Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Austin Tex - Cost of Living

Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County.

Austin is considered to be a major center for high tech. Thousands of graduates each year from the engineering and computer science programs at The University of Texas at Austin provide a steady source of employees that help to fuel Austin's technology and defense industry sectors. Austin is also emerging as a hub for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Austin has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Atlanta GA - Cost of Living

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the state of Georgia.

Atlanta ranks third in the number of Fortune 500 companies, behind New York City, and Houston. Several major national and international companies are headquartered in Atlanta or its nearby suburbs. Atlanta is considered to be one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.

Atlanta has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Personal Care International Cost of Living Ranking 2010

This report provides you with the rank of Personal Care cost of living indexes as at September 2010 for each of our 300 global locations. The indexes are calculated using the prices for specific quantities of the same goods and services in each location, based on expatriate spending patterns across 13 broad categories (Basket Groups). Our calculators make use of the cost of living indexes, based on your input and Xpatulator's data, to create reports online which you can save, e-mail or convert to a pdf file.

 

Personal Care costs include personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner.

 

The September 2010 personal care international cost of living top 100 rank is as follows:

 

September 2010 Rank Country, City


1 Kiribati, South Tarawa
2 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
3 Iran, Tehran
4 Algeria, Algiers
5 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
6 Brazil, Sao Paulo
7 Slovakia, Bratislava
8 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
9 Brazil, Brasilia
10 Australia, Sydney
11 Gambia, Banjul
12 Burundi, Bujumbura
13 USA, San Francisco Calif
14 Australia, Canberra
15 Rwanda, Kigali
16 Sudan, Khartoum
17 Australia, Melbourne
18 Russia, Moscow
19 Chad, NDjamena
20 Myanmar, Yangon
21 Congo, Brazzaville
22 USA, San Antonio Tex
23 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
24 USA, Philadelphia Pa
25 USA, Los Angeles Calif
26 Australia, Perth
27 Venezuela, Caracas
28 Angola, Luanda
29 Bahamas, Nassau
30 Ghana, Accra
31 USA, New York NY
32 Samoa, Apia
33 Bermuda, Hamilton
34 Australia, Brisbane
35 Solomon Islands, Honiara
36 New Zealand, Auckland
37 USA, Washington DC
38 China, Macao
39 Cote DIvoire, Abidjan
40 Nigeria, Lagos
41 Kazakhstan, Almaty
42 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
43 Australia, Adelaide
44 Mauritius, Port Louis
45 Japan, Tokyo
46 Germany, Munich
47 Russia, St. Petersburg
48 United Kingdom, London
49 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
50 Germany, Frankfurt
51 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
52 Ireland, Dublin
53 USA, Miami Fla
54 Libya, Tripoli
55 Germany, Cologne
56 Germany, Berlin
57 USA, Atlanta GA
58 Switzerland, Geneva
59 Germany, Bonn
60 Austria, Vienna
61 Jersey, Saint Helier
62 Germany, Hamburg
63 Switzerland, Zurich
64 Isle of Man, Douglas
65 Italy, Milan
66 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome
67 USA, Detroit Mich
68 Micronesia, Palikir
69 USA, Baltimore Md
70 Cayman Islands, George Town
71 USA, Jacksonville Fla
72 United Kingdom, Glasgow
73 Italy, Rome
74 USA, Phoenix Ariz
75 Croatia, Zagreb
76 Afghanistan, Kabul
77 Israel, Jerusalem
78 Cape Verde, Praia
79 United Kingdom, Birmingham
80 Indonesia, Jakarta
81 United Kingdom, Leeds
82 Zambia, Lusaka
83 USA, Portland Ore
84 Guernsey, St Peter Port
85 Iraq, Baghdad
86 Falkland Islands, Stanley
87 Uruguay, Montevideo
88 United Kingdom, Belfast
89 USA, Seattle Wash
90 USA, Fort Worth Tex
91 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
92 Liberia, Monrovia
93 San Marino, San Marino
94 Djibouti, Djibouti
95 Niger, Niamey
96 USA, Anchorage AK
97 Somalia, Mogadishu
98 Laos, Vientiane
99 Vatican City, Vatican City
100 Namibia, Windhoek

Americas Cost of Living - 2010

The Americas most expensive city is now Caracas, which is the world's second most expensive city to live in, largely as a result of the recent devaluation of the official exchange rate. Brazil has 3 of the 4 most expensive cities in the Americas. New additions to the rankings, Sao Paulo (ranked 5 in the world), and Rio de Janeiro (ranked 7 in the world) are followed by Brasilia (ranked 13 in the world). Nassau (ranked 18 in the world) is the fifth most expensive city, while New York (ranked 21 in the world) is the sixth most expensive city in the America's and most expensive in the United States of America. The cheapest city to live in the Americas is La Paz in Bolivia (ranked 294 in the world). The cheapest city surveyed in the United States of America is Indianapolis Ind (ranked 279 in the world).

