Monday, January 31, 2011

Moldova, Chisinau - Cost of Living

The economy of Moldova enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. The economy contracted dramatically following the fall of the Soviet Union. Currently, Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe.

Chisinu is the capital and largest municipality of Moldova. Chisinau is the main industrial and commercial centre and is located in the middle of the country.

Chisinau 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.

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Micronesia, Palikir - Cost of Living

The economy of the Federated States of Micronesia consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue.

Palikir is the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. Palikir is located on the island of Pohnpei.

Palikir 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.

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Mexico, Mexico City - Cost of Living

The economy of Mexico is the 11th largest in the world and is a free market mixed economy, and is firmly established as an upper middle-income country The economy contains rapidly developing modern industrial and service sectors, with increasing private ownership.

Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico. Mexico City is is one of the major political, economic, cultural and financial centers of the country. The city federal district produces 21.8% of the country's gross domestic product.

Mexico City 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.

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Returning expats - starting all over again

Former expat Robert Leveson has left Singapore to start again in Britain. The only problem is, they do things differently there.

Click here for more

America Cost of Living: January 2011

The Americas most expensive city is Caracas, which is the world’s second most expensive city to live in for expatriates.

Brazil has 3 of the 4 most expensive cities in the Americas. Sao Paulo (ranked 7 in the world), Rio de Janeiro (ranked 11) are followed by Brasilia (ranked 15). Nassau (ranked 25) is the fifth most expensive city, while New York (ranked 33) 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 285 in the world).

Most expensive cities in the Americas (Global rank in brackets)
1. Venezuela, Caracas (2)
2. Brazil, Sao Paulo (7)
3. Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (11)
4. Brazil, Brasilia (15)
5. Bahamas, Nassau (25)
6. USA, New York NY (33)
7. Canada, Toronto (37)
8. Falkland Islands, Stanley (42)
9. Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain (47)
10.Canada, Vancouver (54)

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Middle East Cost of Living: January 2011

The Middle East's most expensive city is Abu Dhabi (ranked 27 in the world), followed by Doha (ranked 49), and Bahrain (ranked 87). Dubai is the fourth most expensive city in the Middle East (ranked 89 in the world) with a cost of living index of 89.7. 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 49.7, half that of New York which has a cost of living index of 100.

Most expensive cities in the Middle East (Global rank in brackets)
1. United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi (27)
2. Qatar, Doha (49)
3. Bahrain, Manama (87)
4. United Arab Emirates, Dubai (89)
5. Israel, Jerusalem (102)
6. Lebanon, Beirut (138)
7. Palestinian Territories, West Bank (152)
8. Kuwait, Kuwait City (156)
9. Syria, Damascus (165)
10.Iran, Tehran (170)

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Living in Korea

Seoul Help Center for Foreignersshc.seoul.go.kr, provided by the Seoul Metropolitan government, provides useful information for foreigners in Korea

Mauritius, Port Louis - Cost of Living

The economy of Mauritius is a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors.

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. It is the largest city of the country and main port. The economy of Port Louis is dominated by its port, which handles Mauritius' international trade. Manufacturing is dominated by clothing and textiles, but also includes chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

Port Louis 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.

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Mauritania, Nouakchott - Cost of Living

The economy of Mauritania still depends on agriculture and livestock for the majority of the population, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50% of total exports.

Nouakchott is the capital and by far the largest city of Mauritania. Nouakchott is the administrative and economic centre of Mauritania.

ouakchott 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 rankj for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.

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Martinique, Fort-de-France - Cost of Living

The economy is based on trade. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 11%. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration.

Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique. Fort-de-France is one of the major cities in the Caribbean. Exports include sugar, rum, tinned fruit, and cacao.

Fort-de-France 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.

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How to Calculate an International Cost of Living Allowance


A Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is a salary supplement paid to employees to cover differences in the cost of living, particularly as a result of an international assignment.

The amount of COLA should enable an expatriate to be able to purchase the same basket of goods and services in the host location as they could in their home country. The basis for calculating a COLA is the Cost of Living Index (COLI) which indexes the costs of the same basket of goods and services in different geographic locations. COLA is a simple accurate method of measuring fluctuating salary purchasing power and ensuring parity.

Cost of Living Index
Our cost of Living Indexes measure the cost of 230 products and services across 13 different basket groups in 276 cities across the globe. The data is gathered by a team of research analysts who survey comparable items that are available internationally. A minimum of 3 prices for the same brand/size/volume of product is used to determine the average price for each item in each location. The items are priced on a quarterly basis and tend to rise and fall with inflation. The 13 different basket categories are as follows:


Alcohol & Tobacco: Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products



  • Alcohol at Bar

  • Beer

  • Cigarettes

  • Locally Produced Spirit

  • Whiskey

  • Wine


 


Clothing: Clothing and footwear products



  • Business Suits

  • Casual Clothing

  • Children’s Clothing and footwear

  • Coats and hats

  • Evening Wear

  • Shoe Repairs

  • Underwear


 



Communication



  • Home Telephone Rental and Call Charges

  • Internet Connection and service provider fees

  • Mobile / Cellular Phone Contract and Calls


 


Education



  • Crèche / Pre-School Fees

  • High School / College Fees

  • Primary School Fees

  • Tertiary Study Fees


 


Furniture & Appliances: Furniture, household equipment and household appliances



  • DVD Player

  • Fridge Freezer

  • Iron

  • Kettle, Toaster, Microwave

  • Light Bulbs

  • Television

  • Vacuum Cleaner

  • Washing Machine


 


