International cost of living rankings are the result of comparing the cost of an expatriate’s personal budget, using the local prices for the same defined quantities of the same goods and services in each country throughout the world.

Our findings show that the compound impact of the multifaceted global economic trends that impact each country in one way or another, are contributing to rapid substantial changes in the relative cost of living of countries around the world. The changes in relative cost of living are large and have occurred in a relatively short period of time. The reason for this is due to the fact that so many economic crises are occurring simultaneously. 2008 saw the housing bubble burst followed by the failure of a number of global fund / asset management, insurance and banking giants. Some have been liquidated or taken over; others have been bailed out with government funds. In 2009 we have seen the continued fall in house prices which many believe have yet to bottom out. Stock prices and market indexes are down to levels last seen a decade or more ago. The trend towards decreased inflation and lower interest rates continues in developed and developing markets. We are also experiencing exchange rate volatility with a number of large economies seeing their currency weaken considerably in the past year. The economic impact is continuing to spread around the globe. We are currently seeing a truly global recession with reduced demand for manufacturing inputs and outputs as well as reduced energy demand and large scale job losses.

This study of 276 global locations covered every country in the world. The study comprised the cost of several hundred items that expatriates typically spend their pay on, grouped into 13 Basket Groups. The findings as at 1 April 2009 have been compared to the previous findings of 1 December 2008. The Index uses New York as the base (New York = 100). An index greater than 100, means that the cost of living is higher than New York, an index less than 100, means that the cost of living is lower than New York.

Geneva has a cost of living index of 110 for example. That means that on average, goods and services that cost 0 in New York, cost 0 in Geneva. Each city is ranked according to their overall cost of living index which includes the cost of all basket groups.

A cost of living index increases or decreases based on the local price of the goods and services used in the study and the ruling exchange rate. As a general principle, a country with a currency that has increased against other currencies (stronger currency) and which has relatively high local inflation (rapid/large price increases), will generally experience an increase in cost of living compared to other countries. On the other hand, a country with a currency that has decreased against other currencies (weaker currency) and which has relatively low local inflation will generally experience a decrease in cost of living compared to other countries. It is important to note that we are talking about relative changes. Take London as another example. As recently as December 2008, London was still ranked the 6th most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live. As at April 2009 it is the 23rd most expensive place in the world for expatriates. That does not mean that the local cost of living for expatriates living in London has decreased. What it does mean is that relative to other places in the world, London is no longer as expensive as it was last year. What makes London’s cost of living relatively lower than it was is mainly due to the increase in the cost of living elsewhere together with the weaker British Pound.

These relative changes have a substantial impact on expatriate employees. An expatriate working in a high cost of living – strong currency country such as Hong Kong where the Hong Kong Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar illustrates this point. The high cost of living makes it difficult to save due to high local prices; Household (Accommodation including utilities) in particular is very expensive. However, an expatriate working in Hong Kong will now likely find that remitting money back home provides greatly increased spending power at home. In the past year the Hong Kong Dollar has increased 15% against the Malaysian Ringgit, and 30% against the Indonesian Rupiah and the Australian Dollar.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Places for Expatriates to Live

Tokyo has retained its status as the most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live. The cost of living index for Tokyo has increased from 126 in December 2008 to 143 as at 1 April 2009, and the Yen has strengthened against the US Dollar. At the other end of the scale, Harare has retained its status as the least expensive city in the world and is ranked 276 with an index of just 17 and a currency which is still in free-fall. Tokyo is ranked 1st for Healthcare expenses, 2nd for Groceries and 2nd for Household (Accommodation including utilities).

Hong Kong is now ranked 2nd overall having climbed from 33rd place in December 2008. Its cost of living index has increased from 103 to 121 and is ranked 1st for Household expenses and 2nd for Healthcare. It is interesting however to note that Hong Kong is not expensive in all categories. It is ranked 202nd for Alcohol & Tobacco, 226th for Recreation & Culture, 227th for Education, and 247th for Furniture & Appliances.

