The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released the Worldwide Cost of Living Index 2012, listing the ten most expensive cities to live in 2012.

In its latest survey, EIU analyzed the cities on the basis of currency movements over the last few years which have made them relatively more expensive.

While Japanese and Swiss cities have been ruling EIU's list for the past few years, cities from the Asia Pacific region, including Sydney and Melbourne, now make up half of the ten most expensive metros.

However, when we look at the most expensive cities in the top 50, Western European cities still account for 24 of them while 14 hailing from Asia.

Click Start to see the 10 most expensive cities in the world to live in 2012.

1. Zurich, Switzerland
The Alps are seen in a distance of around 70 kilometres behind boats sailing on Lake Zurich. "For the first time in at least two decades of reporting the worldwide cost of living survey Zurich sits atop the ranking as the world’s most expensive city. An index swing of 34 percentage points pushed the Swiss city up 4 places compared to last year," EIU said in the report. REUTERS
Tokyo, Japan
A picture shows the Tokyo Tower before Earth Hour in Tokyo March 27, 2010. REUTERS
3. Paris, France
The Eiffel tower, la Defence business district (background) and the Montparnasse tower (R) are seen in an aerial view in Paris July 14, 2011. REUTERS
4. Sydney, Australia
The Australian city slipped to fourth place from sixth most expensive city last year. REUTERS
No. 4 Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne shot up the list to No. 4 with a WCOL index of 136. REUTERS
6. Singapore
Lights of the skyline of the central business district and Marina Bay are reflected on the waters of Marina Barrage in Singapore at dusk, Dec. 1, 2011. Singapore’s presence in the top 10 highlights a shift away from Western Europe toward Asian hubs, EIU noted. REUTERS
7. Perth
Kayakers paddle on the Swan River past the Perth city skyline June 1, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Wimborne
8. London
A bus and taxi pass Big Ben on Westminster Bridge in London. Reuters
9. Hong Kong
Participants compete in a dragon boat race to mark the annual Tuen Ng or Dragon Boat Festival at Hong Kong's Aberdeen fishing port June 6, 2011. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
10. Shanghai, China
A view of the city skyline from the Shanghai Financial Center building. REUTERS/Carlos Barria