Groceries: Food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material



  • Baby Consumables

  • Baked Goods

  • Baking

  • Canned Foods

  • Cheese

  • Cleaning Products

  • Dairy

  • Fresh Fruits

  • Fresh Vegetables

  • Fruit Juices

  • Frozen

  • Meat

  • Oil & Vinegars

  • Pet Food

  • Pre-Prepared Meals

  • Sauces

  • Seafood

  • Snacks

  • Soft Drinks

  • Spices & Herbs


 


Healthcare: General Healthcare, Medical and Medical Insurance



  • General Practitioner Consultation rates

  • Hospital Private Ward Daily Rate

  • Non-Prescription Medicine

  • Private Medical Insurance / Medical Aid Contributions


 


Household: Housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes



  • House / Flat Mortgage

  • House / Flat Rental

  • Household Electricity Consumption

  • Household Gas / Fuel Consumption

  • Household Water Consumption

  • Local Property Rates / Taxes / Levies


 


Miscellaneous: Stationary, Linen and general goods and services



  • Domestic Help

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Linen

  • Office Supplies

  • Newspapers and Magazines

  • Postage Stamps


 


Personal Care: Personal Care products and services



  • Cosmetics

  • Haircare

  • Moisturiser / Sun Block

  • Nappies

  • Pain Relief Tablets

  • Toilet Paper

  • Toothpaste

  • Soap / Shampoo / Conditioner


 


Recreation and Culture



  • Books

  • Camera Film

  • Cinema Ticket

  • DVD and CD’s

  • Sports goods

  • Theatre Ticket


 


Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotels



  • Business Dinner

  • Dinner at Restaurant (non fast food)

  • Hotel Rates

  • Take Away Drinks & Snacks (fast Food)


 



  • Transport: Public Transport, Vehicle Costs, Vehicle Fuel, Vehicle Insurance and Vehicle Maintenance

  • Hire Purchase / Lease of Vehicle

  • Petrol / Diesel

  • Public Transport

  • Service Maintenance

  • Tyres

  • Vehicle Insurance

  • Vehicle Purchase



Each basket category does not count equally and are weighted in the final calculation based on expatriate spending patterns.

In order to calculate an accurate cost of living index for a specific individual the basket items that are not relevant to the individual should be excluded from the calculation. For example if education and housing is provided by the employer these basket categories would be excluded from the cost of living index calculation. This increases the accuracy of the cost of living index and makes it possible for each individual to have their own customized cost of living index based on their specific arrangements rather than using an overall “generic” index which is likely to contains costs that are not relevant to the individual.

The formula for calculating the specific cost of living index for an international assignment is as follows:

Cost of Living Index = Customized Cost of Living Index for Host City / Customized Cost of Living Index for Home City

When moving to a higher cost of living host city, the index will be greater than 1 (positive). When moving to a lower cost of living host city the index will be less than 1 (negative). Where the index is negative it means that in real terms the cost of living in the host city is lower than the home city. This means that if the negative index where to be applied to the employee’s salary, they would actually be paid proportionately less spendable salary in the host city. It is important to note that the majority of organizations do not apply a negative cost of living index because it makes it difficult to persuade an employee to take up an assignment as they tend to see it as a reduction in salary.
Examples of Cost of Living Index Calculations using our data:

Example 1) An Australian employee moving from Perth to London where healthcare and communication will be provided by the employer

More Expensive in London:



  • Alcohol & Tobacco +4.77%

  • Clothing +21.85%

  • Education +31.53%

  • Furniture & Appliances +16.03%

  • Groceries +16.35%

  • Household +50.72%

  • Miscellaneous +137.47%

  • Personal Care +11.18%

  • Recreation & Culture -6.82%

  • Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels +34.99%

  • Transport +19.80%



The overall difference in cost of living moving from Perth and London is +28.06%.

In this case the cost of living index is positive and would be applied as it is.

Example 2) A British employee moving from London to Mumbai where the employer will provide housing and education

More Expensive in Mumbai:



  • Alcohol & Tobacco -37.53%

  • Clothing -9.58%

  • Communication -44.92%

  • Furniture & Appliances -19.31%

  • Groceries -24.03%

  • Healthcare -31.24%

  • Miscellaneous -72.43%

  • Personal Care -24.94%

  • Recreation & Culture -35.73%

  • Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels -33.11%

  • Transport is -27.99%



The overall difference in cost of living moving from London Mumbai is -30.53%.

In this case the cost of living index is negative and would not be applied.

Net Spendable Salary

Differences in cost of living only impact the portion of the salary that is spendable in the host country. Items in the home country such as retirement funding, medical insurance and other home based costs are not impacted by the cost of living in the host country.

To determine the Net Spendable Salary establish what amount / portion of the current salary (in home currency) is spent in maintaining the employee’s current standard of living / lifestyle. What will the expatriate need to spend their salary on in the host country? For example will accommodation be provided or will the employee pay rent, will healthcare be provided etc. Deduct all items that are either provided in kind or are spendable in the home country. Deduct the hypothetical amount of tax, social contributions and any other statutory deductions applicable in the home country from the Spendable Salary. What is left is the Net Spendable Salary.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
The formula for calculating the cost of living allowance using the above inputs is as follows:

(Net Spendable Salary X Cost of Living Index X Hardship Index X Exchange Rate) less (Net Spendable Salary X Exchange Rate) = COLA

Examples of COLA Calculations using our data

Example 1) An Australian employee with a net spendable salary of AUD$100,000 moving from Perth to London where healthcare and communication will be provided by the employer

($100,000.00 X 1.2806 X 1 X 0.4768) less ($100,000.00 X 0.4768) = COLA of £13,379.44 (GBP)

Based on all the above factors a person would require a Cost of Living Allowance of £13,379.44 (GBP), in addition to their current salary of 100,000.00 Australian Dollar (AUD) to compensate for relocating from Perth to London. This Cost of Living Allowance compensates for the overall cost of living difference of +28.06% and the relative difference in hardship of 0%.

