Expatriate International Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Republic of Azerbaijan.

Location: Azerbaijan is in South Western Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range.

Country Climate: Dry, semiarid.

Country Terrain: Large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea.

Major Languages: Azeri, Russian.

Major Religions: Islam.

Country Population: 8.7 million (2008 est.) 8.7 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Azerbaijan has largely completed its post-Soviet transition into a major oil based economy (with the completion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline), from one where the state played the major role.

Currency: Azerbaijan New Manat (AZN).

Country Inflation: 20.8% (2008 est.) 2.2% (2009 est.).

City: Baku is the capital, the largest city, and the largest port of Azerbaijan and all the Caucasus.

City Economy: The basis of Baku’s economy is petroleum. The existence of petroleum has been known since the 8th century. The World War II Battle of Stalingrad was fought to determine who would have control of the Baku oil fields. Fifty years before the battle, Baku produced half of the world’s oil supply. Currently the oil economy of Baku is undergoing a resurgence.

Cost of Living: Baku 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. Baku is currently ranked 99 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Azerbaijan, Baku Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Republic of Austria.

Location: Austria is in Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia.

Country Climate: Temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers.

Country Terrain: In the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping.

Major Languages: German.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 8.3 million (2008 est.) 8.3 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Austria is one of the 12 richest countries in the world in terms of GDP, has a well-developed social market economy, and a high standard of living. Until the 1980s, many of Austria’s largest industry firms were nationalised; in recent years, however, privatisation has reduced state holdings to a level comparable to other European economies. Labour movements are particularly strong in Austria and have large influence on labour politics. Next to a highly-developed industry, international tourism is the most important part of the national economy.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Country Inflation: 3.2% (2008 est.) 0.5% (2009 est.).

City: Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and also one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria’s primary city, and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre.

City Economy: Vienna, is home to key international organisations, including the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Opec, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Cost of Living: Vienna 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. Vienna is currently ranked 31 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Austria, Vienna Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation’s exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Sydney is the largest city in Australia, and the state capital of New South Wales.

City Economy: The largest economic sectors in Sydney, as measured by the number of people employed, include property and business services, retail, manufacturing, and health and community services. Since the 1980s, jobs have moved from manufacturing to the services and information sectors. Sydney provides approximately 25 percent of the country’s total GDP.

Cost of Living:

Sydney 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. Sydney is currently ranked 10 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Australia, Sydney Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation’s exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia. Perth ranks fourth amongst the nation’s cities, with a growth rate consistently above the national average.

City Economy: Perth dominates the Western Australian economy by virtue of its population and role as the administrative centre for business and government, despite the major mining, petroleum and agricultural export industries located elsewhere in the state. Perth?s function as the State?s capital city, its economic base and population size have also created development opportunities for many other businesses oriented to local or more diversified markets.

Cost of Living:

Perth 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. Perth is currently ranked 46 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Australia, Perth Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation’s exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and is the second most populous city in Australia.

City Economy: Melbourne is home to Australia’s busiest seaport and much of Australia’s automotive industry, which include Ford and Toyota manufacturing facilities, and the engine manufacturing facility of Holden. It is home to many other manufacturing industries, along with being a major business and financial centre.

Cost of Living:

Melbourne 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. Melbourne is currently ranked 37 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Australia, Melbourne, Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation’s exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Canberra is the capital city of Australia and is Australia’s largest inland city and the eighth largest Australian city overall.

City Economy: Canberra’s main industry is government administration and defence employing over 40% of Canberra’s workforce. The unemployment rate in Canberra is well below the national unemployment rate, with labour shortages reported in some sectors. As a result of low unemployment and substantial levels of public sector and commercial employment, Canberra has the highest average disposable income of any Australian capital city.

Cost of Living:

Canberra 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. Canberra is currently ranked 38 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Australia, Canberra Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation’s exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Brisbane is the state capital of the Australian state of Queensland and is the largest city in that state. Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia.

