[madsbuch]

I think your linked EIU article uncovers a bit of the secret:

> Singapore and Zurich top the ranking as the world’s most expensive cities

Especially the emphasis on cities. At least in Denmark, living in a city is a lifestyle choice. It is fair to want to live in a city, but one can't cry the added costs of your lifestyle decision as a general trend.

For Singapore (and other city states) one is obviously not afforded the choice.

In Denmark you can live in what's considered a rural area with 30-45 minutes commute to most places in central Copenhagen.

Also, we need to be a bit precise: cost of living and housing prices, while related, is not the same thing.