Example 2) A British employee with a net spendable salary of £18,000 moving from London to Mumbai where the employer will provide housing and education

Note: Because the Cost of Living Index is negative it is not applied.

(£18,000.00 X 1 X 1.3 X 67.2852) less (£18,000.00 X67.2852) = COLA of 363,340.32 Indian Rupee

Based on all the above factors a person would require a Cost of Living Allowance of 363,340.32 (INR ), in addition to their current salary of £18,000.00 British Pound (GBP ) to compensate for relocating from London to Mumbai. This Cost of Living Allowance compensates for the overall cost of living difference of [-30.53%] and the relative difference in hardship of 30%.

COLA Payment

The COLA is paid as a salary supplement (i.e. as an additional allowance) net of tax in the host country. If the COLA is a taxable allowance in the host country it should be grossed up in order that the full amount of calculated COLA is paid net of tax given that the basis of the calculation is Net Spendable Salary. The COLA is often accompanied by other allowances and benefits such as flights home, relocation / settling in allowance, and furnishing allowance.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Significant changes in the exchange rate can make a considerable difference in the COLA calculation. In 2008 some of the major global exchange rates changed by as much as 30-40%.

The cost of living index reflects the changes caused by inflation and exchange rates. In the short-term there may be disequilibrium between inflation and the exchange rate (the one pushes the other), however over time the cost of living index provides the most accurate view of the cost of living.

It is important to remind expatriates that when the cost of living difference is negative, and the negative value has not been applied, they have higher purchasing power in the host country than they would at home.

Where a negative cost of living index has not been applied (our recommended approach), and a change in the exchange rate indicates an upward adjustment in COLA may be required, it is recommended that the COLA should not be adjusted upward until the cost of living index becomes positive i.e. the cost of living reflects that there is a “real” increase in cost of living between home and host countries. This may mean that their would be no increase in the COLA as a result of exchange rate fluctuations for some considerable time. During this time the employee’s purchasing power decreases. But it is important to remember that until the cost of living difference becomes positive, the individual will still have a higher purchasing power than they do in their home country.

It is advisable to stipulate a currency protection rule, rather than reacting to every fluctuation in the exchange rate. For example the rule may state that COLA will be reviewed if exchange rates or local inflation move by more than +10% during a year. It is important to keep in mind that the prices of goods and services are unlikely to drop in local currency. This would only occur in a period of deflation (negative inflation). Therefore the currency protection rule would normally make provision for upward adjustments in COLA and not downward adjustments during an employee’s assignment. Downward adjustments to an existing COLA due to exchange rate fluctuations without a corresponding drop in the prices of local goods and services puts immense pressure on an employee’s host currency budget commitments and can lead to the employee experiencing financial difficulty.

Using an independent service provider provides an independent, objective basis for determining an employee’s COLA.

We recommend therefore that a COLA is calculated by applying the specific (customized) cost of living index to the net spendable salary at the beginning of the assignment and monitoring exchange rate fluctuations thereafter in addition to the annual salary review.


Marshall Islands, Majuro - Cost of Living

The government of the Marshall Islands is the largest employer, employing 30.6% of the work force. Direct U.S. aid accounted for 60% of the Marshalls' $90 million budget.

Majuro is the capital and largest city of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Majuro is built on an atoll of 64 islands, the Majuro Atoll. Majuro has a port, shopping district, hotels, and an international airport.

Majuro 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.

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An Islamic Perspective on Child-Rearing and Discipline By Umm Salihah

Thanks to a small number of Muslims and large chunks of the mainstream media, Islam has gained a reputation for severity and harshness. When it comes to the way we raise our children this can often be true – but usually due to our cultural backgrounds more than our faith.

When we need to discipline our children, we could hit them, but how would it make us feel to make a mistake or disagree with our employers or spouse and be smacked for it? How do we prefer to be told? Discreetly, gently and with patience surely. Perhaps we could stop and do the same for our children, thinking of it as our daily worship.

Click here for more

 

Living in Singapore

Enter Singapore Informationwww.entersingapore.info, is a guide to Singapore for expatriates.

Malta, Velletta - Cost of Living

The economy of Malta's strengths are its limestone, a favourable geographic location, and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics), tourism and financial services.

Valletta is the capital city of Malta. The Valletta peninsula has two natural harbours, Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. The Grand Harbour is Malta's major port.

Velletta 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.

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Mali, Bamako - Cost of Living

The Economy of Mali is based to a large extent on agriculture, with an overwhelmingly rural population, many of whom are engaged in subsistence agriculture. Mali is among the ten poorest nations of the world, is one of the 37 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries, and is a major recipient of foreign aid from many sources.

Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali. Bamako is the nation's administrative center, river port in nearby Koulikoro, and a major regional trade and conference center.

Bamako 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.

