Archive for category 2011 international cost of living

Expat Festivities while far from home….

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, expatriate, expats on October 22, 2011

Being an Expat permits unusual and fascinating events to occur while on your adventure, you belong to a community where celebrating different customs and traditions is an opportunity.

CC rights Travelling Slacker http://www.flickr.com/photos/travellingslacker/

Our first cultural event to be experienced was Ramadan and Eid, this was fascinating and insightful.  Coming from South Africa, we have a diverse society with a mix of cultures, our suburb constitutes Christians, Muslims and Jews with Churches, Mosaics and Synagogues praising God down the road from each other. Our African, British, Greek, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, American, completely international cultures live together freely and without prejudice. I loved where we lived and still do, everyone is happy and friendly and we reside side by side without discriminating but equally without ever emerging into each others lives.
Being an expat changes your perspective on just about everything, you become more aware of cultural and religious differences, in a positive and energizing sense.  We started our adventure off with heading straight into the heat of the Arabian gulf and our first Ramadan, was both educational and insightful.  I became more aware of the call to prayer, of the berka and abaya and the reasons behind the religious and cultural events that occur in the Islamic faith.  My first Ramadan was a special event, we noted how everyone forfeited their basic need for food and water from sunrise to sunset, and the month is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God. At sunset the family gathers together to break the fast with Iftar (fast breaking meal).  Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan. A special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor; everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.

CC rights Mathew Ingram http://www.flickr.com/photos/mathewingram

The Canadian and American Thanksgivings are celebrated on different days and months and for different reasons.  The Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday in October and goes back to an explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. Frobisher’s Thanksgiving was celebrated for homecoming, he had safely returned from an unsuccessful search for the Northwest Passage.  In 1578, Frobisher held a formal ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for surviving the long journey.  The tradition of a feast was continued years later, as more settlers began to arrive in the Canadian colonies.
The American Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day, is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, and has officially been an annual tradition in the United States since 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving during the Civil War.
The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated to give thanks to Native Americans for helping the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony survive their first brutal winter in New England, the first Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days.

CC rights Sarah Ackerman http://www.flickr.com/photos/sackerman519/

We have also started celebrating Halloween and have amazing American friends who have brought all their decorations with them from home. Added to this they have all the traditional games of feeling through jelly to find the witches eggs and walking blind folded through spider webs and of course the scary movies, costumes and copious amounts of sweets that get handed out and eaten!
Traditionally Halloween is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.  Celebrated on 31 October it is a time of celebration and superstition.
We always celebrate our own religious holidays with those friends that we hold near and dear being so far away from home.  Living in a compound, it is not uncommon to walk around and notice different front doors decorated with some fantastical decorations for a special event that is being celebrated in that expats land. It is a magical time for each community and a special occasion for other expats to learn about and appreciate their neighbors.

CC rights Ajay Tallam http://www.flickr.com/photos/90417577@N00/

Diwali, which although we have not celebrated, we have listened to the enthusiastic stories of the festival from our Indian friends. It is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or ’Festival of lights’.
Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of the Goddess of Wealth. The festival of Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present Diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.
We always celebrate our own religious holidays with those friends that we hold near and dear being so far away from home.  Living in a compound, it is not uncommon to walk around and notice different front doors decorated with some fantastical decorations for a special event that is being celebrated in that expats land. It is a magical time for each community and a special occasion for other expats to learn about and appreciate their neighbors.

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Cost of Living – Education – October 2011

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living on October 14, 2011

Courtesy of Dr Sharon Pruitt and Pink Sherbet Photography

Cost of living rank of Education cost of living indexes as at October 2011 for 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). The 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.

Education costs include creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees.
Xpatulator.com is the most comprehensive source of international cost of living index information.
Premium Content Calculators:
The SPPP report calculates how much you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship, and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new SPPP report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for a detailed comparison of 2 locations.
The COLA report calculates how much additional allowance (over and above your current salary) you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new COLA report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for calculation of a cost of living allowance for short-term assignments.
The COLI report calculates cost of living indexes for the host locations you select, using the home location you specify. You can choose from any one of the 13 baskets or you can choose the overall cost of living index. Each new COLI report uses 1 credit ($99) allowing you to choose 1 home location and up to 300 available host locations.Recommended for the calculation of 3 or more cost of living indexes using your choice of base city.
1 credit costs $99. Register, buy credits online and you can run the premium content calculators and receive your reports online within minutes.
The October 2011 education international cost of living rank is as follows:
October 2011 Rank Country, City

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

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Cost of living – Communication – October 2011

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, cost of living allowance, cost of living calculator, cost of living comparison, cost of living index, cost of living ranking on October 9, 2011

Cost of living rank of Communication cost of living indexes as at October 2011 for 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). The 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.

 

Communication costs include various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls.

 

Xpatulator.com is the most comprehensive source of international cost of living index information.

 

Premium Content Calculators:

 

Salary Purchasing Power Parity Calculator (SPPP): Download Demo SPPP Report

The SPPP report calculates how much you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship, and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new SPPP report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for a detailed comparison of 2 locations.

Cost of Living Allowance Calculator (COLA): Download Demo COLA Report

The COLA report calculates how much additional allowance (over and above your current salary) you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new COLA report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for calculation of a cost of living allowance for short-term assignments.