 

Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world in which to live, out of 300 global locations, surveyed in September 2010. While Tokyo is relatively cheap for items such as alcohol & tobacco (ranked 145), it is the most expensive for groceries and healthcare, and household accommodation costs. Tokyo has always been relatively expensive. This trend has strengthened again recently, as a result of the Japanese Yen having gained in value by about 18% against the United States Dollar in the past two years.

As the most expensive city in the world, Tokyo has an overall cost of living index of 155.4 (New York = 100), while Dubai (ranked 60 in the world) has a cost of living index of 88.84. Therefore Tokyo's cost of living is 75% higher than Dubai. That means that an expatriate earning USD$5,000 per month in Dubai would need to earn USD$8,750 per month in Tokyo to enable them to have the same purchasing power, and therefore a similar standard of living as they had in Dubai. The cost of living for an expatriate is affected by both the availability and prices, of goods and services representative of an expatriate lifestyle, local inflation, and the exchange rate between the home and host country. As a result the cost of living has a significant impact of an expatriate's salary package.

Caracas has moved up the rankings to become the second most expensive city to live in. Caracas is most expensive place in the world for furniture and appliances, recreation and culture as well as for hotels restaurants and meals out. Caracas is the second most expensive place for alcohol and tobacco, groceries, and healthcare.

Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live in. The high overall cost of living rank for Hong Kong is primarily a result of two expensive basket groups. Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for healthcare, and is the second most expensive city in the world for household accommodation, which typically comprises 30% of an expatriate's expenses. Hong Kong is a good example of why many international organizations compensate separately for healthcare as well as household related costs such as housing rental, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes. Items that are provided by the employer should be excluded from a cost of living index calculation. The cost of living index for Hong Kong excluding healthcare and household related costs is substantially lower than it's overall cost of living index of 128.9 (New York = 100). Hong Kong is relatively cheap for recreation & culture (ranked 241 in the world), education (ranked 259 in the world), as well as furniture & appliances (ranked 268 in the world).

Osaka, ranked fourth, is a new addition to the rankings. Osaka is most expensive for household accommodation (ranked 3 in the world), healthcare (ranked 5 in the world) and groceries (ranked 6 in the world).

Sao Paulo, another new addition to the rankings, is the fifth most expensive city in the world. Sao Paulo is the most expensive place in the world for education, and is ranked second most expensive for clothing. The Brazilian Real has strengthened by 11% against the United States Dollar in the past year, although it is still weaker than it was two years ago. Sao Paulo is ranked in the top 55 most expensive cities in the world for each of the 13 basket groups.

 

Most expensive cities in the Americas (Global rank in brackets)
1. Venezuela, Caracas (2)
2. Brazil, Sao Paulo (5)
3. Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (7)
4. Brazil, Brasilia (13)
5. Bahamas, Nassau (18)
6. USA, New York NY (21)
7. Canada, Toronto (31)
8. Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain (32)
9. Bermuda, Hamilton (36)
10. Canada, Vancouver (42)


Read More

Anchorage AK - Cost of Living

Anchorage is a consolidated city-borough in the state of Alaska.

Anchorage's largest economic sectors include transportation, military, local and federal government, tourism, and resource extraction. Large portions of the local economy depend on Anchorage's geographical location and surrounding natural resources. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the world's third busiest airport by cargo traffic, surpassed only by Memphis and Hong Kong. This traffic is strongly linked to Anchorage's location along great circle routes between Asia and the lower 48 states.

Anchorage has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Uruguay, Montevideo - Cost of Living

The economy is largely based on agriculture (making up 10% of GDP and the most substantial export) and the state sector. Uruguay's economy relies heavily on trade, particularly in agricultural exports, leaving the country vulnerable to slumps in commodity prices.

Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. Montevideo is the economic hub of Uruguay and is home to approximately one third of the population.

Montevideo has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Monday, November 29, 2010

United Kingdom, London - Cost of Living

The economy of the United Kingdom is that of a major developed capitalist economy. The United Kingdom is one of the world's most globalised countries. The British economy is made up of the economies of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 1973, the UK acceded to the European Economic Community which is now known as the European Union after the ratification of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993. The UK economy had been one of the strongest EU economies in terms of inflation, interest rates and unemployment, all of which remained relatively low until the 2008-09 recession, when unemployment rose dramatically, and interest rates fell to 0.5%.

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is the UK's largest and most populous metropolitan area and the largest urban zone in the European Union. London is a leading global city and the world's largest financial centres with the largest city GDP in Europe. Central London is home to the headquarters of most of the UK's top 100 listed companies (the FTSE 100) and more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest. London's influence in politics, finance, education, entertainment, media, fashion, the arts and culture in general contributes to its global position. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors.

London has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

United Kingdom, Leeds - Cost of Living

The economy of the United Kingdom is that of a major developed capitalist economy. The United Kingdom is one of the world's most globalised countries. The British economy is made up of the economies of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 1973, the UK acceded to the European Economic Community which is now known as the European Union after the ratification of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993. The UK economy had been one of the strongest EU economies in terms of inflation, interest rates and unemployment, all of which remained relatively low until the 2008-09 recession, when unemployment rose dramatically, and interest rates fell to 0.5%.

Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial heart of the wider West Yorkshire Urban Area. Leeds is the UK's largest centre for business, legal, and financial services outside London.

Leeds has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Household Accommodation International Cost of Living Ranking 2010

This report provides you with the rank of Household Accommodaion cost of living indexes as at September 2010 for each of our 300 global locations. The indexes are calculated using the prices for specific quantities of the same goods and services in each location, based on expatriate spending patterns across 13 broad categories (Basket Groups). Our calculators make use of the cost of living indexes, based on your input and Xpatulator's data, to create reports online which you can save, e-mail or convert to a pdf file.

 

Household Accommodation costs include housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies.

 

The September 2010 household international cost of living top 100 rank is as follows:

 

September 2010 Rank Country, City


1 Japan, Tokyo
2 China, Hong Kong
3 Japan, Osaka
4 Japan, Nagoya
5 Japan, Yokohama
6 China, Shanghai
7 Venezuela, Caracas
8 Taiwan, Taipei
9 Angola, Luanda
10 Korea Republic of, Seoul
11 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
12 Singapore, Singapore
13 Qatar, Doha
14 Bahamas, Nassau
15 Brazil, Sao Paulo
16 USA, New York NY
17 Russia, Moscow
18 United Kingdom, London
19 Croatia, Zagreb
20 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
21 Switzerland, Geneva
22 Brazil, Brasilia
23 Switzerland, Zurich
24 Falkland Islands, Stanley
25 Jersey, Saint Helier
26 Czech Republic, Prague
27 Montenegro, Podgorica
28 United Arab Emirates, Dubai
29 United Kingdom, Glasgow
30 Nigeria, Lagos
31 Bermuda, Hamilton
32 United Kingdom, Birmingham
33 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
34 Guernsey, St Peter Port
35 Australia, Sydney
36 United Kingdom, Leeds
37 Isle of Man, Douglas
38 Saint Helena, Jamestown
39 Cuba, Havana
40 United Kingdom, Belfast
41 Australia, Canberra
42 Russia, St. Petersburg
43 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain
44 Uruguay, Montevideo
45 Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
46 Ukraine, Kiev
47 Australia, Perth
48 India, Mumbai
49 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
50 Cayman Islands, George Town
51 Australia, Melbourne
52 France, Paris
53 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
54 Kuwait, Kuwait City
55 USA, San Jose Calif
56 Kazakhstan, Almaty
57 Bahrain, Manama
58 Denmark, Copenhagen
59 Liberia, Monrovia
60 India, Calcutta
61 Monaco, Monaco
62 Serbia, Belgrade
63 India, New Delhi
64 India, Chennai
65 Australia, Brisbane
66 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
67 France, Marseille
68 France, Lyon
69 Panama, Panama City
70 Micronesia, Palikir
71 USA, San Francisco Calif
72 India, Hyderabad
73 China, Beijing
74 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
75 New Zealand, Auckland
76 Syria, Damascus
77 Jamaica, Kingston
78 Guinea, Conakry
79 Norway, Oslo
80 USA, Washington DC
81 Vanuatu, Port Vila
82 Italy, Milan
83 Finland, Helsinki
84 Italy, Rome
85 India, Bangalore
86 Martinique, Fort-de-France
87 Australia, Adelaide
88 Argentina, Buenos Aires
89 Ireland, Dublin
90 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
91 Belarus, Minsk
92 Colombia, Bogota
93 Marshall Islands, Majuro
94 Azerbaijan, Baku
95 Namibia, Windhoek
96 Puerto Rico, San Juan
97 San Marino, San Marino
98 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
99 Lebanon, Beirut
100 Canada, Toronto

Expatriate Engagement


Engagement is a fairly recent term in business. In the past the talk was about “attracting, motivating and retaining” expatriate employees. All three strategies focused primarily on money. A competitive salary that takes into account the relative cost of living, exchange rate and hardship together with global expatriate benefits such as longer vacations, flights home, private school, club membership and the like were typically used to “attract” expatriates to where their skills were needed most. Bonuses, performance based pay, and recognition plans were used to “motivate” expatriates. Shares, retirement plans and tax-free gratuities were typically used to “retain” expatriates using the so-called golden handcuff approach.


 


The financial crises and recession have in my view provided further proof that money alone is not enough. When money gets tight will your expatriate employees stay and will they be motivated? Money on it’s own will not motivate or retain an expatriate when annual salary increases are reduced, bonuses are negligible if they are paid at all and shares are not performing.


 


To ensure expatriates will stay when times get tough, an engaged expatriate is required. An engaged expatriate is one who is committed to the organization (i.e. the host organization). An engaged expatriate is willing to exert extra effort in accomplishing tasks important to the achievement of the organizations goals.


 


Recruitment and Promotion
Ensuring that expatriates are put in the right job is a prerequisite for engagement. In reality expatriates are often hired because their skills are not locally available and because they are willing to relocate to a location that most people would not want to live in. As a result expatriates are often hired for their technical skills and not for their behavior, which in their home country would have been closely analyzed and subject to rigorous reference checking. It is critical that the right expatriate is recruited into the right job taking all aspects into account, including personality, age, culture, attitude, and previous track record through quality reference checks.


