South Africa, Dec. 22 -- Sydney has emerged as the top city where a high-earning marketing executive can come closest to affording her lifestyle, with professionals earning around $7,000 (about R117,000) able to comfortably cover a city-centre apartment, regular dining out and beauty appointments - estimated at about $4,000 (about R66,860) in total.

The gap only appears when you add designer outfits, as it leaves you about $1,300 (about R21, 729) short. This means you could match Emily's daily routine in Sydney, just not her Chanel and Valentino wardrobe.

2. Los Angeles

Next on the list is Los Angeles, where marketing executives earn around $7,560 monthly. Copying Emily's luxurious lifestyle in LA, including constant dining out and reg...