Cost of Living Index Calculator (COLI) : Download Demo COLI Report

The COLI report calculates cost of living indexes for the host locations you select, using the home location you specify. You can choose from any one of the 13 baskets or you can choose the overall cost of living index. Each new COLI report uses 1 credit ($99) allowing you to choose 1 home location and up to 300 available host locations.Recommended for the calculation of 3 or more cost of living indexes using your choice of base city.

1 credit costs $99. Register, buy credits online and you can run the premium content calculators and receive your reports online within minutes.

 

The October 2011 communication international cost of living rank is as follows:

 

October 2011 Rank Country, City
1 Italy, Milan
2 Italy, Rome
3 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
4 Swaziland, Mbabane
5 New Caledonia, Noumea
6 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo
7 Vatican City, Vatican City
8 Latvia, Riga
9 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
10 San Marino, San Marino
11 Thailand, Bangkok
12 Cameroon, Douala
13 Gabon, Libreville
14 Solomon Islands, Honiara
15 Colombia, Bogota
16 Norway, Oslo
17 Germany, Munich
18 Peru, Lima
19 Germany, Frankfurt
20 Germany, Cologne
21 Togo, Lome
22 Cameroon, Yaounde
23 Monaco, Monaco
24 Germany, Berlin
25 Germany, Bonn
26 Germany, Hamburg
27 Kenya, Nairobi
28 Brazil, Sao Paulo
29 Slovakia, Bratislava
30 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
31 Saint Lucia, Castries
32 Spain, Madrid
33 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
34 Botswana, Gaborone
35 Cape Verde, Praia
36 Spain, Barcelona
37 Bolivia, La Paz
38 Switzerland, Geneva
39 Estonia, Tallinn
40 Brazil, Brasilia
41 French Polynesia, Papeete
42 Cote DIvoire, Abidjan
43 USA, Boston Mass
44 China, Beijing
45 Uzbekistan, Tashkent
46 Austria, Vienna
47 Switzerland, Zurich
48 Canada, Toronto
49 Micronesia, Palikir
50 USA, Philadelphia Pa
51 Greece, Athens
52 Djibouti, Djibouti
53 Kiribati, South Tarawa
54 Cuba, Havana
55 Canada, Vancouver
56 Russia, Moscow
57 Gibraltar, Gibraltar
58 Croatia, Zagreb
59 Somalia, Mogadishu
60 Japan, Tokyo
61 Canada, Calgary
62 Bahamas, Nassau
63 Grenada, Saint Georges
64 Tunisia, Tunis
65 Azerbaijan, Baku
66 Nauru, Yaren
67 Kazakhstan, Almaty
68 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang
69 Canada, Montreal
70 Burundi, Bujumbura
71 Dominica, Roseau
72 France, Paris
73 Chile, Santiago
74 Marshall Islands, Majuro
75 Guinea-Bissau, Bissau
76 United Kingdom, London
77 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown
78 Oman, Muscat
79 Mali, Bamako
80 Pakistan, Lahore
81 Central African Republic, Bangui
82 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
83 Iceland, Reykjavik
84 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
85 Canada, Ottawa
86 Mexico, Mexico City
87 Pakistan, Islamabad
88 Isle of Man, Douglas
89 Ireland, Dublin
90 Morocco, Rabat
91 Andorra, Andorra la Vella
92 Guernsey, St Peter Port
93 Pakistan, Karachi
94 Tuvalu, Funafuti
95 Netherlands, Amsterdam
96 Costa Rica, San Jose
97 Uruguay, Montevideo
98 Niger, Niamey
99 China, Wuhan
100 United Kingdom, Glasgow
101 Nepal, Kathmandu
102 China, Shenzhen
103 Falkland Islands, Stanley
104 USA, Detroit Mich
105 Vanuatu, Port Vila
106 Qatar, Doha
107 Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre
108 United Kingdom, Birmingham
109 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
110 Eritrea, Asmara
111 Comores, Moroni
112 Moldova, Chisinau
113 Poland, Warsaw
114 China, Dalian
115 United Kingdom, Leeds
116 Lithuania, Vilnius
117 Guyana, Georgetown
118 Bangladesh, Dhaka
119 USA, Fort Worth Tex
120 Mozambique, Maputo
121 China, Shanghai
122 Jersey, Saint Helier
123 Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre
124 Mauritania, Nouakchott
125 Russia, St. Petersburg
126 Bermuda, Hamilton
127 Maldives, Male
128 USA, Austin Tex
129 USA, St Louis MO
130 USA, Chicago Ill
131 Fiji, Suva
132 Saint Helena, Jamestown
133 France, Lyon
134 United Kingdom, Belfast
135 USA, Baltimore Md
136 Slovenia, Ljubljana
137 China, Guangzhou
138 France, Marseille
139 Palau, Melekeok
140 USA, Dallas Tex
141 USA, Seattle Wash
142 USA, Columbus Ohio
143 Sierra Leone, Freetown
144 Syria, Damascus
145 China, Tianjin
146 Japan, Osaka
147 Denmark, Copenhagen
148 Sweden, Stockholm
149 Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Johns
150 Cook Islands, Avarua
151 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
152 USA, El Paso Tex
153 Bulgaria, Sofia
154 USA, Houston Tex
155 Australia, Sydney
156 USA, Denver Colo
157 Samoa, Apia
158 Japan, Nagoya
159 USA, Charlotte NC
160 French Guiana, Cayenne
161 Honduras, Tegucigalpa
162 Armenia, Yerevan
163 Belgium, Brussels
164 USA, San Diego Calif
165 USA, Los Angeles Calif
166 Libya, Tripoli
167 Czech Republic, Prague
168 USA, San Antonio Tex
169 USA, Memphis Tenn
170 Australia, Canberra
171 USA, Milwaukee Wis
172 Greenland, Nuuk
173 Japan, Yokohama
174 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
175 Martinique, Fort-de-France
176 Lesotho, Maseru
177 Guam, Hagatna
178 USA, Atlanta GA
179 Puerto Rico, San Juan
180 Australia, Perth
181 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
182 USA, Portland Ore
183 Australia, Melbourne
184 Albania, Tirana
185 Laos, Vientiane
186 Chad, NDjamena
187 Kosovo, Pristina
188 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan
189 USA, Jacksonville Fla
190 USA, Washington DC
191 Argentina, Buenos Aires
192 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
193 Paraguay, Asuncion
194 Indonesia, Jakarta
195 Egypt, Cairo
196 USA, Pittsburgh Penn
197 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
198 USA, New York NY
199 New Zealand, Auckland
200 China, Hong Kong
201 USA, San Francisco Calif
202 USA, Cleveland Ohio
203 USA, Tampa Fla
204 Korea Republic of, Seoul
205 Australia, Brisbane
206 USA, Miami Fla
207 Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan
208 Bhutan, Thimphu
209 Rwanda, Kigali
210 USA, Anchorage AK
211 USA, Phoenix Ariz
212 Australia, Adelaide
213 Timor-Leste, Dili
214 Macedonia, Skopje
215 Jordan, Amman
216 Cayman Islands, George Town
217 Palestinian Territories, West Bank
218 Barbados, Bridgetown
219 Iraq, Baghdad
220 Lebanon, Beirut
221 South Africa, Johannesburg
222 Portugal, Lisbon
223 Hungary, Budapest
224 Suriname, Paramaribo
225 Montenegro, Podgorica
226 Madagascar, Antananarivo
227 El Salvador, San Salvador
228 Vietnam, Hanoi
229 Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
230 Zambia, Lusaka
231 Ecuador, Quito
232 Philippines, Manila
233 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
234 South Africa, Cape Town
235 Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
236 South Africa, Pretoria
237 Yemen, Sanaa
238 Sri Lanka, Colombo
239 Haiti, Port-au-Prince
240 Turkey, Istanbul
241 South Africa, Durban
242 USA, Las Vegas Nev
243 Malawi, Lilongwe
244 Nigeria, Lagos
245 Serbia, Belgrade
246 Mauritius, Port Louis
247 Israel, Jerusalem
248 Senegal, Dakar
249 Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar
250 Romania, Bucharest
251 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi
252 Taiwan, Taipei
253 Guatemala, Guatemala City
254 Kuwait, Kuwait City
255 Turkey, Ankara
256 Congo, Brazzaville
257 Namibia, Windhoek
258 Sudan, Khartoum
259 Benin, Cotonou
260 Bahrain, Manama
261 Malta, Velletta
262 Nicaragua, Managua
263 Finland, Helsinki
264 Myanmar, Yangon
265 Liberia, Monrovia
266 USA, Indianapolis Ind
267 Zimbabwe, Harare
268 Seychelles, Victoria
269 Afghanistan, Kabul
270 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain
271 Belize, Belmopan
272 Singapore, Singapore
273 Algeria, Algiers
274 Ukraine, Kiev
275 Cambodia, Phnom Penh
276 Angola, Luanda
277 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome
278 Cyprus, Nicosia
279 Panama, Panama City
280 Tonga, NukuAlofa
281 China, Macao
282 Venezuela, Caracas
283 Jamaica, Kingston
284 Uganda, Kampala
285 Belarus, Minsk
286 Tajikistan, Dushanbe
287 India, Mumbai
288 United Arab Emirates, Dubai
289 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
290 Guinea, Conakry
291 Ghana, Accra
292 India, Chennai
293 India, New Delhi
294 India, Calcutta
295 India, Hyderabad
296 India, Bangalore
297 Gambia, Banjul
298 USA, San Jose Calif
299 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
300 Iran, Tehran