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Maldives, Male - Cost of Living

The mixed economy of the Maldives is based on the principal activities of tourism, fishing and shipping.

Male is the capital and largest city (in terms of population) in the Republic of Maldives. The central part of the Male city is formed by Male Island. Three more islands are part of the city. Slightly less than one third of the nation's population lives in the capital city. Many, if not most, Maldivians and foreign workers in Maldives find themselves in occasional short term residence on the island since it is the only entry point to the nation and the centre of all administration and bureaucracy.

Male 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.

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Unusual British exports

The traditional red telephone box is fast disappearing from Britain's streets, but if you're feeling nostalgic, track down one of the many hundreds sold abroad. This one can be found on Dickenson Bay in Antigua, but others have ended up at the University of Oklahoma, in a Florida shopping mall and on a street in Israel.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatpicturegalleries/8245903/Unusual-British-exports.html

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur - Cost of Living

The economy of Malaysia is a growing and relatively open state-oriented market economy. The state plays a significant but declining role in guiding economic activity through macroeconomic plans.

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is the cultural and economic centre of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur 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.

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Expat guide to South Africa: schools

Schools offering a British educational experience in South Africa tend to be relatively new - and small - but the sector appears to be growing, driven in part by the popularity of GCSE and A-level qualifications offered by University of Cambridge International Examinations. Warwick Mansell rounds up some of the best British-style schools in South Africa.

Click here for more

Living in Saudi

Saudi British Societywww.saudibritishsociety.org.uk/main/home.htm, is a cultural organization promoting closer friendship and understanding between the people of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

Malawi, Lilongwe - Cost of Living

The economy of Malawi is among the world's least developed and most densely populated. The economy is heavily agriculture-based, with around 85% of the population living in rural areas. More than one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues come from agriculture.

Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi. Lilongwe is the political centre of Malawi while Blantyre is the economic capital.

Lilongwe 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.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

How Expats Can Save Money

Expats settling abroad simply move on for good. Whether they have to deposit finance, health or sacrifices but it takes a lot of trials and troubles to establish a stable life overseas.
And to make things better you may want to know how expats can save money when living away. These tips will teach you to save, earn and spend for your enjoyments and also have enough during times of trouble.

Save Money On Belongings

If you are interested in buying a piece of land in the overseas country then you must take time to learn the quality and price of the same.  Spend enough time with the people and places to get the right feedback.  Keep an eye on the auction process, bargains, local developments and changes before you make your decision.
If you have to pay towards your mortgage costs, a good idea is to rent your property in the UK.  You can request your mortgage company for a mortgage holiday if you’re still concerned about meeting your mortgage obligations while you make the transition. Some companies will allow you a complete break; others will allow you to make interest only payments. 
If you plan to rent property abroad make sure you negotiate and fix a rate suitable to your budget.  Also, if you’re prepared to sign a long-term contract, you may be allowed to pay cheaper monthly rent.  Prove how good a tenant you are, cooperate and adjust to all the communal rules.

Paying off Bills

With so many free services introduced in the market, international calling is possible from any country at a minimal price. So don’t worry about paying off the long term bills. You can keep in touch with friends and family through companies offering free international calls, thus providing you good returns. You can even use online texting or set up a webcam to see who you’re communicating with.
Nowadays you have so much free television over the internet with the likes of the BBC and ITV having iPlayers where you can catch up with all your old favorites. So you don’t pay out for an expensive overseas television package.

Tax Savings

As an expat it is the right time to save tax on your savings and investments. Your personal situations will limit your options. But you can spend your time speaking to an expatriate financial adviser to learn how to structure your financial affairs to make them 100% taxation efficient.

Transport International Cost of Living Ranking: January 2011

This report provides you with the rank of Transport cost of living indexes as at January 2011 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 January 2011 transport international cost of living rank is as follows:

 