Lagos is the 3rd most expensive city in the world for expatriates, having previously been ranked 11th. It is ranked 1st for Groceries and for Furniture & Appliance expenses, 6th for Healthcare, and 18th for Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotels.

Caracas has moved substantially up the rankings to 4th, having been ranked just 32nd in December 2008. It is ranked 1st for Education expenses, 5th for Healthcare, and 6th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities).

Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea is the 5th ranked overall most expensive city for expatriates due to most goods and services being imported from Australia. Port Moresby is ranked 6th for Recreation & Culture, 7th for Communication and for Healthcare, and 8th most expensive for Clothing.

Geneva has dropped slightly to 6th, having been ranked 4th in December 2008. It is ranked 3rd most expensive for Transport expenses, 11th for Recreation & Culture, 15th for Healthcare, and 20th for Clothing.

Dubai has moved into the top 10 most expensive places in the world for expatriates to live for the first time. Dubai is now ranked 7th, substantially up from 34th in December 2008. Its cost of living index has increased from 103 to 109 since December 2008. It is ranked 1st for Restaurants Meals Out and Hotel expenses, 6th for Clothing, 11th for Healthcare, and 16th for Groceries. Dubai is currently ranked 4th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), however evidence is emerging that this will decrease significantly in the next quarter as it has been hit relatively hard in the property sector with falling property prices and rentals.

Doha has moved up in the global rankings faster than any other city. In December 2008, Doha was ranked the 45th most expensive city for expatriates, it is now 8th. The overall cost of living index has moved up from 101 to 109, equal to that of Dubai. It is ranked 2nd for Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel expenses, 3rd for Clothing, 7th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), 8th for Groceries as well as for Recreation and Culture, and 10th for Healthcare.

Denmark has dropped slightly to being the 9th most expensive place in the world for expatriates, having been ranked 3rd in December 2008. It is ranked 3rd most expensive for Groceries, 5th for Transport, and 15th for Furniture and Appliances.

Hamilton in Bermuda completes the top 10 moving from 26th in December despite the overall cost of index remaining 108. Hamilton is ranked 4th most expensive for both Education and Healthcare, 10th for Personal Care, 11th for Household expenses (Accommodation including utilities), and 15th for Groceries.

The full overall cost of living ranking list from Xpatulator as at 1 April 2009 is as follows:

