Delhi crowned the world’s cheapest city for a romantic date while Geneva tops the pricey list, Deutsche Bank report reveals

If you’re planning a candle‑lit evening in Delhi, you can probably do it on a shoestring budget. According to Deutsche Bank’s fresh ‘Mapping the World’s Prices 2026’ report, the Indian capital tops the list as the cheapest major city for a romantic outing.

Flip the coin and imagine doing the same in Geneva, Switzerland. The same report says you’d be paying nearly five times as much – $475 versus $103 in Delhi – for a comparable night out. In other words, a dinner for two in the Swiss city could set you back roughly ₹45,750, while the same experience in Delhi is about ₹9,920.

The study isn’t just about dates. It paints a broader picture of how cities stack up on price, salaries, quality of life and more. Geneva and Zurich again lead the pack as the priciest places to live, trailed by Tel Aviv, New York and San Francisco. Tokyo, surprisingly, shows up as “very cheap” among the big‑ticket developed markets.

When it comes to livability, Luxembourg clinches the top spot for the second year running, with Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Vienna and Munich close behind. Even though these cities rank high on quality‑of‑life metrics, traditional financial hubs like Paris, New York, London and Hong Kong lag due to steep housing costs, long commutes and pollution.

Speaking of housing, Hong Kong remains the world’s most expensive property market, though prices have slipped about 10 % from their pre‑COVID peaks. Athens, on the other hand, has seen rent skyrocket – a 144 % jump over the past decade. And if you think Tokyo is unaffordable, think again: renting a three‑bedroom flat there costs only about a quarter of what you’d pay in New York, and a meal for two is dramatically cheaper than in many European capitals.

So, whether you’re a love‑struck couple hunting for a budget‑friendly date night or a globe‑trotting professional eyeing relocation costs, the Deutsche Bank report offers a handy compass. Just remember: a dinner in Geneva may feel like a splurge, but in Delhi, romance can thrive without breaking the bank.