London gets more expensive

London has moved from 10th to sixth place in the league of the world's most expensive cities, according to the latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey.

The Economist Intelligence Unit, which publishes the report, said the weak dollar was the main reason for London's climb, and only the strong euro stopped it from going higher.

For business travellers, however, London can be more expensive than Tokyo, which tops the cost-of-living table. The survey found the cost of a one-night stay at a Hilton-style hotel in London would average £365, compared with £204.50 in Tokyo. The average fee in a more moderate hotel would be £172 in London and just £104 in Tokyo.

The mid-range eating-out market is also dearer in London, where a simple meal for one would cost between £25 and £30 and a fast-food snack £3.29. The equivalent in Tokyo would be £19.61-£29.41 and £2.98 respectively.

But customers of top restaurants enjoy a better deal in London, where a three-course meal for four costs £200-£400 compared with a whopping £490-£785 in Tokyo.