Post: #1

I'm not certain on the accuracy of this, but i find it interesting especially Venezuela's position.

Quote:This map shows the difference in living costs around the world using figures from the world's largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide. The Consumer Price Index, used to determine the difference in the living costs between countries takes into account the prices of groceries, transportation, restaurants and utilities.

http://www.movehub.com/blog/living-costs-world-map

Post: #2

(01-18-2015 01:16 AM)malakaix Wrote:  I'm not certain on the accuracy of this, but i find it interesting especially Venezuela's position.

Quote:This map shows the difference in living costs around the world using figures from the world's largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide. The Consumer Price Index, used to determine the difference in the living costs between countries takes into account the prices of groceries, transportation, restaurants and utilities.

Based on my experiences so far it's actually more or less accurate. There are some differences I would argue with, but generally it is fine.

The map however is only good for someone who has an location independent income, because for the people for example working in Switzerland - that cost of living is nothing to their extremely high wages, while in other countries the low cost of living is still higher than the pitiful pay level that the locals receive.

Post: #3

Can anyone explain to me why I should give a fuck-all about deflation when after 20 years of deflation Japan still has the highest cost of living in the Pacific Rim?

Post: #4

(01-18-2015 08:18 PM)not_dead_yet Wrote:  Can anyone explain to me why I should give a fuck-all about deflation when after 20 years of deflation Japan still has the highest cost of living in the Pacific Rim?

Deflation is an economic malaise much more dangerous than moderate inflation especially in a monetary system as we have right now where the currency is created as doubt but without the interest. Essentially you get an impoverished society out of it - except for the few who can accumulate even greater wealth during inflationary cycles like the 1930s in the US.

Also in our inter-connected system it does not mean that Japan is exempt from inflation, just a lowering of living standards.

Post: #5

(01-18-2015 08:18 PM)not_dead_yet Wrote:  Can anyone explain to me why I should give a fuck-all about deflation when after 20 years of deflation Japan still has the highest cost of living in the Pacific Rim?

Import dependent economy.

Post: #6

(01-18-2015 08:39 PM)Zelcorpion Wrote:  

(01-18-2015 08:18 PM)not_dead_yet Wrote:  Can anyone explain to me why I should give a fuck-all about deflation when after 20 years of deflation Japan still has the highest cost of living in the Pacific Rim?

Deflation is an economic malaise much more dangerous than moderate inflation especially in a monetary system as we have right now where the currency is created as doubt but without the interest. Essentially you get an impoverished society out of it - except for the few who can accumulate even greater wealth during inflationary cycles like the 1930s in the US.

Also in our inter-connected system it does not mean that Japan is exempt from inflation, just a lowering of living standards.

Meant a deflationary cycle of course in the 1930s US.

Post: #7

Wonder how the strong US dollar impacted this. The cheapest countries are all in South Asia. The Indian rupee has absolutely tanked in the last couple years. It use to be 1 USD to 40 INR, now it is over 60 INR.

It's like that in a lot of other countries too I know but I always view these international studies with suspicion cause its hard to price cost of living. South Asia definitely is one of the cheapest places but a place like Brazil is now pretty affordable for a foreigner cause the dollar is so strong. Three years ago or so it was not.

Post: #8

(01-18-2015 08:18 PM)not_dead_yet Wrote:  Can anyone explain to me why I should give a fuck-all about deflation when after 20 years of deflation Japan still has the highest cost of living in the Pacific Rim?

Deflation is much more rapid, insidious and often devastating than inflation could ever be. During an inflation money supply increases, bubbles are created and purchasing power is slowly drained from the avarage middle-class towards the "top".

During deflation prices for commodities and consumer items tend to drop, but it's of no use if you have no job! During deflation it is not the value of the money that diminishes, it is money itself which evaporates!
Deflation is the thing that causes revolutions and makes the heads of "leaders" roll!

We are right at the onset of a catastrophic, historical deflation in Europe (now in 2015!!) which will destroy the eu. core countries and propel living standards into what can only be described as "frozen version of sub-Saharan 3rd world" poverty.

Are your bags packet yet?

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