwide, Geneva, Zurich and New York led the results with scores exceeding 100 points. 

Numbeo, self-described as the world's largest database for cities and countries, relies on user contributions. The data collection process involves a combination of user reports and manually gathered information from sources like supermarkets and taxi company websites, alongside government institutions. 

For Beirut, data is based on 689 entries by 62 contributors over the past year, close to Numbeo's city average of 68.5 contributors — which we calculated from the data provided by Numbeo. 

Numbeo does not specify the rate at which users convert prices displayed solely in Lebanese pounds. The exchange rate recognized by the Banque du Liban in Lebanon is currently LL 89,500, following the currency's sharp depreciation since 2019, losing over 90% of its value in five years. Dollar prices used by Numbeo's index are generally consistent with those observed in the Lebanese market, though some may be slightly inflated. 

Cheap meals and beer 

L’Orient Today compared Numbeo’s data submitted by users in Beirut to cities abroad known to have a significant Lebanese diaspora: Accra (175th worldwide), Brasilia (178th), Dubai (78th), New York (3rd), Paris (23rd) and Toronto (50th). 

In Beirut, an inexpensive restaurant meal averages about $8.50, compared to $10.89 in Dubai. In Brasilia, lunch from a street vendor, like Pão de queijo (cheese bread), costs no more than $5.75, while in Accra, Ghana, a plate of the popular Banku and Tilapia combo is just $4.17. In Toronto and Paris, a comparable dinner is nearly double Beirut's price, around $18.70 and $19.31 respectively, for less elaborate fare. In New York, a budget meal can cost approximately $30. 

After a long day's work, some people order a pint of local beer to accompany their meal. In Accra and Brasilia, this pleasure adds minimally to the bill, costing $1.16 and $1.77 — respectively, far less than a bottle of local beer in Beirut, which costs $3 in a restaurant. In Toronto, Paris and New York, the same beverage costs $5.93, $7.51 and $8 respectively. In Dubai, a beer can cost more than a budget meal, averaging around $12.25 or more. 

Cell phone package and accommodation 

A monthly cell phone package, including calls and 10 GB of data, costs $44.80 in Beirut, nearly matching Toronto's $44.73. Prices rise slightly in Dubai to $56.10. Plans are priciest in New York at $65.06. Accra offers the lowest prices at $11.69, followed by Paris at $16.88. 

In downtown Beirut, the average cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment is $764.71 per month. Brasilia and Accra offer more affordable options at $373.84 and $443.23 respectively for a similar space. Paris is considerably more expensive at $1,445.13, while Toronto demands $1,828.47. Dubai and New York represent the higher ends of the spectrum at $2,853.68 and $4,248.36 respectively, which may be considered unaffordable.