Liechtenstein, Vaduz – Cost of Living

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Xpatulator

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

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Xpatulator

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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Luxembourg, Luxembourg – Cost of Living

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Xpatulator

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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Liberia, Monrovia – Cost of Living

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Xpatulator

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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Lithuania, Vilnius – Cost of Living

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Xpatulator

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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Lesotho, Maseru – Cost of Living

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Xpatulator

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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Lebanon, Beirut – Cost of Living

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Xpatulator

The economy of Lebanon is charaterised by remittances from Lebanese abroad which account for one fifth of the country’s economy. The thriving tourism and banking activities have made the services sector the most important part of the Lebanese economy employing nearly 65% of the workforce.

Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. After the destructive Lebanese civil war, Beirut underwent major reconstruction, and the redesigned historic city center, marina, pubs and nightlife districts have once again rendered it a tourist attraction. The city is the focal point of the region’s cultural life, renowned for its press, theaters, cultural activities, and nightlife.

Beirut 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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Asia-Pacific Cost of Living – 2010

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Xpatulator

Asia-Pacific has the top 2, most expensive cities in the world, as at 1 July 2010. Tokyo is first and Hong Kong the second most expensive location in the world (and most expensive in greater China), whilst Sydney is the third most expensive city in Asia-Pacific (ranked 13 in the world). The Australian economy has seen stable growth compared to many weakening economies, while the Australian Dollar has strengthened 11% against the United States Dollar, and by 24% against the Euro in the past year. 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, Beijing (ranked 100 in the world) is the twentieth most expensive city in Asia-Pacific, followed by Shanghai (ranked 107 in the world), and Wuhan (ranked 200 in the world). The cheapest city surveyed in China is Tianjin (ranked 256 in the world) with a cost of living index of 64.07 (New York = 100). The cheapest city in Asia-Pacific is Dushanbe in Tajikistan (ranked 279 in the world) with a cost of living index of 56.64 (New York = 100).

Most expensive cities in Asia-Pacific (Global rank in brackets)
1. Japan, Tokyo (1)
2. China, Hong Kong (2)
3. Australia, Sydney (13)
4. Australia, Canberra (17)
5. Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby (23)
6. Vanuatu, Port Vila (26)
7. New Caledonia, Noumea (31)
8. Korea Republic of, Seoul (32)
9. Australia, Melbourne (37)
10. Australia, Perth (38)

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Latvia, Riga – Cost of Living

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Xpatulator

The economy of Latvia was until the middle of 2008 the fastest growing economy in Europe. It has had high GDP growth since 2000. In 2003, GDP growth was 7.5% and inflation was 2.9%. Unemployment was 8.8% in 2003, almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. Privatization is mostly complete, except for some of the large state-owned utilities. In May 2004, Latvia joined the European Union.

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. Riga is a major industrial, commercial, cultural and financial centre of the Baltics, and an important seaport.

Riga 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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Laos, Vientiane – Cost of Living

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Xpatulator

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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