 


High Performance Standards
Average performance is usually associated with easy, low demand work. Responsibilities and accountabilities need to be well defined with clear perceptible differences compared to those they report to and to those who in turn report to them. Where differences in accountability are not clearly defined the result is a “non-job”. It is not possible to perform in a non-job as it is not clear who is accountable for what!


 


For engagement, expatriates need to be challenged with high standards of performance that will test their abilities fully. Hiring over qualified, over experienced expatriates into jobs that are too small for them will leave them unchallenged. Expatriates often perform badly when unchallenged by the job, but rise to accomplish the most difficult tasks when properly challenged.


 


Feedback
An engaged expatriate requires feedback. With this information the expatriate can control their outputs, measure how they are doing, guide themselves to reach their goals, and accept complete responsibility for their tasks, assignment and job.


 


In conclusion I ask again. When money gets tight will your expatriate employees stay and will they be motivated? A competitive salary that takes into account the relative cost of living, exchange rate and compensation for the hardship of living in an unfamiliar/foreign location together with global expatriate benefits will attract and to some degree retain expatriates. However if you really want your expatriates to stay motivated when times get tough you need to ensure you have engaged expatriates. Engaged expatriates are committed to the organization. You can better engage your expatriates by ensuring that expatriates are put in the right job, are challenged with high standards of performance that will test their abilities fully, and by providing feedback on how they are doing.


Middle East Cost of Living - 2010

The Middle East has experienced a drop in inflation in most cities over the past two years following a few years of relatively high inflation. The strong link of most regional currencies to the United States Dollar has resulted in many regional currencies strengthening against other major currencies. The United States Dollar has strengthened against the Euro by around 21% in the past two years making imports from Europe into the region cheaper. Abu Dhabi (ranked 19 in the world) is the most expensive city in the Middle East, followed by Doha (ranked 28 in the world), and Bahrain (ranked 47 in the world). Dubai is the fourth most expensive city in the Middle East (ranked 60 in the world) with a cost of living index of 88.84 (New York = 100). Household accommodation, which comprises 30% of the 13 basket groups based on expatriate expenditure norms, has fallen dramatically in Dubai in the past year, as a result of over-supply, given the impact of the financial crises. The cheapest city surveyed in the Middle East (and cheapest in the world) is Sanaa in Yemen (ranked 300 in the world) with a cost of living index of 50.42, half that of New York which has a cost of living index of 100.

 

Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world in which to live, out of 300 global locations, surveyed in September 2010. While Tokyo is relatively cheap for items such as alcohol & tobacco (ranked 145), it is the most expensive for groceries and healthcare, and household accommodation costs. Tokyo has always been relatively expensive. This trend has strengthened again recently, as a result of the Japanese Yen having gained in value by about 18% against the United States Dollar in the past two years.

 

As the most expensive city in the world, Tokyo has an overall cost of living index of 155.4 (New York = 100), while Dubai (ranked 60 in the world) has a cost of living index of 88.84. Therefore Tokyo's cost of living is 75% higher than Dubai. That means that an expatriate earning USD$5,000 per month in Dubai would need to earn USD$8,750 per month in Tokyo to enable them to have the same purchasing power, and therefore a similar standard of living as they had in Dubai. The cost of living for an expatriate is affected by both the availability and prices, of goods and services representative of an expatriate lifestyle, local inflation, and the exchange rate between the home and host country. As a result the cost of living has a significant impact of an expatriate's salary package.

Caracas has moved up the rankings to become the second most expensive city to live in. Caracas is most expensive place in the world for furniture and appliances, recreation and culture as well as for hotels restaurants and meals out. Caracas is the second most expensive place for alcohol and tobacco, groceries, and healthcare.

Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live in. The high overall cost of living rank for Hong Kong is primarily a result of two expensive basket groups. Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for healthcare, and is the second most expensive city in the world for household accommodation, which typically comprises 30% of an expatriate's expenses. Hong Kong is a good example of why many international organizations compensate separately for healthcare as well as household related costs such as housing rental, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes. Items that are provided by the employer should be excluded from a cost of living index calculation. The cost of living index for Hong Kong excluding healthcare and household related costs is substantially lower than it's overall cost of living index of 128.9 (New York = 100). Hong Kong is relatively cheap for recreation & culture (ranked 241 in the world), education (ranked 259 in the world), as well as furniture & appliances (ranked 268 in the world).

 

Osaka, ranked fourth, is a new addition to the rankings. Osaka is most expensive for household accommodation (ranked 3 in the world), healthcare (ranked 5 in the world) and groceries (ranked 6 in the world).


Sao Paulo, another new addition to the rankings, is the fifth most expensive city in the world. Sao Paulo is the most expensive place in the world for education, and is ranked second most expensive for clothing. The Brazilian Real has strengthened by 11% against the United States Dollar in the past year, although it is still weaker than it was two years ago. Sao Paulo is ranked in the top 55 most expensive cities in the world for each of the 13 basket groups.

