Geneva reclaims title of world's most expensive city to build in, says Arcadis in latest International Construction Costs report

13 May 2025, 01:00 by Arcadis · PR Newswire

London falls to second place; Zurich, Munich, and NYC round out the top five most expensive cities.
Labor shortages and regulatory complexity fuel cost escalation as new global dynamics shape development realities.
Bright spots emerge in growth areas such as energy infrastructure and data centers as clients reallocate global resources to meet shifting demand.
Public spending set to boost demand in healthcare and defense.
Arcadis urges proactive design and planning to unlock project viability.

AMSTERDAM, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Geneva has once again overtaken London as the most expensive city in the world in which to build, according to the latest Arcadis International Construction Costs (ICC) Report, released today. Closely followed by Zurich (third), Munich (fourth) and New York City (fifth), the report highlights continued pressure on construction costs across major urban centers in Europe and North America, reflecting high demand, labor constraints and complex regulatory environments.

The 10 most and least expensive cities in which to build.