RankLocation

1 Japan, Tokyo
2 China, Hong Kong
3 Nigeria, Lagos
4 Venezuela, Caracas
5 Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
6 Switzerland, Geneva
7 United Arab Emirates, Dubai
8 Qatar, Doha
9 Denmark, Copenhagen
10 Bermuda, Hamilton
11 Angola, Luanda
12 Switzerland, Zurich
13 Russia, Moscow
14 Solomon Islands, Honiara
15 Cameroon, Douala
16 Chad, N’Djamena
17 Taiwan, Taipei
18 Liechtenstein, Vaduz
19 USA, New York NY
20 New Caledonia, Noumea
21 Greenland, Nuuk
22 Ireland, Dublin
23 United Kingdom, London
24 France, Paris
25 Norway, Oslo
26 Italy, Milan
27 San Marino, San Marino
28 USA, San Francisco Calif
29 Monaco, Monaco
30 Austria, Vienna
31 Bahamas, Nassau
32 Central African Republic, Bangui
33 Nauru, Yaren
34 USA, Boston Mass
35 Finland, Helsinki
36 Italy, Rome
37 Kazakhstan, Almaty
38 Cote D’Ivoire, Abidjan
39 Bahrain, Manama
40 Micronesia, Palikir
41 Isle of Man, Douglas
42 Haiti, Port-au-Prince
43 USA, San Jose Calif
44 Cameroon, Yaounde
45 Djibouti, Djibouti
46 Palau, Melekeok
47 Guinea-Bissau, Bissau
48 Azerbaijan, Baku
49 Benin, Cotonou
50 Slovakia, Bratislava
51 Belgium, Brussels
52 Netherlands, Amsterdam
53 Sao Tome and Principe, Sao Tome
54 Jersey, Saint Helier
55 Mali, Bamako
56 Gabon, Libreville
57 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
58 Croatia, Zagreb
59 Singapore, Singapore
60 Ghana, Accra
61 Spain, Madrid
62 Ukraine, Kiev
63 USA, Philadelphia Pa
64 Cayman Islands, George Town
65 Sierra Leone, Freetown
66 Germany, Berlin
67 Czech Republic, Prague
68 USA, San Diego Calif
69 Jordan, Amman
70 Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain
71 USA, Los Angeles Calif
72 USA, Washington DC
73 Estonia, Tallinn
74 USA, Baltimore Md
75 Falkland Islands, Stanley
76 Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
77 Guernsey, St Peter Port
78 Comores, Moroni
79 Sudan, Khartoum
80 Germany, Bonn
81 Vatican City, Vatican City
82 Canada, Toronto
83 Timor-Leste, Dili
84 Hungary, Budapest
85 USA, Seattle Wash
86 Brazil, Brasilia
87 Lebanon, Beirut
88 USA, Miami Fla
89 Vanuatu, Port Vila
90 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
91 Jamaica, Kingston
92 Australia, Sydney
93 Kuwait, Kuwait City
94 Moldova, Chisinau
95 Congo Democratic Rep, Kinshasa
96 Germany, Frankfurt
97 Tuvalu, Funafuti
98 Iceland, Reykjavík
99 Barbados, Bridgetown
100 Portugal, Lisbon
101 Mozambique, Maputo
102 Senegal, Dakar
103 Canada, Vancouver
104 Niger, Niamey
105 China, Beijing
106 Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
107 Turkey, Ankara
108 Togo, Lome
109 Equatorial Guinea, Malabo
110 Martinique, Fort-de-France
111 Armenia, Yerevan
112 USA, Chicago Ill
113 Liberia, Monrovia
114 Gibraltar, Gibraltar
115 Sweden, Stockholm
116 Somalia, Mogadishu
117 Portland Ore
118 Israel, Jerusalem
119 Malta, Velletta
120 Puerto Rico, San Juan
121 Canada, Calgary
122 Rwanda, Kigali
123 Guam, Hagatna
124 Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
125 Zambia, Lusaka
126 Andorra, Andorra la Vella
127 Cyprus, Nicosia
128 USA, Las Vegas Nev
129 Samoa, Apia
130 Saint Helena, Jamestown
131 Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
132 Greece, Athens
133 Poland, Warsaw
134 Maldives, Male
135 Malawi, Lilongwe
136 Thailand, Bangkok
137 Indonesia, Jakarta
138 USA, Jacksonville Fla
139 Antigua and Barbuda, Saint John’s
140 Gambia, Banjul
141 United Kingdom, Glasgow
