A recent study by Deutsche Bank has identified the global cities where a pint of beer is most and least affordable. The 2026 Mapping of the World's Prices report highlights Shanghai, China, as the cheapest city for beer, while Melbourne, Australia, ranks as the most expensive.
The report analyzes the average cost of a 0.5-liter bottle of domestic beer. Shanghai offers the lowest price at approximately $0.90 (67 pence), making it a budget-friendly destination for beer enthusiasts. Beijing, also in China, follows in second place with an average price of around $0.96 (70 pence).
Frankfurt, Germany, secured the third spot for affordability at $1.16 (86 pence) per bottle. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ranked fourth, with beer costing about $1.18 (90 pence), and Prague, Czechia, rounded out the top five cheapest cities at $1.19 (91 pence).
Conversely, Melbourne, Australia, was identified as the most expensive city for beer, with an average price of $111.20 (£82) for five beers and two packs of cigarettes in the report's 'Oasis Index'. For a single 0.5-liter bottle, Melbourne's beer prices are also at the top, followed by Singapore and Sydney, Australia.
Other cities in the top five for most expensive beer include Tel Aviv, Israel; Helsinki, Finland; and Birmingham, United Kingdom. London ranked 11th on the list.
The Deutsche Bank report also examines the costs of other daily essentials, such as rent, clothing, and food, in cities worldwide.