 

Most expensive cities in the Middle East (Global rank in brackets)
1. United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi (19)
2. Qatar, Doha (28)
3. Bahrain, Manama (47)
4. United Arab Emirates, Dubai (60)
5. Israel, Jerusalem (82)
6. Lebanon, Beirut (119)
7. Palestinian Territories, West Bank (141)
8. Syria, Damascus (146)
9. Iran, Tehran (158)
10. Kuwait, Kuwait City (163)

 

Read More

United Kingdom, Glasgow - Cost of Living

The economy of the United Kingdom is that of a major developed capitalist economy. The United Kingdom is one of the world's most globalised countries. The British economy is made up of the economies of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 1973, the UK acceded to the European Economic Community which is now known as the European Union after the ratification of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993. The UK economy had been one of the strongest EU economies in terms of inflation, interest rates and unemployment, all of which remained relatively low until the 2008-09 recession, when unemployment rose dramatically, and interest rates fell to 0.5%.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. Glasgow is one of Europe's top twenty financial centres and is home to many of Scotland's leading businesses. Whilst manufacturing has declined, Glasgow's economy has seen significant relative growth of tertiary sector industries such as financial and business services, communications, biosciences, creative industries, healthcare, higher education, retail and tourism.

Glasgow has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

United Kingdom, Birmingham - Cost of Living

The economy of the United Kingdom is that of a major developed capitalist economy. The United Kingdom is one of the world's most globalised countries. The British economy is made up of the economies of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 1973, the UK acceded to the European Economic Community which is now known as the European Union after the ratification of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993. The UK economy had been one of the strongest EU economies in terms of inflation, interest rates and unemployment, all of which remained relatively low until the 2008-09 recession, when unemployment rose dramatically, and interest rates fell to 0.5%.

Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands county of England. Birmingham grew to prominence as a manufacturing and engineering centre, however its economy today is dominated by the service sector, which in 2003 accounted for 78% of the city's economic output and 97% of its economic growth. Tourism is also an increasingly important part of the local economy. With major facilities such as the International Convention Centre and National Exhibition Centre the Birmingham area accounts for 42% of the UK conference and exhibition trade.

Birmingham has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Sunday, November 28, 2010

United Arab Emirates, Dubai - Cost of Living

The economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is that of a developing country. The UAE currently has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai has the largest population and is the second-largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. The emirate's main revenues are from tourism, property, and financial services.

Dubai has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi - Cost of Living

The economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is that of a developing country. The UAE currently has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of, and the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi houses important offices of the federal government, and is the seat for the United Arab Emirates Government and the home for the Emirati Royal Family. Abu Dhabi has grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism.

Abu Dhabi has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Ukraine, Kiev - Cost of Living

The economy of Ukraine showed strong export-based growth of 5 to 10 percent, with industrial production growing more than 10 percent per year in the early 2000s before the impact of the financial crisis. Ukraine produces nearly all types of transportation vehicles and spacecraft. Antonov airplanes and KrAZ trucks are exported to many countries. The majority of Ukrainian exports are marketed to the European Union and CIS.

Kiev is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine. Kiev is a major administrative, cultural and scientific centre of the Ukraine. It is the largest city in Ukraine in terms of both population and area and enjoys the highest levels of business activity.

Kiev has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Uganda, Kampala - Cost of Living

Uganda's economy suffered from devastating economic policies and instability, leaving Uganda as one of the world's poorest countries. The country has commenced economic reforms and growth has been robust. Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. The country has largely untapped reserves of both crude oil and natural gas.

Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. Kampala is the economic hub of Uganda and is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning.

Kampala has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Tuvalu, Funafuti - Cost of Living

The economy of Tuvalu suffers from its remoteness and lack of economies of scale. Virtually the only jobs in the islands that pay a steady wage or salary are with the government. Subsistence farming and fishing remain the primary economic activities, particularly off the capital island of Funafuti. There is no apparent large income disparity among the residents.

Funafuti is an atoll that forms the capital of the island nation of Tuvalu. Funafuti has an airstrip, hotel (Vaiaku Langi Hotel), and administrative buildings, as well as homes, constructed both in the traditional manner, out of palm fronds, and more recently out of cement blocks.

Funafuti has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat - Cost of Living

Turkmenistan is largely desert country with nomadic cattle raising, intensive agriculture in irrigated oases, and huge gas and oil resources. One-half of its irrigated land is planted in cotton, placing the country in the top 10-15 producers. It also possesses the world's fifth largest reserves of natural gas and substantial oil resources.

Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat is primarily a government and administrative center. The principal industries are cotton textiles and metal working.

Ashgabat has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Turkey, Ankara - Cost of Living

The economy of Turkey is largely dominated by modern industries and the services sector. The country is among the world's leading producers of agricultural products; textiles; motor vehicles, ships and other transportation equipment; construction materials; consumer electronics and home appliances.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second largest city after Istanbul. Ankara is a very old city with various Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman archaeological sites.