City Economy: Brisbane’s economy is diverse. White-collar industries include information technology, financial services, higher education and public sector administration generally concentrated in and around the central business district and recently established office areas in the inner suburbs. Blue-collar industries, including petroleum refining, stevedoring, paper milling, metalworking and QR railway workshops, tend to be located on the lower reaches of the Brisbane River and in new industrial zones on the urban fringe. Tourism is an important part of the Brisbane economy, both in its own right and as a gateway to other areas of Queensland.

Cost of Living:

Brisbane 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. Brisbane is currently ranked 86 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on Australia, Brisbane Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation’s exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Adelaide is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia, and is the fifth-largest city in Australia.

City Economy: Adelaide’s economy is primarily based around manufacturing, defence technology and research, commodity export and corresponding service industries. It has large manufacturing, defence and research zones. They contain car manufacturing plants for General Motors Holden, and plants that produce electronic systems that are sold worldwide for applications in medical, communications, defence, automotive, food and wine processing and industrial sectors. The revenue of Adelaide’s electronics industry has grown at over 15% per year since 1990. The electronics industry in Adelaide employs over 13,000 people, which is more than the automotive industry. Almost half of all cars produced in Australia are made in Adelaide.

Cost of Living:

Adelaide 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. Adelaide is currently ranked 128 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more info on Australia, Adelaide Cost of Living

Country Full Name: Commonwealth of Australia.

Location: Australia is in Oceania, a continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Country Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Country Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.

Major Languages: English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 21.6 million (2008 est.) 21.9 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Australia is a prosperous, free market economy dominated by its services sector, representing 68% of Australian GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors (10% of GDP combined) account for 57% of the nation’s exports.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Country Inflation: 4.4% (2008 est.) 1.6% (2009 est.).

City: Adelaide is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia, and is the fifth-largest city in Australia.

City Economy: Adelaide’s economy is primarily based around manufacturing, defence technology and research, commodity export and corresponding service industries. It has large manufacturing, defence and research zones. They contain car manufacturing plants for General Motors Holden, and plants that produce electronic systems that are sold worldwide for applications in medical, communications, defence, automotive, food and wine processing and industrial sectors. The revenue of Adelaide’s electronics industry has grown at over 15% per year since 1990. The electronics industry in Adelaide employs over 13,000 people, which is more than the automotive industry. Almost half of all cars produced in Australia are made in Adelaide.

Cost of Living:

Adelaide 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. Adelaide is currently ranked 128 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more info on Australia, Adelaide Cost of Living

Country Full Name: The Republic of Armenia.

Location: Armenia is in South Western Asia, east of Turkey.

Country Climate: Highland continental, hot summers, cold winters.

Country Terrain: Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley.

Major Languages: Armenian, Russian.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 3.2 million (2008 est.) 3.3 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The Armenian economy heavily relies on investment and support from Armenians abroad. Before independence, Armenia’s economy was largely industry-based ? chemicals, electronics, machinery, processed food, synthetic rubber, and textile ? and highly dependent on outside resources. The republic had developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics in exchange for raw materials and energy. Agriculture accounted for less than 20% of both net material product and total employment before the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. After independence, the importance of agriculture in the economy increased markedly, its share at the end of the 1990s rising to more than 30% of GDP and more than 40% of total employment.

Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD).

Country Inflation: 9.0% (2008 est.) 3.0% (2009 est.).

City: Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world’s oldest continuously-inhabited cities. It is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country.

City Economy: Yerevan’s share of national industrial production is approximately 50%. Yerevan’s manufactures include chemicals, primary metals, machinery, rubber products, plastics, textiles, and processed food. Even though the economic crisis of the 90s ravaged the industry of the country, several factories remain always in service, notably in the petrochemical and the aluminium sectors.

Cost of Living:

Yerevan 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. Yerevan is currently ranked 237 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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