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Cost of Living – Clothing – October 2011

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, cost of living, cost of living allowance, cost of living calculator, cost of living comparison on October 8, 2011

Cost of living rank of Clothing cost of living indexes as at October 2011 for 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). The 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.

 

Clothing costs include clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, children’s clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear.

 

Xpatulator.com is the most comprehensive source of international cost of living index information.

Premium Content Calculators:

 

 

 

Salary Purchasing Power Parity Calculator (SPPP): Download Demo SPPP Report

The SPPP report calculates how much you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship, and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new SPPP report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for a detailed comparison of 2 locations.

 

Cost of Living Allowance Calculator (COLA): Download Demo COLA Report

The COLA report calculates how much additional allowance (over and above your current salary) you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new COLA report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for calculation of a cost of living allowance for short-term assignments.

 

Cost of Living Index Calculator (COLI) : Download Demo COLI Report

The COLI report calculates cost of living indexes for the host locations you select, using the home location you specify. You can choose from any one of the 13 baskets or you can choose the overall cost of living index. Each new COLI report uses 1 credit ($99) allowing you to choose 1 home location and up to 300 available host locations.Recommended for the calculation of 3 or more cost of living indexes using your choice of base city.

 

1 credit costs $99. Register, buy credits online and you can run the premium content calculators and receive your reports online within minutes.

 

The October 2011 clothing international cost of living rank is as follows:

 

October 2011 Rank Country, City

 