Ankara has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Tunisia, Tunis - Cost of Living

The economy of Tunisia is in the process of economic reform and liberalization after decades of heavy state direction and participation in the economy. Economic and fiscal planning have resulted in moderate but sustained growth for over a decade. Tunisia's economic growth historically has depended on oil, phosphates, agri-food products, car parts manufacturing, and tourism.

Tunis is the capital and largets city of Tunisia. Tunis is the heartland of the Tunisian economy and is the industrial and economic hub of the country. Products include textiles, carpets, and olive oil. Tourism also provides a significant portion of the city's income.

Tunis has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Friday, November 26, 2010

Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain - Cost of Living

The economy of Trinidad is based on natural gas and oil. Recent growth has been fueled by investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG), petrochemicals, and steel. Tourism and manufacturing are also important to the local economy.Tourism is a growing sector, although not proportionately as important as in many other Caribbean islands. Agricultural products include citrus, cocoa, and other products.

Port of Spain is the capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Port of Spain is Trinidad and Tobago's most developed city. The city serves primarily as a retail and administrative center.

Port-of-Spain has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Tonga, NukuAlofa - Cost of Living

The economy of Tonga is characterized by a large non monetary sector and a heavy dependence on remittances from the half of the country's population that lives abroad, chiefly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Nuku'Alofa is the capital and commercial, transport and social center of Tonga. Nuku'Alofa is the economic hub of the country.

Nuku'Alofa has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Transport International Cost of Living Ranking 2010

This report provides you with the rank of Transport cost of living indexes as at September 2010 for each of our 300 global locations. The indexes are calculated using the prices for specific quantities of the same goods and services in each location, based on expatriate spending patterns across 13 broad categories (Basket Groups). Our calculators make use of the cost of living indexes, based on your input and Xpatulator's data, to create reports online which you can save, e-mail or convert to a pdf file.

 

Transport costs include public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase.

 

The September 2010 transport international cost of living top 100 rank is as follows:

 

September 2010 Rank Country, City


1 Norway, Oslo
2 Switzerland, Geneva
3 Switzerland, Zurich
4 Denmark, Copenhagen
5 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
6 Netherlands, Amsterdam
7 Germany, Munich
8 Germany, Frankfurt
9 Turkey, Istanbul
10 Germany, Cologne
11 Germany, Bonn
12 Germany, Berlin
13 Germany, Hamburg
14 Monaco, Monaco
15 France, Paris
16 Brazil, Sao Paulo
17 Japan, Tokyo
18 Timor-Leste, Dili
19 Austria, Vienna
20 Malta, Velletta
21 India, Mumbai
22 Turkey, Ankara
23 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi
24 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
25 Cameroon, Douala
26 Finland, Helsinki
27 Hungary, Budapest
28 Italy, Milan
29 Cameroon, Yaounde
30 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain
31 Ireland, Dublin
32 Italy, Rome
33 India, New Delhi
34 Maldives, Male
35 India, Chennai
36 Brazil, Brasilia
37 India, Calcutta
38 Spain, Madrid
39 Iceland, Reykjavik
40 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
41 San Marino, San Marino
42 Eritrea, Asmara
43 India, Hyderabad
44 Canada, Toronto
45 India, Bangalore
46 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome
47 Madagascar, Antananarivo
48 Spain, Barcelona
49 Canada, Vancouver
50 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
51 United Kingdom, London
52 Israel, Jerusalem
53 Vatican City, Vatican City
54 Mali, Bamako
55 Canada, Calgary
56 Guernsey, St Peter Port
57 Sweden, Stockholm
58 Australia, Sydney
59 France, Lyon
60 Isle of Man, Douglas
61 Gambia, Banjul
62 Canada, Montreal
63 Greenland, Nuuk
64 USA, New York NY
65 Belgium, Brussels
66 Australia, Canberra
67 Slovakia, Bratislava
68 Rwanda, Kigali
69 Poland, Warsaw
70 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
71 Malawi, Lilongwe
72 Fiji, Suva
73 Congo, Brazzaville
74 Cook Islands, Avarua
75 Falkland Islands, Stanley
76 Jersey, Saint Helier
77 Azerbaijan, Baku
78 Andorra, Andorra la Vella
79 United Kingdom, Glasgow
80 Vanuatu, Port Vila
81 Australia, Perth
82 Portugal, Lisbon
83 France, Marseille
84 Canada, Ottawa
85 Jamaica, Kingston
86 Australia, Melbourne
87 United Kingdom, Birmingham
88 Japan, Osaka
89 Gibraltar, Gibraltar
90 Zambia, Lusaka
91 United Kingdom, Leeds
92 Saint Helena, Jamestown
93 Kiribati, South Tarawa
94 Venezuela, Caracas
95 Senegal, Dakar
96 China, Hong Kong
97 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
98 Micronesia, Palikir
99 Greece, Athens
100 Paraguay, Asuncion

Togo, Lome - Cost of Living

Subsistence agriculture is the main economic activity in Togo; the majority of the population depends on subsistence agriculture. Phosphates are Togo's most important commodity, and the country has an estimated 60 million metric tons of phosphate reserves.

