Bangkok, 3rd Cheapest

In the 11th annual American Poll Of 39 world-class cities by Cushman & Wakefield and Healey & Baker of New York, Bangkok has tumbled from 24th to 37th place in cost for shopping and office accommodation. The survey measures the rental of offices and shops on the leading streets of the leading 39 world cities priced in US dollars.

At the top of the list is New York City's Madison Avenue at US$550 per square foot. It knocked last year's winner, Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, from pole position where rents have dropped and now average US$542.

In sharp contrast, Bangkok city center-the area was not specifically defined - accommodation is just US$38. Only Mexico City's Perisun at US$36 and St. George's Mail of Cape Town at US$32 rank more cheaply. With Bangkok having the most affordable rents in the region, this will no doubt lead to more multinational companies relocating to Thailand.