1 Bahrain, Manama

2 Brazil, Sao Paulo

3 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

4 Switzerland, Geneva

5 Brazil, Brasilia

6 Lebanon, Beirut

7 Switzerland, Zurich

8 Russia, Moscow

9 USA, San Jose Calif

10 USA, Boston Mass

11 Madagascar, Antananarivo

12 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby

13 USA, San Francisco Calif

14 Liechtenstein, Vaduz

15 Mexico, Mexico City

16 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

17 Slovakia, Bratislava

18 Croatia, Zagreb

19 Philippines, Manila

20 Belarus, Minsk

21 USA, Philadelphia Pa

22 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo

23 Canada, Toronto

24 Japan, Tokyo

25 United Arab Emirates, Dubai

26 France, Paris

27 Monaco, Monaco

28 Austria, Vienna

29 Russia, St. Petersburg

30 Canada, Vancouver

31 Micronesia, Palikir

32 New Caledonia, Noumea

33 Ukraine, Kiev

34 Canada, Calgary

35 Slovenia, Ljubljana

36 Angola, Luanda

37 Samoa, Apia

38 Spain, Madrid

39 Belgium, Brussels

40 Canada, Montreal

41 USA, San Antonio Tex

42 Denmark, Copenhagen

43 China, Beijing

44 United Kingdom, London

45 Spain, Barcelona

46 Netherlands, Amsterdam

47 USA, Detroit Mich

48 Sweden, Stockholm

49 Luxembourg, Luxembourg

50 Guernsey, St Peter Port

51 Czech Republic, Prague

52 United Kingdom, Glasgow

53 Comores, Moroni

54 China, Shanghai

55 Chad, NDjamena

56 Peru, Lima

57 France, Lyon

58 Canada, Ottawa

59 Germany, Munich

60 Greece, Athens

61 Falkland Islands, Stanley

62 China, Hong Kong

63 United Kingdom, Birmingham

64 Guyana, Georgetown

65 Korea Republic of, Seoul

66 San Marino, San Marino

67 Andorra, Andorra la Vella

68 United Kingdom, Leeds

69 Germany, Frankfurt

70 Italy, Milan

71 Iran, Tehran

72 Cote DIvoire, Abidjan

73 Mauritius, Port Louis

74 Germany, Berlin

75 Italy, Rome

76 Germany, Cologne

77 Germany, Bonn

78 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan

79 USA, Houston Tex

80 Germany, Hamburg

81 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

82 Guinea-Bissau, Bissau

83 United Kingdom, Belfast

84 Jersey, Saint Helier

85 Colombia, Bogota

86 Gibraltar, Gibraltar

87 France, Marseille

88 USA, Columbus Ohio

89 Isle of Man, Douglas

90 USA, Anchorage AK

91 Romania, Bucharest

92 China, Shenzhen

93 Hungary, Budapest

94 China, Wuhan

95 Portugal, Lisbon

96 Nauru, Yaren

97 Vatican City, Vatican City

98 USA, Cleveland Ohio

99 Japan, Nagoya

100 French Guiana, Cayenne

101 China, Dalian

102 Saint Helena, Jamestown

103 USA, San Diego Calif

104 Kazakhstan, Almaty

105 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

106 Japan, Osaka

107 Azerbaijan, Baku

108 USA, Phoenix Ariz

109 USA, Washington DC

110 Egypt, Cairo

111 USA, Dallas Tex

112 Japan, Yokohama

113 USA, Charlotte NC

114 USA, Las Vegas Nev

115 USA, Memphis Tenn

116 Myanmar, Yangon

117 USA, New York NY

118 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek

119 Estonia, Tallinn

120 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

121 USA, Los Angeles Calif

122 French Polynesia, Papeete

123 Norway, Oslo

124 Belize, Belmopan

125 USA, Atlanta GA

126 China, Guangzhou

127 USA, Chicago Ill

128 Taiwan, Taipei

129 USA, Jacksonville Fla

130 Australia, Sydney

131 Greenland, Nuuk

132 USA, Denver Colo

133 China, Tianjin

134 Togo, Lome

135 Jordan, Amman

136 USA, Austin Tex

137 USA, Miami Fla

138 Gabon, Libreville

139 Bulgaria, Sofia

140 Malawi, Lilongwe

141 Somalia, Mogadishu

142 USA, El Paso Tex

143 USA, Seattle Wash

144 USA, Fort Worth Tex

145 Solomon Islands, Honiara

146 Marshall Islands, Majuro

147 USA, Baltimore Md

148 Palau, Melekeok

149 Israel, Jerusalem

150 Iceland, Reykjavik

151 Finland, Helsinki

152 Thailand, Bangkok

153 USA, Portland Ore

154 Australia, Canberra

155 Australia, Perth

156 Moldova, Chisinau

157 Australia, Melbourne

158 Gambia, Banjul

159 Namibia, Windhoek

160 Singapore, Singapore

161 USA, Indianapolis Ind

162 USA, Pittsburgh Penn

163 Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan

164 Barbados, Bridgetown

165 Albania, Tirana

166 Tunisia, Tunis

167 USA, Tampa Fla

168 Kosovo, Pristina

169 Nigeria, Lagos

170 Bermuda, Hamilton

171 Suriname, Paramaribo

172 Cameroon, Douala

173 USA, Milwaukee Wis

174 Palestinian Territories, West Bank

175 Venezuela, Caracas

176 Senegal, Dakar

177 Kiribati, South Tarawa