January 2011 Rank Country, City


1 Norway, Oslo
2 Switzerland, Geneva
3 Switzerland, Zurich
4 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
5 Denmark, Copenhagen
6 Germany, Munich
7 Germany, Frankfurt
8 Netherlands, Amsterdam
9 Germany, Cologne
10 Germany, Bonn
11 Germany, Berlin
12 Germany, Hamburg
13 Monaco, Monaco
14 France, Paris
15 Turkey, Istanbul
16 Brazil, Sao Paulo
17 Malta, Velletta
18 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi
19 Austria, Vienna
20 Finland, Helsinki
21 Japan, Tokyo
22 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
23 Cameroon, Douala
24 Turkey, Ankara
25 Timor-Leste, Dili
26 Italy, Milan
27 Ireland, Dublin
28 Cameroon, Yaounde
29 Italy, Rome
30 Iceland, Reykjavik
31 Hungary, Budapest
32 India, Mumbai
33 Brazil, Brasilia
34 Spain, Madrid
35 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
36 San Marino, San Marino
37 Mali, Bamako
38 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain
39 United Kingdom, London
40 Spain, Barcelona
41 Gambia, Banjul
42 Eritrea, Asmara
43 India, New Delhi
44 Sweden, Stockholm
45 Guernsey, St Peter Port
46 India, Chennai
47 Vatican City, Vatican City
48 India, Calcutta
49 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome
50 Isle of Man, Douglas
51 France, Lyon
52 Canada, Toronto
53 Australia, Sydney
54 India, Hyderabad
55 India, Bangalore
56 Maldives, Male
57 Kiribati, South Tarawa
58 Portugal, Lisbon
59 Australia, Canberra
60 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
61 Belgium, Brussels
62 Poland, Warsaw
63 Canada, Vancouver
64 Fiji, Suva
65 Greenland, Nuuk
66 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
67 Slovakia, Bratislava
68 United Kingdom, Glasgow
69 Cook Islands, Avarua
70 Canada, Calgary
71 Jersey, Saint Helier
72 Falkland Islands, Stanley
73 Andorra, Andorra la Vella
74 Australia, Perth
75 France, Marseille
76 United Kingdom, Birmingham
77 United Kingdom, Leeds
78 Canada, Montreal
79 Australia, Melbourne
80 Madagascar, Antananarivo
81 Vanuatu, Port Vila
82 Senegal, Dakar
83 Rwanda, Kigali
84 Jamaica, Kingston
85 Malawi, Lilongwe
86 Saint Helena, Jamestown
87 Greece, Athens
88 Gibraltar, Gibraltar
89 USA, New York NY
90 United Kingdom, Belfast
91 Congo, Brazzaville
92 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
93 Venezuela, Caracas
94 Azerbaijan, Baku
95 Israel, Jerusalem
96 Canada, Ottawa
97 Australia, Brisbane
98 Japan, Osaka
99 Micronesia, Palikir
100 Zambia, Lusaka
101 Cyprus, Nicosia
102 New Zealand, Auckland
103 Australia, Adelaide
104 Gabon, Libreville
105 Guinea-Bissau, Bissau
106 China, Hong Kong
107 Croatia, Zagreb
108 Tuvalu, Funafuti
109 Togo, Lome
110 Japan, Nagoya
111 Grenada, Saint Georges
112 Cote DIvoire, Abidjan
113 Swaziland, Mbabane
114 Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar
115 Martinique, Fort-de-France
116 Macedonia, Skopje
117 Paraguay, Asuncion
118 Solomon Islands, Honiara
119 Indonesia, Jakarta
120 Central African Republic, Bangui
121 Chad, NDjamena
122 Puerto Rico, San Juan
123 Philippines, Manila
124 Jordan, Amman
125 Japan, Yokohama
126 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
127 Guatemala, Guatemala City
128 Palestinian Territories, West Bank
129 Botswana, Gaborone
130 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo
131 Nauru, Yaren
132 Ghana, Accra
133 Cayman Islands, George Town
134 Estonia, Tallinn
135 China, Shanghai
136 Samoa, Apia
137 Laos, Vientiane
138 Singapore, Singapore
139 Bangladesh, Dhaka
140 Nigeria, Lagos
141 Guam, Hagatna
142 Comores, Moroni
143 Czech Republic, Prague
144 China, Beijing
145 Marshall Islands, Majuro
146 Montenegro, Podgorica
147 Morocco, Rabat
148 Bulgaria, Sofia
149 Kazakhstan, Almaty
150 South Africa, Johannesburg
151 Chile, Santiago
152 Niger, Niamey
153 Kosovo, Pristina
154 New Caledonia, Noumea
155 USA, Anchorage AK
156 Lebanon, Beirut
157 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
158 Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre
159 USA, Chicago Ill
160 China, Macao
161 USA, Seattle Wash
162 USA, Washington DC
163 Peru, Lima
164 USA, Portland Ore
165 Costa Rica, San Jose
166 Djibouti, Djibouti
167 Colombia, Bogota
168 South Africa, Pretoria
169 Sierra Leone, Freetown
170 South Africa, Cape Town
171 Syria, Damascus
172 USA, Los Angeles Calif
173 USA, San Diego Calif
174 Cape Verde, Praia
175 Mozambique, Maputo
176 Lesotho, Maseru
177 Afghanistan, Kabul
178 Romania, Bucharest
179 USA, Miami Fla
180 Barbados, Bridgetown
181 USA, Pittsburgh Penn
182 Taiwan, Taipei
183 Albania, Tirana
184 Lithuania, Vilnius
185 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
186 USA, San Francisco Calif
187 South Africa, Durban
188 Serbia, Belgrade
189 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
190 Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan
191 USA, Phoenix Ariz
192 Mauritius, Port Louis
193 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
194 Somalia, Mogadishu
195 Sudan, Khartoum
196 USA, Philadelphia Pa
197 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown
198 Namibia, Windhoek
199 Bolivia, La Paz
200 Argentina, Buenos Aires
201 Seychelles, Victoria
202 Iraq, Baghdad
203 Yemen, Sanaa
204 Slovenia, Ljubljana
205 Panama, Panama City
206 USA, Baltimore Md
207 Haiti, Port-au-Prince
208 Latvia, Riga
209 Bermuda, Hamilton
210 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan
211 French Polynesia, Papeete
212 Palau, Melekeok
213 Mexico, Mexico City
214 USA, Jacksonville Fla
215 USA, Las Vegas Nev
216 Kuwait, Kuwait City
217 USA, San Antonio Tex
218 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
219 USA, San Jose Calif
220 Guinea, Conakry
221 Russia, Moscow
222 USA, Boston Mass
223 USA, Tampa Fla
224 USA, Dallas Tex
225 USA, Fort Worth Tex
226 USA, Atlanta GA
227 Bahrain, Manama
228 Liberia, Monrovia
229 USA, Detroit Mich
230 United Arab Emirates, Dubai
231 China, Shenzhen
232 China, Wuhan
233 USA, Cleveland Ohio
234 Bhutan, Thimphu
235 Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Johns
236 Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre
237 USA, Denver Colo
238 China, Dalian
239 Uruguay, Montevideo
240 Suriname, Paramaribo
241 Mauritania, Nouakchott
242 USA, Houston Tex
243 Algeria, Algiers
244 Bahamas, Nassau
245 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
246 USA, El Paso Tex
247 USA, Milwaukee Wis
248 Honduras, Tegucigalpa
249 USA, Indianapolis Ind
250 Armenia, Yerevan
251 USA, St Louis MO
252 El Salvador, San Salvador
253 Dominica, Roseau
254 Sri Lanka, Colombo
255 Zimbabwe, Harare
256 Tonga, NukuAlofa
257 Tunisia, Tunis
258 Vietnam, Hanoi
259 Moldova, Chisinau
260 USA, Charlotte NC
261 French Guiana, Cayenne
262 USA, Columbus Ohio
263 Korea Republic of, Seoul
264 Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
265 Cuba, Havana
266 Belize, Belmopan
267 Thailand, Bangkok
268 Ecuador, Quito
269 China, Guangzhou
270 Oman, Muscat
271 Pakistan, Lahore
272 China, Tianjin
273 Saint Lucia, Castries
274 Benin, Cotonou
275 Iran, Tehran
276 Nepal, Kathmandu
277 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang
278 Ukraine, Kiev
279 Russia, St. Petersburg
280 Angola, Luanda
281 Pakistan, Islamabad
282 USA, Austin Tex
283 USA, Memphis Tenn
284 Uzbekistan, Tashkent
285 Pakistan, Karachi
286 Nicaragua, Managua
287 Guyana, Georgetown
288 Myanmar, Yangon
289 Egypt, Cairo
290 Uganda, Kampala
291 Libya, Tripoli
292 Kenya, Nairobi
293 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
294 Belarus, Minsk
295 Qatar, Doha
296 Tajikistan, Dushanbe
297 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
298 Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
299 Burundi, Bujumbura
300 Cambodia, Phnom Penh

