as in/like in

[navi tasan]

Which is correct:

1-As in many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.
2-As many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.

3-Like in many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.
4-Like many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.

I think it would be better to say "in many other cities" instead of "in many cities".

[Pokemon]

I would also say: "Like in many other cities, ..."

[emsr2d2]

Which is correct:

1-As in many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.
2-As many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.

3-Like in many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.
4-Like many cities, the cost of living has increased in our city.

I think it would be better to say "in many other cities" instead of "in many cities".

1 and 3 are OK, but I agree that adding "other" would help. I think I would probably invert the sentence too and use "The cost of living has increased in our city, as it has in many others."