178 Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre

179 Indonesia, Jakarta

180 USA, St Louis MO

181 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa

182 Argentina, Buenos Aires

183 Australia, Brisbane

184 Haiti, Port-au-Prince

185 Cameroon, Yaounde

186 New Zealand, Auckland

187 Macedonia, Skopje

188 Turkey, Istanbul

189 Australia, Adelaide

190 Vanuatu, Port Vila

191 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou

192 Nepal, Kathmandu

193 Sudan, Khartoum

194 Chile, Santiago

195 China, Macao

196 Panama, Panama City

197 Timor-Leste, Dili

198 Djibouti, Djibouti

199 Grenada, Saint Georges

200 Turkey, Ankara

201 Kuwait, Kuwait City

202 Ecuador, Quito

203 Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar

204 Cape Verde, Praia

205 Guam, Hagatna

206 Montenegro, Podgorica

207 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain

208 Paraguay, Asuncion

209 Zambia, Lusaka

210 Ireland, Dublin

211 Algeria, Algiers

212 Laos, Vientiane

213 Rwanda, Kigali

214 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi

215 Malta, Velletta

216 Central African Republic, Bangui

217 Iraq, Baghdad

218 Qatar, Doha

219 Martinique, Fort-de-France

220 Libya, Tripoli

221 Bahamas, Nassau

222 Puerto Rico, San Juan

223 Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Johns

224 Cayman Islands, George Town

225 Morocco, Rabat

226 Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre

227 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam

228 Ghana, Accra

229 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown

230 Congo, Brazzaville

231 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo

232 Cyprus, Nicosia

233 Armenia, Yerevan

234 Honduras, Tegucigalpa

235 Syria, Damascus

236 Tonga, NukuAlofa

237 Dominica, Roseau

238 Costa Rica, San Jose

239 Cook Islands, Avarua

240 Botswana, Gaborone

241 Oman, Muscat

242 Uruguay, Montevideo

243 South Africa, Johannesburg

244 Latvia, Riga

245 Tuvalu, Funafuti

246 Lithuania, Vilnius

247 Serbia, Belgrade

248 Poland, Warsaw

249 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang

250 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat

251 Kenya, Nairobi

252 Bolivia, La Paz

253 Niger, Niamey

254 South Africa, Pretoria

255 Mauritania, Nouakchott

256 South Africa, Cape Town

257 Pakistan, Lahore

258 Sri Lanka, Colombo

259 South Africa, Durban

260 Guatemala, Guatemala City

261 Pakistan, Islamabad

262 Saint Lucia, Castries

263 Mali, Bamako

264 Nicaragua, Managua

265 Pakistan, Karachi

266 Mozambique, Maputo

267 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome

268 Zimbabwe, Harare

269 Vietnam, Hanoi

270 India, Mumbai

271 Swaziland, Mbabane

272 El Salvador, San Salvador

273 Cuba, Havana

274 Lesotho, Maseru

275 Jamaica, Kingston

276 Burundi, Bujumbura

277 Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

278 Tajikistan, Dushanbe

279 Uzbekistan, Tashkent

280 India, Calcutta

281 Cambodia, Phnom Penh

282 Sierra Leone, Freetown

283 India, New Delhi

284 India, Chennai

285 India, Bangalore

286 Benin, Cotonou

287 Guinea, Conakry

288 Bangladesh, Dhaka

289 India, Hyderabad

290 Afghanistan, Kabul

291 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

292 Fiji, Suva

293 Liberia, Monrovia

294 Saudi Arabia, Jeddah

295 Eritrea, Asmara

296 Seychelles, Victoria

297 Bhutan, Thimphu

298 Uganda, Kampala

299 Maldives, Male

300 Yemen, Sanaa

 

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Cost of Living October 2011

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living on October 5, 2011

Figures used in this report were taken from Xpatulator.com’s cost of living database as at 1 October 2011. The ranks are based on the overall cost of living index using all 13 basket groups with New York as the base city (Cost of living index = 100).

About Xpatulator.com’s Cost of Living Data
Xpatulator.com’s cost of living data is based on prices for the same quantity and quality of goods and services, representative of expatriate lifestyle, in each city. The data is collected and updated on a quarterly basis. The cost of living data is used by Xpatulator.com clients to calculate salary purchasing power parity, cost of living allowances, and customized (i.e. clients can select their own base city) cost of living indexes for expatriate assignments online, using Xpatulator.com’s 3 premium content calculators.

