Cost of living - Expat Magazine
Since the 1970s, the private sector of Gulf countries has been relying on expat labor. However, as Arab Times and the Jerusalem Post report, expats are now leaving massively because of the pandemic's impact on both the oil and non-oil sectors, the lack of subsidies for non-citizens, and job nationalization. The most affected are middle-class expats, who rarely receive a support package from their employers.
Health crisis, economic crisis, various political crises, the war in Ukraine, geopolitical tension elsewhere around the world, and inflation. All countries are witnessing rising prices. How are expats coping with this situation? How is the rising cost of living affecting their everyday lives? Could this rise make them rethink their moving abroad plans or their expat life?
Mercer published its annual expats' cost of living report last week. The 2022 edition was particularly anticipated since the Covid pandemic plunged the global economy into uncertainty. Added to that are rising inflation, the oil crisis, the war in Ukraine and political instability. So, where should expats move, and how should they consider their next destination?
In our globalized and interconnected world, the economy, which is just recovering from the pandemic impact, most countries are facing the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The cost of living for expats and nationals has been increasing in many countries as the UK and US, with the escalation of inflation, while wages and benefits fail to keep up.
A survey by Expat.com reveals that 51% of American expats have been affected by the rise in prices over the past year. This crisis would have even led 10.5 % of the American respondents to leave their host country.
Asia is a popular expat destination, and the increase in remote work may allow more expats to relocate to the region. While some parts of Asia are widely known for their cheap cost of living, the Mercer 2021 Cost of Living City Ranking indicates that certain cities are becoming expensive to live in. The majority of the top 10 most expensive cities in 2021 are in Asia.
Israel
In the latest cost-of-living report by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tel Aviv is now the world's 5th most expensive city. While the Israeli capital ranks behind Zurich, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore, it is ahead of other large cities such as Osaka, Geneva, New York, Copenhagen and Los Angeles. What does this mean for expats?
If you're looking to move abroad, but you don't have the budget, don't panic. Some countries do offer the possibility of enjoying an excellent quality of life along with a low cost of living. So here are some tips for living overseas for cheap from Jerry Nelson, a US expat blogger living in Argentina.
For many expats, moving abroad means having a better quality of life, with different cultural and social exposure, but also higher living standards with higher wages. But does earning more mean that you have to spend more? Whether you're an international student, a professional or a retiree, budgeting will be crucial for maintaining a proper lifestyle. We tell you about the common mistakes expats make with their money.
While the health crisis and the subsequent economic crisis have caused prices across the world to rise, different countries have found different ways to deal with this phenomenon. In Abu Dhabi, for example, authorities are investing massively in the agro-industry to boost local food production. Sweden and the Netherlands have also been the least affected by the rise in prices while in Saudi Arabia, the VAT has been increased to 15%.
Hong Kong
It has been six months since the unrest started in Hong Kong. Caused by disagreements over an extradition bill, confrontation between protesters and the police have been never-ending since February in the region. Does that mean expats could be considering leaving Hong Kong? It does not look like it just yet…
Western Europe is not exactly known as the cheapest destination for expats. However, European cities have lost a few places on the Mercer's ranking of most expensive cities. Expat.com takes a closer look at the ranking.
Mercer's annual report on the cost of living in cities around the world came out on the 26th of June. Eight Asian cities are featured in the Top 10.
Vietnam
In a recent survey conducted by Expat.com and global research agency, Kantar, Vietnam came fourth in the list of popular destinations for expat professionals. Abundant career opportunities, low cost of living and a comfortable lifestyle are what seem to attract travelers to the region. Some come on a holiday, some visit for longer and some stay for years. So, is Vietnam the new up-and-coming expat hub in Asia? That's what we are looking into in this article.
Following ranking of cities with the highest cost of living published by The Economist Intelligence Unit in mid-march, Expat.com analyses what has changed in the past 12 months.
For those looking to work and live in Europe, finding affordable accommodation can be a real challenge. In fact, most of the popular expat destinations in Europe are known for their high rent prices. However, to help you choose wisely – especially if you have a tight budget – here are some of the most expensive European cities to live in according to the latest study by ECA International.
According to 34 000 city dwellers interviewed by TimeOut, New-York is the best city in the world! Melbourne and Chicago come next! Ranking is based on residents' feedback on food, drink, culture, affordability, overall life satisfaction and a few other factors.
Every year, Knight Frank- a leading global estate agency, residential and commercial property consultancy firm releases its Global Affordability Monitor 2019 at the beginning of February. The Affordable Housing team earmarks 32 “global cities” and analyses the house price to income ratio, the proportion of an income which makes up the rent and also compares the real house price growth to the real income growth. Here are the most affordable “Global cities” shortlisted by Knight Frank.
Articles to help you in your expat project
Leisure in Italy
Living in Italy also means benefiting from a multitude of leisure activities. Between museums, art cities ...
Leisure activities in Greece
Greece has a rich culture and gastronomy scene, along with drinking, as well as plenty of things to see and learn ...
Leisure activities in Taiwan
Taiwan has a lot to offer to travelers as well as expats when it comes to leisure. There are activities throughout ...
Leisure activities in Mauritius
Mauritius is a lot of things, but it is not dull! You'll always find something interesting to do, whether by the ...
Things to do in Bahrain
Bahrain, a vibrant island in the Arabian Gulf, stands as a historic hub of trade and culture. This strategic ...
Things to do in Türkiye
You are in for a treat if you are in Türkiye as an expat. There are lots of different leisure opportunities ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"