Madagascar, Antananarivo - Cost of Living

The economy of Madagascar is reliant on agriculture, including fishing and forestry, accounting for 34 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributing more than 70 percent to export earnings. Industry features textile manufacturing and the processing of agricultural products.

Antananarivo is the capital and largest city in Madagascar. Antananarivo is the political and economic capital of Madagascar. The city is guarded by two forts built on hills to the east. Including an Anglican and a Roman Catholic cathedral, there are more than 5,000 churches in the city and its suburbs.

Antananarivo 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.

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Macedonia, Skopje - Cost of Living

The economy of Macedonia has undergone considerable economic reform since independence. The country has developed an open economy with trade accounting for more than 90% of GDP in recent years.

Skopje is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Macedonia. Skopje is a modern city and a center for metal-processing, chemical, timber, textile, leather, and printing industries. Industrial development of the city has been accompanied by development of the trade, logistics, and banking sectors, as well as an emphasis on the fields of culture and sport.

Skopje 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.

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International Cost Of Living Index Calculation


Cost of living is the cost of maintaining a specified standard of living, similar to a typical household budget. A Cost of living index is a numerical way of comparing cost of living, either over time, or by comparing different geographical locations.


 


When you relocate to another geographic location, the cost of everything you spend your salary on will either cost more or less. Some of the costs may be higher in the new location and some of the costs may be lower. The difference in cost of living is typically reported as a “cost of living index.


 


By selecting the appropriate costs that you will have to pay from your salary, you can use a tool such aswww.xpatulator.com to calculate the cost of living difference between 2 locations. Xpatulator uses 13 basket groups, the result of extensive research of actual spending habits, to reflect a reality-based international expenditure pattern. The basket groups are weighted according to Expatriate expenditure norms.


 


When comparing the cost of living between 2 locations the difference in the aggregate cost of all the selected basket groups are examined in each location using the average reported price in each location for the same quantity of each item. Cost of living is the relative differential in the local cost of the basket groups and the ruling exchange rate between the 2 selected locations.


 


When comparing the cost of living between different locations the objective is to calculate the difference in the cost of living expressed as an index (e.g. dividing the cost of living in Location A by the cost of living in Location B may result in an index of 140).


 


The cost of living index indicates the difference in the cost of living between the 2 locations. In the above example the index of 140 means that Location A is 40% more expensive than Location B. This would mean that a person who moves from Location B to Location A would need to earn 40% more, to have the same standard of living in Location A as they have currently.


Australia pressured to speed up skilled migrant applications

More than 140,000 skilled workers hoping to migrate to Australia are caught up in a departmental backlog going back over two years. The backlog has been widely criticised by businessmen who believe that the number of skilled migrants in Australia needs to be swiftly increased in order to help the country ride out the economic crisis.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/offshorefinance/8246329/Australia-pressured-to-speed-up-skilled-migrant-applications.html

Luxembourg, Luxembourg - Cost of Living

The economy of Luxembourg is largely dependent on the banking, steel, and industrial sectors. Although Luxembourg in tourist literature is aptly called the Green Heart of Europe, its pastoral land coexists with a highly industrialized and export-intensive economy. Luxembourg enjoys a degree of economic prosperity almost unique among industrialized democracies.

The city of Luxembourg, also known as Luxembourg City, is a commune with city status, and the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Luxembourg City is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, having developed into a banking and administrative centre. Luxembourg is a seat of several institutions of the European Union, including the European Court of Justice, the European Court of Auditors, and the European Investment Bank.