The 13 basket groups do not count equally and are weighted according to expatriate expenditure norms as follows (weighting percentage is in brackets):

1. Alcohol & Tobacco (2%): Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
2. Clothing (2.5%): Clothing and footwear products.
3. Communication (2%): Telephone, Internet, Mobile Contract and Calls.
4. Education (5%): Creche Fees, School Fees, College Fees, and Tertiary Study Fees.
5. Furniture & Appliances (5%): Furniture, household equipment and appliances.
6. Groceries (16.5%): Food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning materials.
7. Healthcare (5%): Doctor Consultation rates, Private Ward Rate, Prescription Medicine, and Private Medical Insurance Contributions.
8. Household (30%): Housing rental, utilities, local rates and residential taxes.
9. Miscellaneous (3%): Stationary, Linen and general goods and services.
10. Personal Care (3%): Personal Care products and services.
11. Recreation & Culture (6%): Books, Camera Film, Cinema Ticket, DVD and CD’s, Sports goods, Theatre Tickets.
12. Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels (2%): Dinner at Restaurant (non fast food), Hotel Rates, Take Away, Drinks & Snacks (fast Food).
13. Transport (18%): Public Transport, Vehicle Costs, Vehicle Fuel, Vehicle Insurance and Vehicle Maintenance.

About Xpatulator.com
Xpatulator.com is the most comprehensive source of international cost of living information. We provide free international cost of living overviews and rank information covering 13 cost of living baskets and 300 global locations as well as 3 premium content calculators.

Founded in 2007, Xpatulator.com’s mission is to organize the world’s cost of living indices, exchange rates and relative hardship indices and make it accessible and useful to all.

Premium Content Calculators:

Salary Purchasing Power Parity Calculator(SPPP):  Download Demo SPPP Report

The SPPP report calculates how much you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship, and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new SPPP report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for a detailed comparison of 2 locations.

Cost of Living Allowance Calculator (COLA):  Download Demo COLA Report

The COLA report calculates how much additional allowance (over and above your current salary) you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location. Each new COLA report uses 1 credit ($99). Recommended for calculation of a cost of living allowance for short-term assignments.

Cost of Living Index Calculator (COLI) :  Download Demo COLI Report

The COLI report calculates cost of living indexes for the host locations you select, using the home location you specify. You can choose from any one of the 13 baskets or you can choose the overall cost of living index.  Each new COLI report uses 1 credit ($99) allowing you to choose 1 home location and up to 300 available host locations. Recommended for the calculation of 3 or more cost of living indexes using your choice of base city.

1 credit costs $99. Register, buy credits online and you can run the premium content calculators and receive your reports online within minutes.

E-Mail:
For any queries: help@xpatulator.com

The full October 2011 list of all 300 international locations using all 13 basket groups is as follows:

October 2011 Rank Country, City

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

This article may be freely copied as long as reference is made to http://www.xpatulator.com/ 

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The Cost of Living in Doha, Qatar

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, cost of living allowance, cost of living calculator, cost of living comparison, International cost of living comparison on September 20, 2011

Qatar is a peninsula bordering the Arabian Gulf and Saudi Arabia.  Arabic is the national language and English is spoken by most locals and expatriates.
Doha is Qatar’s largest city, with over 80% of the nation’s population residing here or its surrounding suburbs, and is also the economic center of the country.
The overall cost of living rank in Doha is 84 out of 300 global locations, which equates it with high cost of living locations for expatriates to live.
In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Doha is ranked as a some hardship location with a hardship index of 20%.
According to the recent Consumer Price Index released by the Qatar Statistics Authority, the cost of everything but rent in Qatar has gone up.
Compared to the cost of things like clothes, food and transportation in May 2010, prices have gone up between 0.4 to 7.8 percent, QSA reports:
“The highest increase was in the Clothing and Footwear group, where prices went up by 7.8%, followed by Transport and Communications by 5.2%, , Miscellaneous Goods and Services, by 4.8%, Food & Beverages group, by 4.5%. Prices in the group of Rent declined by (3.8%).”
CPI has also been calculated excluding the group of rent. After eliminating the effect of rent, the overall index shows a 1 month increase of 0.4% in May 2011 compared to April 2011, and an increase of 4.1 % for the full year compared to the month of May 2010, as published in Doha News.
Added to this, all citizens employed by the Government will be receiving up to a 60% increase in their salaries, which will likely snowball the already increasing prices. As an expatriate this is not good news, if salaries do not increase on the expatriate front as well.  Increasing prices will decrease expatriate purchasing power and result in expats unable to send money home, save or sustain a decent standard of living.
To get a full evaluation of your cost of living status go to xpatulator.com
Xpatulator.com provides cost of living comparison calculators by city. Choose salary, cost of living allowance, or cost of living index report for international comparison of global locations across the world.
Cost of living and hardship (quality of life) data is updated quarterly. Current data is as at 1 July 2011 based on data collected during the second quarter of 2011. Exchange rates are updated daily. The latest free cost of living rankings as well as free cost of living reviews are available for all 300 global locations and all 13 cost of living baskets.
Cost of living index (percentage) and hardship (quality of life) index information for 13 different cost of living baskets in 300 international locations are delivered via 3 premium content self service comparison calculators (Report Wizards) that generate personalised reports online:
Denise is an Expat, Mom, Wife, writer and Marketing Manager at  http://www.xpatulator.com/ a website that provides cost of living index information and calculates what you need to earn in a different location to compensate for cost of living, hardship, and exchange rate differences. The complete cost of living rank for all 300 locations for all 13 baskets is available here.

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The Cost of the Expat Summer Holiday

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, becoming an expat, cost of living comparison, Expat attitudes, expat children, expat kids, expatriate, Expatriate Hardship, Expatriate Pay, Expatriate Relocation, Expatriate Salary on September 14, 2011

The air of excitement that we all felt while waiting at the airport to go home for the summer holidays was noticeable everywhere.  It was 11pm, 2 weeks into the summer holidays and yet the airport was still crowded with expats on their way home for the 2 – 3 month holiday period to destinations all over the world.

