Johannesburg cheapest for expatriates

[mahnmut]

AllAfrica: Johannesburg is the cheapest city in the world for expatriates, a global survey showed yesterday.

SA's biggest city fell three places to 143 this year, in a dollar-based cost of living index compiled in March by Mercer, which provides consulting, outsourcing and investment services.

Johannesburg replaced Asuncion, Paraguay, as the least expensive city in which to live, the survey showed.

Tokyo knocked Moscow off the top spot to become the world's most expensive city for expatriates. Currency fluctuations and gains in the dollar prompted a major reshuffle in the rankings, Mercer said.

"Tokyo scores 143,7 points and is nearly three times as costly as Johannesburg with an index score of 49,6."

Osaka rose nine places to be the second most expensive city. London and Oslo, both in the top 10 last year, dived 13 and 10 places respectively.

The survey covers 143 cities on six continents and measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each place, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.

It is used to help multinational companies and governments to determine compensation allowance for their expatriate employees -- presuming they are paid in dollars.

In the year to date, the rand has appreciated 19% against the dollar and the euro .

Comments

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

You should move to SA, don't you see how cheap it is?

[alphistia.livejournal.com]

I think that I'd prefer Asuncion, if only because the reputation Jo'burg has for crime...I'm a scaredy cat.

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Um, then don't read my post from last week! :-S

[alphistia.livejournal.com]

I did read it and thought you are too kind for your own good ;-) and lucky you didn't get hurt.