Lome is the capital and largest city of Togo. Lome is the country's administrative and industrial center and its chief port. The city exports coffee, cocoa, copra, and palm kernels. It also has an oil refinery.

Lome has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Timor-Leste, Dili - Cost of Living

The economy of East Timor is one of the world's poorest, in part due to decades of both neglect and misaligned economic priorities under Portuguese and subsequent Indonesian administration.

Dili is the capital and largest city of East Timor. Dili is the chief port and commercial centre for East Timor.

Dili has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thailand, Bangkok - Cost of Living

The economy of Thailand is an emerging economy which is heavily export-dependent, with exports accounting for more than two thirds of gross domestic product (GDP).

Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Bangkok is the economic center of Thailand, dominating the country's economy.

Bangkok has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Tanzania, Dar es Salaam - Cost of Living

The economy of Tanzania is mostly based on agriculture, which accounts for more than half of the GDP, provides approximately 85% of exports, and employs approximately 80% of the workforce.

Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is the country's richest city and a regionally important economic centre. About one half of Tanzania's manufacturing employment is located in the city despite the fact that Dar holds only ten percent of Tanzania's population.

Dar es Salaam has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Grocery International Cost of Living Ranking 2010

This report provides you with the rank of Grocery cost of living indexes as at September 2010 for each of our 300 global locations. The indexes are calculated using the prices for specific quantities of the same goods and services in each location, based on expatriate spending patterns across 13 broad categories (Basket Groups). Our calculators make use of the cost of living indexes, based on your input and Xpatulator's data, to create reports online which you can save, e-mail or convert to a pdf file.

 

Grocery costs include food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices and herbs.

 

The September 2010 grocery international cost of living top 100 rank is as follows:

 

September 2010 Rank Country, City


1 Japan, Tokyo
2 Venezuela, Caracas
3 Russia, Moscow
4 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain
5 Denmark, Copenhagen
6 Japan, Osaka
7 Congo, Brazzaville
8 Sudan, Khartoum
9 Bahrain, Manama
10 Kiribati, South Tarawa
11 Norway, Oslo
12 Japan, Nagoya
13 Korea Republic of, Seoul
14 Central African Republic, Bangui
15 Switzerland, Geneva
16 Gabon, Libreville
17 China, Hong Kong
18 Japan, Yokohama
19 Solomon Islands, Honiara
20 Switzerland, Zurich
21 Indonesia, Jakarta
22 USA, Anchorage AK
23 Sierra Leone, Freetown
24 Angola, Luanda
25 Egypt, Cairo
26 Canada, Toronto
27 Russia, St. Petersburg
28 USA, San Jose Calif
29 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
30 Canada, Vancouver
31 Azerbaijan, Baku
32 Qatar, Doha
33 Liberia, Monrovia
34 Nigeria, Lagos
35 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
36 Canada, Calgary
37 Philippines, Manila
38 USA, Philadelphia Pa
39 Canada, Montreal
40 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
41 USA, Boston Mass
42 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome
43 USA, New York NY
44 USA, San Francisco Calif
45 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
46 USA, Washington DC
47 New Caledonia, Noumea
48 Afghanistan, Kabul
49 Bahamas, Nassau
50 Bermuda, Hamilton
51 Micronesia, Palikir
52 Australia, Sydney
53 Brazil, Sao Paulo
54 Timor-Leste, Dili
55 Canada, Ottawa
56 Australia, Canberra
57 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
58 Samoa, Apia
59 Cayman Islands, George Town
60 Guam, Hagatna
61 France, Paris
62 Monaco, Monaco
63 Lebanon, Beirut
64 China, Shanghai
65 Vanuatu, Port Vila
66 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang
67 Haiti, Port-au-Prince
68 USA, Seattle Wash
69 Mali, Bamako
70 Austria, Vienna
71 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
72 Comores, Moroni
73 Australia, Melbourne
74 Cote DIvoire, Abidjan
75 Jamaica, Kingston
76 Djibouti, Djibouti
77 Chad, NDjamena
78 Australia, Perth
79 United Arab Emirates, Dubai
80 Martinique, Fort-de-France
81 USA, Baltimore Md
82 Barbados, Bridgetown
83 USA, Chicago Ill
84 Jersey, Saint Helier
85 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan
86 Singapore, Singapore
87 USA, San Diego Calif
88 Puerto Rico, San Juan
89 Brazil, Brasilia
90 Malawi, Lilongwe
91 United Kingdom, London
92 USA, Cleveland Ohio
93 Taiwan, Taipei
94 Iraq, Baghdad
95 USA, Miami Fla
96 Burundi, Bujumbura
97 USA, Los Angeles Calif
98 China, Macao
99 Italy, Milan
100 Sweden, Stockholm

Europe Cost of Living - 2010

Europe's most expensive cities are those that are not on the Euro. The most expensive city in Europe is Geneva (ranked 8 in the world), while Zurich is Europe's third most expensive city (ranked 10 in the world), making Switzerland the most expensive country in Europe. The Swiss Franc has strengthened by 8% in the past year and by 16% over the past 2 years. Geneva is followed by Moscow (ranked 9 in the world), which had fallen in the cost of living rankings last year and shot back up to 6th most expensive city in Europe earlier this year. The Russian Rouble has strengthened 14% against the Euro in the past year. Oslo is the fourth most expensive city in Europe (ranked 12 in the world), followed by Copenhagen (ranked 16 in the world). The cheapest city in Europe is Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ranked 292 in the world) with a cost of living index of 57.15 (New York = 100).

