Well yes, that's a pretty hefty monthly rental. I just got back from Singapore which is even more absurdly priced. So you can definitely save a lot on housing i

Well yes, that's a pretty hefty monthly rental. I just got back from Singapore which is even more absurdly priced. So you can definitely save a lot on housing in comparison to some places. On the other hand, if you want to buy then you find land prices are pretty high throughout the country, even in areas I wouldn't live if they paid me. I compare that to friends who bought ranch lands in the southwest U.S. - much cheaper and nicer. But a basic car is hardly a luxury item yet costs 2X to 3X the same car in the U.S. does due to high import tariffs. I eat at the local places for $2 (used to be $1) but when you want a pizza you pay $10 for a small one that is no bigger than one of those giant slices of Costco pizza in the U.S. Try a steak of local beef and break a tooth it's so tough, so if you want a decent steak you pay $30 at a restaurant for import. I suppose that is a bit of a luxury. The list goes on. Some things are cheaper, others more expensive. It's just not uniformly cheaper as many people think.