AMSTERDAM, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Geneva has once again overtaken London as the most expensive city in the world in which to build, according to the latest Arcadis International Construction Costs (ICC) Report, released today. Closely followed by Zurich (third), Munich (fourth) and New York City (fifth), the report highlights continued pressure on construction costs across major urban centers in Europe and North America, reflecting high demand, labor constraints and complex regulatory environments.
The report underscores that while inflation has eased in some regions, particularly in major US cities such as New York and San Francisco, long-term borrowing costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting trade policies are reshaping the investment landscape. Yet even amidst this volatility, Arcadis emphasizes that a proactive and well-informed approach to design and specification can still unlock value and ensure project delivery.
Arcadis notes that growth opportunities remain strong in key sectors such as data centers, healthcare, and social infrastructure such as education and healthcare, despite persistent inflation in certain geographies such as Australia, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia.
The annual Arcadis International Construction Costs index covers 100 of the world's large cities across six continents. The cost comparison was developed covering twenty different building types, including residential, commercial, and public sector developments, and is based on a survey of construction costs, a review of market conditions and the professional judgement of Arcadis' global team of experts. The calculations are based in USD and indexed against the price range for each building type relative to Amsterdam.
Juud Tempelman, Global President of Places at Arcadis, said: "Change drives opportunity and, in a world of rising complexity and constrained capital, the most successful projects are those that combine visionary ideas with robust planning and adaptable design. Even in challenging times, construction markets are diverse, and some areas can be expected to boom. From advanced manufacturing in the US, to energy transition programs in the UK and Europe, we are seeing the reallocation of resources to meet shifting demand. With the right brief, aligned to real market needs and supported by collaborative design and digital maturity, we can unlock viability and deliver lasting success."
Arcadis outlines four important considerations for managing construction risk and maximizing project value in the current environment:
Mansoor Kazerouni, Global Director of Architecture and Urbanism at Arcadis, added: "Development is a hugely challenging undertaking. High levels of uncertainty triggered by economic and political change have created a tough environment for getting projects off the ground. We know that buildings need to work even harder to meet the needs of their users, and that means treating every part of a scheme as a chance to maximize impact. As designers, our role is to lead with insight, creativity and commitment at every stage of the project - unlocking potential, supporting our clients, and delivering spaces that are buildable, sustainable, and valuable for the long term."
For more information, the full report can be downloaded here.
ABOUT ARCADIS
Arcadis is a global transformation partner, driving some of the most impactful projects of our time. We help clients make sustainable choices by combining digital innovation, human expertise, and future-focused skills across environment, energy, water, buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Going beyond traditional design, engineering, and consultancy, we use data-driven insights to deliver tailored solutions in the spaces and environments we shape together. With over 35,000 people, we unite global expertise to tackle challenges like climate, energy affordability, and livable cities, improving quality of life through our presence in 30+ countries. In 2024, we achieved €5.0 billion in gross revenues. Learn more at www.arcadis.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Geneva reclaims title of world's most expensive city to build in, says Arcadis in latest International Construction Costs report