 

It is the strangest sensation, leaving your home behind.  Locking the doors and knowing that you will not be back in your own home for that period of time.

 

Before we became expats we would never have considered such a long holiday, that would have been insane.  Now after 3 years, it is normal.  We either ship the animals into a boarding home or get a house sitter, cover as much as we can to keep it clean while we are away, say goodbye to friends and neighbors, arrange to meet family and friends on the other side and off we go.

 

Those first two weeks are the best, catching up with family and old friends that have known you forever, that know your quirks, bad and good points.  Getting back into the groove of your home country, slang, driving and food, which takes approximately 1 minute.  Settling down to a good home cooked breakfast that you can only get and have cooked as you have always known it to be.

 

You book every doctor you can think of to ensure that all your routine medicals are completed before you go home.  These lead to more medicals and you spend another two weeks running from pillar to post ensuring everyone goes back to your host country healthy and happy.

 

You try and visit all the local historical sites, places of interest and fun parks to ensure that the kids are having fun and are being educated along the route.  You cram in as much time with Gran, Grandad, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and any other form of relative you can find so that the children can have the time in these 2 months with their family that they have missed out on over the last 10.  Old friends are gathered together for catch ups, school and uni friends of your own, school friends of your children, work mates, and friends that you have made over the years and in the rush you find the excitement exhilarating.  Shopping becomes fun as you hit all the old haunts and stock up on little delicacies you cannot find in your host country. In our case that would be pork and having a glass of wine at a side cafe.

 

That is usually our first port of call, to find a restaurant at the airport as we land and have a good old English Breakfast of Bacon, egg, bangers, tomato and toast.  Then as the weeks pass, there would be the obligatory spare ribs, bangers and mash, pork rashers and pork chops and last but not least a good pork roast.  Having said that these 2 months fill you up for the next 10.

 

Unfortunately during this time, your partner has to go back to work.  Most partners manage 3 or 4 weeks with the family, or do 2 weeks on and then go back and work and come back for another 2 weeks.  This is the period which I call the bachelor / ette time, where the host country sees a menagerie of single people floating around.  They seem lost and without focus and tend to gather around in groups, not quite knowing what they should be doing and where they should be going. Lost phone calls make their way to the home country, of days of missing family and spouses, of missing the constant noise in the house, of missing the mess and rushed breakfasts.  On the other hand, some partners love the time apart to chill, go out and have no responsibilities but for themselves. The spouse in the home country also misses the normality of home life, but is in essence still in the romantized dream of catch up.

 

It is not all roses though, unless you have a home in your own country, you are living with family and out of suitcases.  If you are traveling, you are living in hotel rooms. It is a long time to be away from home.

 

Then there is the time to come home.  To pack and say your goodbyes, knowing that you will not see everyone again for a long time.  It is an idolized lifestyle. You are the expat, the one with the exciting life, the one that has taken the initiative to embrace change.  This does not stop the tears though, each goodbye has its own lonely heartbreak, as you see your children hug their grandparents and cousins that they love so much.  As you cling on to your parents and siblings, knowing that you will only touch again in a very long time to come.  It is tough.  One of the tougher holidays to go home for, as it is longer and you settle back into your home country routine again, things are comfortable and familiar, you know the shops, the people, the roads, the customs.

 

You say your goodbyes and at the airport on the way home the kids start chatting about their rooms, their toys, their friends, their new school year and after school activities.  They talk about what they are going to do in the new school year and how much they are looking forward to the new challenges.  You think of your own challenges, your own room, your own new friends and you know that it is fun and that you are going to embrace the new school year with vigor and enthusiasm to match those of your children.

 

As an expat how was your holiday? Did you go home, travel the world? What did you do?

 

Denise is an Expat, Mom, Wife, writer and Marketing Manager at  http://www.xpatulator.com/ a website that provides cost of living index information and calculates what you need to earn in a different location to compensate for cost of living, hardship, and exchange rate differences. The complete cost of living rank for all 300 locations for all 13 baskets is available here.

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The Cost of Connecting

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, cost of living, cost of living allowance, cost of living calculator, cost of living comparison, internet connection on August 23, 2011