Luxembourg 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.

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Where to Find the World’s Best Quality of Life in 2011

Where will you find the world’s best quality of life? Going by numbers alone, the winner is clear: the United States.

 

On a macro level, the numbers tell their story. The U.S. has more paved roads than anywhere else, more airports and a lot of cell phones, good Internet access. It’s got a huge economy, the world’s biggest (though not necessarily the best), and it’s got tens of thousands of doctors and hospitals (if you can afford them). The numbers say: The United States has a lot going for it.

 

But statistics don’t always reflect the reality in communities on the ground. The truth is: In dozens of other countries, ranked lower in the final count than the U.S., you can enjoy a life of equal quality — with the same levels of comfort — at a much lower cost.

Click here for more

Living in Russia

Living in Russiawww.expatriates.ru, offers a social networking site for expatriates living in Russia.

Lithuania, Vilnius - Cost of Living

The economy of Lithuania changed radically after the country established its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. It then made a transition towards capitalist free market principles, enjoying high growth rates after entering the European Union along with other Baltic states.

Vilnius is the largest city and the capital of Lithuania. Vilnius is the major economic centre of Lithuania and one of the largest financial centres of the Baltic states. Even though it is home to only 15% of Lithuania's population, it generates approximately 25% of Lithuania's GDP.

Vilnius 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.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Liechtenstein, Vaduz - Cost of Living

The economy of Liechtenstein is a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with the urban areas of its large European neighbors. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 18% - and easy incorporation rules have induced about 73,700 holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues.

Vaduz is the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein. Vaduz has a lively tourist industry, despite being one of the very few capital cities in the world without an airport or railway station.

Vaduz 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.

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Libya, Tripoli - Cost of Living

The economy of Libya depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which constitute practically all export earnings.

Tripoli is the largest and capital city of Libya. Tripoli is the largest city, the principal sea port, and the largest commercial and manufacturing centre in Libya.

Tripoli 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.

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The truth about expat lifestyle in Greece

When Scottish expat John Malcolm was caught speeding in the southern Peloponnese, a Greek police officer strolled over to the car to book him and asked where he was born.

“When I told him I was Scottish the officer said, ‘That means you’re as mad as we are,’ and waved me away, saying to his colleague, ‘He’s Scottish – don’t have anything to do with this one,’” Malcolm recalls.

 

http://www.heraldscotland.com/life-style/travel-outdoors/the-truth-about-expat-lifestyle-in-greece-1.1079038

Liberia, Monrovia - Cost of Living

The economy of Liberia was negatively impacted by the civil war and government mismanagement, especially the infrastructure in and around the capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the conclusion of fighting and the installation of a democratically-elected government in 2006, some have returned.

Monrovia is the capital city of the West African nation of Liberia. The city's economy is dominated by its harbour. Monrovia is Liberia's financial centre.

Monrovia 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.

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Expatriate Tool- Google Translate

The search giant last night launched an application that allows a mobile phone to instantly translate a conversation. Users speaking into a device running Google’s own Android operating system will hear their words translated into another language, and their conversation partner’s words will then be translated back into their original tongue.

 

Although users must press “submit” between each statement, Google’s Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said that he expects the service to operate in “real-time” within 18 months.

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Living in Portugal

Portugal Roots Webwww3.sympatico.ca/geoles, provides information about Portuguese culture.

Lesotho, Maseru - Cost of Living

The economy of Lesotho's economy is based on diamonds exported all over the world and water sold to South Africa, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, and to some extent the earnings of laborers employed in South Africa.

Maseru is the capital and only sizable city of Lesotho. Commerce in Maseru is centered around two neighboring central business districts. The western business district holds larger office buildings, department stores and several banks. The eastern business district hosts mainly smaller businesses, markets and street vendors. The central business districts are the largest employment centers within the city.

Maseru 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.

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Why expats find New Year's resolutions harder to keep

Keeping a New Year's resolution is always an uphill struggle. But is it even harder for those who live away from home? In his new monthly column, Chris Marshall takes a look at some of the tougher issues facing expats everywhere.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatlife/8246192/Why-expats-find-New-Years-resolutions-harder-to-keep.html

Laos, Vientiane - Cost of Living

The economy of Laos is heavily dependent on investment and trade with its neighbors, Thailand, Vietnam, and, especially in the north, China. Much of the country lacks adequate infrastructure. Subsistence agriculture still accounts for half of the GDP and provides 80 percent of employment.

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos. Vientiane is situated on a bend of the Mekong river, which forms the border with Thailand at this point. A short link connects Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.

Vientiane 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.

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Expat guide to France: health care

No two health care systems in the Western world are the same. The French approach shows the usual Gallic individualism. It has worked well for its citizens, giving excellent all-round care and greater consumer choice than in Britain. Peter Pallot examines health care options in France.

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International Cost of Living Ranking: January 2011

Tokyo is the costliest city in the world in which to live as at January 2011.

Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world in which to live, out of 300 global locations, surveyed as at January 2011. While Tokyo is average in terms of the cost of items such as education (ranked 144) and alcohol & tobacco (ranked 138), it is the most expensive place in the world for groceries, healthcare, and household accommodation costs. As the most expensive city in the world, Tokyo has an overall cost of living index of 158.4 (New York = 100). In comparison to the next 3 cities to host the FIFA Soccer World Cup (SWC) Tokyo is 38% more expensive than Rio de Janeiro (SWC 2014), 36% more expensive than Moscow (SWC 2018), and 65% more expensive than Doha (SWC 2022). That means that an expatriate earning USD$5,000 per month in Doha would need to earn USD$8,250 per month in Tokyo to enable them to have the same purchasing power, and therefore a similar standard of living as they had in Doha. 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 on an expatriate’s salary package.

