Singapore now belongs to the list of top 10 most expensive Asian cities for expats, due to the strengthening Singapore dollar.

A survey by ECA International, a human resource consultancy firm, showed that Singapore is now the ninth most expensive city in the region.

Last year, the city-state claimed the twelfth spot.

ECA International said the cost of living for tourists in Singapore is also increasing with that of its neighbouring countries.

Singapore’s cost of living last year was 15 percent lower compared to Hong Kong. But now, the difference is only 7 percent.

Lee Quane, regional director of ECA International, said the rise in the cost of living is unlikely to prevent several firms from relocating their staff in the country.

Tokyo remains in top spot as the most expensive location for expatriates, as Japan’s stronger currency has outweighed the impact of its deflation rates.