For 3 years I have been a nomadic expat, for 3 years I have battled to find an easy accessible and cheap way to connect while on the road.  Why?  Well I don’t always stay in hotels where internet access has now become part of the package, although not all hotels offer this service for free and for those who do I am eternally grateful.
Holiday flats also offer the option of connecting to a specific service provider but at quite a hefty fee for a holiday maker who needs to be connected at all times.
Try use an internet connect card from your service provider and you may as well mortgage your home for your trip as well.  Lucky are those who have their corporate accounts to keep connected anywhere in the world.  For the small business owner, or the employees who do not have this as a company benefit when travelling, good luck.
I often travel to destinations where I can vacation with friends or family or simply reside in holiday apartments which offer space and convenience.  However, it requires me devising improved ways of connecting with the outside world with the required connection speed. In my efforts to find better solutions, I have converted most of my family members to broadband and wifi in their homes. Back at home base and I am comfortably settled into my unlimited bandwidth and if I am disconnected for the odd reason or two, I can frequent a hotspot to complete my work without fee payments or bandwidth worries.
Some of the countries I have visited have proven impossibly difficult to obtain easy, accessible and convenient pc cards. One of these was South Africa, I was confronted with the requirements for the variety documents to obtain a simple sim card to connect to the internet ludicrous.  Once I had acquired a card it was immensely expensive, I was buying airtime nearly every 2 days at an obscene expense that eventually became unaffordable.
Fast forward to our first visit to Cyprus, we bought a sim card for our Vodafone laptop connection. It did not work, it would not work due to the fact that we bought the USB Vodafone modem in South Africa, and it proved not to be compatible with the Cyprus Vodafone sim card.  Please explain that?  We had to go through a local service provider to get ourselves set up, in the interim we used a connection in the hotel at great expense.
This year I have looked for hotspots to connect to on my travels, this is relatively inexpensive if you can find the right hotspot with the right service provider. In some countries you find free hotspot points in parks, in others I have found them in airports, coffee shops, restaurants, Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, and hospitals to name a few. You just have to know where to look and then seek and find.
So although there is no simple solution to travelling and having instant internet connection at a normal local rate and in the area you have decided to reside in for that moment, you can find hotspots and some service providers in some countries that are user friendly, cost effective and a lifesaver.
What are your thoughts on connecting when on the road?
I have listed some service providers below that provide payable hotspots :

Denise is an Expat, Mom, Wife and Marketing Manager at  http://www.xpatulator.com/ a website that provides cost of living index information and calculates what you need to earn in a different location to compensate for cost of living, hardship, and exchange rate differences. The complete cost of living rank for all 300 locations for all 13 baskets is available here.

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Cost of Living – Alcohol & Tobacco – July 2011

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, Alcohol, cost of living, cost of living allowance, cost of living calculator, cost of living comparison, cost of living index, cost of living ranking, cost of living rankings, Expatriate Prospects, Expatriate Relocation, Expatriate Salary, expats, Tobacco on July 6, 2011

Cost of living rank of Alcohol & Tobacco cost of living indexes as at July 2011 for 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). The 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.

Alcohol & Tobacco costs include alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes.

Xpatulator.com is the most comprehensive source of international cost of living index information.

The July 2011 alcohol & tobacco international cost of living rank here

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Which expat are you?

Posted by Xpatulator in 2011 international cost of living, expat, Expat attitudes, expat children, expat kids, Expat schooling, expatriate, expatriate engagement, Expatriate Hardship, Expatriate Package, Expatriate Pay, Expatriate Prospects, Expatriate Relocation, Expatriate Salary on June 26, 2011

The one great advantage when you exercise is not only getting fit and in shape, but also that it gives your mind time to think.  My thoughts during my last session was on the different types of Expats that you get.  I am not referring to nationalities or cultures but more to the country that you find yourself being an expat in which can determine the type of expat you will be.

I determined that there are 3 types of expat country experiences:

1. When as an expat you move to a country that is similar to your own, but you are still culturally different, e.g. an American moving to Britain.  Fundamentally, you speak the same language, you eat similar foods, you have similar cultural habits and have watched movies or listened to music that is, can I say it again, similar.
However, even with these similarities there are differences too, they are minute but they are there. Whether it is a word that is different but has the same meaning, e.g. Barbeque to the South African Braai, or the way you address someone from a courteous “Hello, how do you do?” to “Hiya doin?” There are differences and you can feel and do experience these within the country. Your accent is also a dead giveaway and sometimes as an expat you are shunned purely due to this basic difference.

2. The country in between two extremes, this would be the expat that moves from e.g. Australia (English being the common language) to the Middle East.  Your official business language is English and most people would be able to speak and understand English, but you cannot do the same for their official language.  There is a commonality that exists as well, this host country has been exposed to Western culture through trade and industry, politics and commerce.  Sometimes these expats are more readily accepted as a foreign guest in their country. You are respectful of your host countries culture and traditions and are willing to emerge yourself into becoming part of the culture.

3. Moving to a country that is the polar opposite to what you are used to, your nationality is completely and utterly different e.g. Argentinian moving to China.  The official language is one that most people will battle to learn, so when you are standing in a queue you haven’t got a clue what is being said around you.  Your culture, traditions and habits are as vast as the Sahara Desert. You really have to acquire new skills and make major adaptations to survive.  As much as this type of expat experience can be rather a challeneg, it can have surprising advantages.  If you cannot understand the local language, it incentivises you to learn and forces you to be more adventurous and social in trying to fit in and develop a commonality with the local population.  Expats also tend to support each other more as everyone can feel the vast divide between locals and expats.  It allows groups of expats to formalize clubs that bind common interests and creates a social infrastructure of support.

There is another type of expat that we should include under number 3, this would be a person moving from e.g. China to America.  Commonly when a Westerner moves to a host country as an expat there are systems set up to support these people, e.g. compounds in which to live, social groups to belong to, etc.  However, this is not necessarily the case for non-Western expats when moving from their countries to e.g. America or the UK. These expats are not living in compounds or introduced to groups that are similar to themselves. They are often left to their own devices and need to find their own survival mechanisms. This type of expat experience could actually be the most difficult of all.

Which expat are you and are there more?

Denise is an Expat, Mom, Wife and Marketing Manager at  http://www.xpatulator.com/ a website that provides cost of living index information and calculates what you need to earn in a different location to compensate for cost of living, hardship, and exchange rate differences. The complete cost of living rank for all 300 locations for all 13 baskets is available here.

 

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