The global Covid-19 pandemic has shaken up the 2021 Cost of Living City rankings produced by asset management firm Mercer, as countries continue to struggle with the economic, political and health fall outs lockdowns have wrought.

Mercer’s 2021 Cost of Living City Ranking found Ashgabat the most expensive city for international employees, pushing Hong Kong to second place. Beirut ranked third, climbing 42 positions up the ranking as a result of a severe and extensive economic depression due to escalation of several crises — the country’s largest financial crisis, Covid-19 and the Port of Beirut explosion i...