Because after paying local expenses, you're left with more money to buy things that aren't priced according to the local market. Same reason it's worthwhile li

Because after paying local expenses, you're left with more money to buy things that aren't priced according to the local market. Same reason it's worthwhile living in a rich country versus a poor one. I pay far more in rent and for food than someone in, say, Ethiopia, but what remains allows me to purchase more things anyway.