 

Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world in which to live, out of 300 global locations, surveyed in September 2010. While Tokyo is relatively cheap for items such as alcohol & tobacco (ranked 145), it is the most expensive for groceries and healthcare, and household accommodation costs. Tokyo has always been relatively expensive. This trend has strengthened again recently, as a result of the Japanese Yen having gained in value by about 18% against the United States Dollar in the past two years.

As the most expensive city in the world, Tokyo has an overall cost of living index of 155.4 (New York = 100), while Dubai (ranked 60 in the world) has a cost of living index of 88.84. Therefore Tokyo's cost of living is 75% higher than Dubai. That means that an expatriate earning USD$5,000 per month in Dubai would need to earn USD$8,750 per month in Tokyo to enable them to have the same purchasing power, and therefore a similar standard of living as they had in Dubai. The cost of living for an expatriate is affected by both the availability and prices, of goods and services representative of an expatriate lifestyle, local inflation, and the exchange rate between the home and host country. As a result the cost of living has a significant impact of an expatriate's salary package.

Caracas has moved up the rankings to become the second most expensive city to live in. Caracas is most expensive place in the world for furniture and appliances, recreation and culture as well as for hotels restaurants and meals out. Caracas is the second most expensive place for alcohol and tobacco, groceries, and healthcare.

Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live in. The high overall cost of living rank for Hong Kong is primarily a result of two expensive basket groups. Hong Kong is the third most expensive city in the world for healthcare, and is the second most expensive city in the world for household accommodation, which typically comprises 30% of an expatriate's expenses. Hong Kong is a good example of why many international organizations compensate separately for healthcare as well as household related costs such as housing rental, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes. Items that are provided by the employer should be excluded from a cost of living index calculation. The cost of living index for Hong Kong excluding healthcare and household related costs is substantially lower than it's overall cost of living index of 128.9 (New York = 100). Hong Kong is relatively cheap for recreation & culture (ranked 241 in the world), education (ranked 259 in the world), as well as furniture & appliances (ranked 268 in the world).

Osaka, ranked fourth, is a new addition to the rankings. Osaka is most expensive for household accommodation (ranked 3 in the world), healthcare (ranked 5 in the world) and groceries (ranked 6 in the world).

Sao Paulo, another new addition to the rankings, is the fifth most expensive city in the world. Sao Paulo is the most expensive place in the world for education, and is ranked second most expensive for clothing. The Brazilian Real has strengthened by 11% against the United States Dollar in the past year, although it is still weaker than it was two years ago. Sao Paulo is ranked in the top 55 most expensive cities in the world for each of the 13 basket groups.

 

Most expensive cities in Europe (Global rank in brackets)
1. Switzerland, Geneva (8)
2. Russia, Moscow (9)
3. Switzerland, Zurich (10)
4. Norway, Oslo (12)
5. Denmark, Copenhagen (16)
6. Liechtenstein, Vaduz (17)
7. United Kingdom, London (23)
8. France, Paris (26)
9. Monaco, Monaco (29)
10. Jersey, Saint Helier (34)

 

Read More

Tajikistan, Dushanbe - Cost of Living

The economy of Tajikistan has been gravely weakened by civil conflict and by the loss of subsidies from Moscow and of markets for its products. Tajikistan depends to a large degree on aid from Russia and Uzbekistan and on international humanitarian assistance for much of its basic subsistence needs. Foreign remittance flows from Tajik migrant workers abroad, mainly in Russia, has become by far the main source of income for millions of Tajikistan's people and represents additional 36.2 % of country's GDP directly reaching the poverty-stricken population.

Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan. Coal, lead, and arsenic are mined nearby in the cities of Nurek and Kulob allowing for the industrialization of Dushanbe. The Nurek Dam, the world's highest as of 2008, generates 95% of Tajikistan's electricity.

Dushanbe has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Taiwan, Taipei - Cost of Living

The economy of Taiwan is a dynamic capitalist economy. Real growth in GDP has averaged about 8% during the past three decades. The service sector makes up 73% of the economy.

Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan and is the de facto capital of the Republic of China. As the capital of the Republic of China, Taipei has been at the center of rapid economic development in the country and has now become one of the global cities in the production of high technology and its components.

Taipei has an overall cost of living index which equates it with high cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Syria, Damascus - Cost of Living

The economy of Syria is that of a middle-income, developing country with a diversified economy based on agriculture, industry, and energy.

Damascus is the capital and largest city of Syria. Damascus is home to a wide range of industrial activity, such as Textile, food processing, Cement and various Chemical industries. The historical role that Damascus played as an important trade center has changed in recent years due to political development in the region as well as the development of modern trade.

Damascus has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.

The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

Read More