Caracas is the second most expensive city to live in. Caracas is most expensive place in the world for furniture and appliances, alcohol & tobacco, recreation and culture, hotels restaurants and meals out. Caracas is the second most expensive place for 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 fourth 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 129.4. 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).

Geneva, the fourth most expensive city, is particularly expensive for recreation & culture as well as groceries.

Osaka, ranked fith, is most expensive for household accommodation (ranked 3 in the world), healthcare (ranked 5 in the world) and groceries (ranked 6 in the world).

Asia-Pacific has 4 of the 10 most expensive cities in the world. Tokyo is first and Hong Kong the third most expensive location in the world (and most expensive in greater China), whilst Osaka is the third most expensive city in Asia-Pacific (ranked 5 in the world), followed by Nagoya (ranked 9 in the world).

Cities in mainland China remain relatively cheap, mainly due to the pegging of the Chinese Yuan to the US Dollar which has kept costs down. Within mainland China, Shanghai (ranked 19 in the world), and Beijing (ranked 126 in the world) are the most expensive locations. The cheapest city surveyed in China is Tianjin (ranked 284) with a cost of living index of just 61.4. The cheapest city in Asia-Pacific is Nuku’Alofa in Tonga (ranked 299) with a cost of living index of 53.1.

Most expensive cities in Asia-Pacific (Global rank in brackets)
1. Japan, Tokyo (1)
2. China, Hong Kong (3)
3. Japan, Osaka (5)
4. Japan, Nagoya (9)
5. Japan, Yokohama (13)
6. Australia, Sydney (17)
7. China, Shanghai (19)
8. Australia, Canberra (20)
9. Kiribati, South Tarawa (23)
10.Singapore (26)

South Asia is the least expensive region in the world for expatriates to live in. The most expensive city surveyed is Mumbai (ranked 109 in the world), followed by New Delhi (ranked 136), and Chennai (ranked 139). The cheapest city in South Asia is Thimphu in Bhutan (ranked 297).

Most expensive cities in South Asia (Global rank in brackets)
1. India, Mumbai (109)
2. India, New Delhi (136)
3. India, Chennai (139)
4. India, Calcutta (141)
5. Maldives, Male (147)
6. India, Hyderabad (149)
7. India, Bangalore (167)
8. Afghanistan, Kabul (208)
9. Bangladesh, Dhaka (263)
10.Pakistan, Lahore 278)

Europe’s most expensive cities are mostly those that are not on the Euro. The most expensive city in Europe is Geneva (ranked 4 in the world), followed by Zurich (ranked 6), making Switzerland the most expensive country in Europe. Zurich is followed by Oslo (ranked 8). Moscow is the world's 10th most expensive city (4th in Europe) followed by Vaduz in Liechtenstein. The cheapest city in Europe is Tirana in Albania (ranked 283 in the world) with a cost of living index of 61.7.

Most expensive cities in Europe (Global rank in brackets)
1. Switzerland, Geneva (4)
2. Switzerland, Zurich (6)
3. Norway, Oslo (8)
4. Russia, Moscow (10)
5. Liechtenstein, Vaduz (12)
6. Denmark, Copenhagen (14)
7. United Kingdom, London (16)
8. France, Paris (21)
9. Monaco, Monaco (22)
10.Jersey, Saint Helier (24)

The Middle East's most expensive city is Abu Dhabi (ranked 27 in the world), followed by Doha (ranked 49), and Bahrain (ranked 87). Dubai is the fourth most expensive city in the Middle East (ranked 89 in the world) with a cost of living index of 89.7. 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 49.7, half that of New York which has a cost of living index of 100.

Most expensive cities in the Middle East (Global rank in brackets)
1. United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi (27)
2. Qatar, Doha (49)
3. Bahrain, Manama (87)
4. United Arab Emirates, Dubai (89)
5. Israel, Jerusalem (102)
6. Lebanon, Beirut (138)
7. Palestinian Territories, West Bank (152)
8. Kuwait, Kuwait City (156)
9. Syria, Damascus (165)
10.Iran, Tehran (170)

The Americas most expensive city is Caracas, which is the world’s second most expensive city to live in for expatriates.

Brazil has 3 of the 4 most expensive cities in the Americas. Sao Paulo (ranked 7 in the world), Rio de Janeiro (ranked 11) are followed by Brasilia (ranked 15). Nassau (ranked 25) is the fifth most expensive city, while New York (ranked 33) 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 285 in the world).

Most expensive cities in the Americas (Global rank in brackets)
1. Venezuela, Caracas (2)
2. Brazil, Sao Paulo (7)
3. Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (11)
4. Brazil, Brasilia (15)
5. Bahamas, Nassau (25)
6. USA, New York NY (33)
7. Canada, Toronto (37)
8. Falkland Islands, Stanley (42)
9. Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain (47)
10.Canada, Vancouver (54)

 

About http://www.xpatulator.com Data:

The cost of living and hardship data is updated quarterly. The current data is as at  1 January 2011 based on data colected during the last quarter of 2010. Exchange rates are updated daily.

 

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Living in Poland

Expats-in-Poland.com, www.expats-in-poland.com, is a website for expatriates living in Poland.