142 Lithuania, Vilnius
143 Belarus, Minsk
144 USA, Dallas Tex
145 Australia, Canberra
146 India, Mumbai
147 Australia, Melbourne
148 USA, Denver Colo
149 Algeria, Algiers
150 Georgia Republic of, Tbilisi
151 Honduras, Tegucigalpa
152 USA, Atlanta GA
153 USA, Cleveland Ohio
154 Canada, Montreal
155 USA, Milwaukee Wis
156 Congo, Brazzaville
157 Guinea, Conakry
158 Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre
159 USA, Detroit Mich
160 Panama, Panama City
161 Latvia, Riga
162 Uganda, Kampala
163 Korea Republic of, Seoul
164 USA, Charlotte NC
165 Marshall Islands, Majuro
166 Australia, Perth
167 USA, Phoenix Ariz
168 USA, Columbus Ohio
169 USA, Austin Tex
170 Madagascar, Antananarivo
171 USA, Tampa Fla
172 United Kingdom, Birmingham
173 Afghanistan, Kabul
174 Grenada, Saint George’s
175 Vietnam, Hanoi
176 USA, Indianapolis Ind
177 USA, St Louis MO
178 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown
179 Peru, Lima
180 Syria, Damascus
181 USA, Fort Worth Tex
182 Slovenia, Ljubljana
183 Mauritania, Nouakchott
184 USA, El Paso Tex
185 Philippines, Manila
186 China, Shanghai
187 USA, Memphis Tenn
188 USA, Pittsburgh Penn
189 Belize, Belmopan
190 India, New Delhi
191 Romania, Bucharest
192 Guatemala, Guatemala City
193 Iran, Tehran
194 Cape Verde, Praia
195 India, Chennai
196 USA, Houston Tex
197 Canada, Ottawa
198 Costa Rica, San Jose
199 Dominica, Roseau
200 Nicaragua, Managua
201 Guyana, Georgetown
202 Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
203 Bulgaria, Sofia
204 Suriname, Paramaribo
205 Cuba, Havana
206 Oman, Muscat
207 India, Calcutta
208 Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar
209 Tajikistan, Dushanbe
210 India, Hyderabad
211 Burundi, Bujumbura
212 USA, San Antonio Tex
213 Myanmar, Yangon
214 Uruguay, Montevideo
215 Paraguay, Asuncion
216 Albania, Tirana
217 Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan
218 Mauritius, Port Louis
219 Fiji, Suva
220 Egypt, Cairo
221 Australia, Brisbane
222 El Salvador, San Salvador
223 Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang
224 Laos, Vientiane
225 Mexico, Mexico City
226 Morocco, Rabat
227 India, Bangalore
228 Saint Lucia, Castries
229 New Zealand, Auckland
230 Kiribati, South Tarawa
231 Kosovo, Pristina
232 Kenya, Nairobi
233 Serbia, Belgrade
234 Bangladesh, Dhaka
235 Pakistan, Lahore
236 Bolivia, La Paz
237 Colombia, Bogota
238 Botswana, Gaberone
239 Sri Lanka, Colombo
240 Pakistan, Islamabad
241 Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
242 Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
243 Macedonia, Skopje
244 Pakistan, Karachi
245 Australia, Adelaide
246 Montenegro, Podgorica
247 Chile, Santiago
248 Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
249 China, Macao
250 Eritrea, Asmara
251 Iraq, Baghdad
252 Argentina, Buenos Aires
253 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
254 Uzbekistan, Tashkent
255 Ecuador, Quito
256 Nepal, Kathmandu
257 Tunisia, Tunis
258 Yemen, Sanaa
259 Bhutan, Thimphu
260 South Africa, Johannesburg
261 China, Shenzhen
262 Tonga, Nuku’Alofa
263 China, Dalian
264 South Africa, Pretoria
265 Lesotho, Maseru
266 China, Wuhan
267 Namibia, Windhoek
268 Libya, Tripoli
269 South Africa, Cape Town
270 China, Guangzhou
271 Seychelles, Victoria
272 South Africa, Durban
273 Cambodia, Phnom Penh
274 Swaziland, Mbabane
275 China, Tianjin
276 Zimbabwe, Harare

A Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is a salary supplement paid to employees to cover differences in the cost of living, particularly as a result of an international assignment.

The amount of COLA should enable an expatriate to be able to purchase the same basket of goods and services in the host location as they could in their home country. The basis for calculating a COLA is the Cost of Living Index (COLI) which indexes the costs of the same basket of goods and services in different geographic locations. COLA is a simple accurate method of measuring fluctuating salary purchasing power and ensuring parity.

Cost of Living Index

Our cost of Living Indexes measure the cost of 230 products and services across 13 different basket groups in 276 cities across the globe. The data is gathered by a team of research analysts who survey comparable items that are available internationally. A minimum of 3 prices for the same brand/size/volume of product is used to determine the average price for each item in each location. The items are priced on a quarterly basis and tend to rise and fall with inflation. The 13 different basket categories are as follows:

•Alcohol & Tobacco: Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
oAlcohol at Bar
oBeer
oCigarettes
oLocally Produced Spirit
oWhiskey
oWine
•Clothing: Clothing and footwear products
oBusiness Suits
oCasual Clothing
oChildren’s Clothing and footwear
oCoats and hats
oEvening Wear
oShoe Repairs
oUnderwear
•Communication
oHome Telephone Rental and Call Charges
oInternet Connection and service provider fees
oMobile / Cellular Phone Contract and Calls
•Education
oCrèche / Pre-School Fees
oHigh School / College Fees
oPrimary School Fees
oTertiary Study Fees
•Furniture & Appliances: Furniture, household equipment and household appliances
oDVD Player
oFridge Freezer
oIron
oKettle, Toaster, Microwave
oLight Bulbs
oTelevision
oVacuum Cleaner
oWashing Machine
•Groceries: Food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material
oBaby Consumables
oBaked Goods
oBaking
oCanned Foods
oCheese
oCleaning Products
oDairy
oFresh Fruits
oFresh Vegetables
oFruit Juices
oFrozen
oMeat
oOil & Vinegars
oPet Food
oPre-Prepared Meals
oSauces
oSeafood
oSnacks
oSoft Drinks
oSpices & Herbs
•Healthcare: General Healthcare, Medical and Medical Insurance
oGeneral Practitioner Consultation rates
oHospital Private Ward Daily Rate
oNon-Prescription Medicine
oPrivate Medical Insurance / Medical Aid Contributions
•Household: Housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes
oHouse / Flat Mortgage
oHouse / Flat Rental
oHousehold Electricity Consumption
oHousehold Gas / Fuel Consumption
oHousehold Water Consumption
oLocal Property Rates / Taxes / Levies
•Miscellaneous: Stationary, Linen and general goods and services
oDomestic Help
oDry Cleaning
oLinen
oOffice Supplies
oNewspapers and Magazines
oPostage Stamps
•Personal Care: Personal Care products and services
oCosmetics
oHaircare
oMoisturiser / Sun Block
oNappies
oPain Relief Tablets
oToilet Paper
oToothpaste
oSoap / Shampoo / Conditioner
•Recreation and Culture
oBooks
oCamera Film
oCinema Ticket
oDVD and CD’s
oSports goods
oTheatre Ticket
•Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotels
oBusiness Dinner
oDinner at Restaurant (non fast food)
oHotel Rates
oTake Away Drinks & Snacks (fast Food)
•Transport: Public Transport, Vehicle Costs, Vehicle Fuel, Vehicle Insurance and Vehicle Maintenance
oHire Purchase / Lease of Vehicle
oPetrol / Diesel
oPublic Transport
oService Maintenance
oTyres
oVehicle Insurance
oVehicle Purchase

Each basket category does not count equally and are weighted in the final calculation based on expatriate spending patterns.

In order to calculate an accurate cost of living index for a specific individual the basket items that are not relevant to the individual should be excluded from the calculation. For example if education and housing is provided by the employer these basket categories would be excluded from the cost of living index calculation. This increases the accuracy of the cost of living index and makes it possible for each individual to have their own customized cost of living index based on their specific arrangements rather than using an overall “generic” index which is likely to contains costs that are not relevant to the individual.

The formula for calculating the specific cost of living index for an international assignment is as follows:

Cost of Living Index = Customized Cost of Living Index for Host City / Customized Cost of Living Index for Home City

When moving to a higher cost of living host city, the index will be greater than 1 (positive). When moving to a lower cost of living host city the index will be less than 1 (negative). Where the index is negative it means that in real terms the cost of living in the host city is lower than the home city. This means that if the negative index where to be applied to the employee’s salary, they would actually be paid proportionately less spendable salary in the host city. It is important to note that the majority of organizations do not apply a negative cost of living index because it makes it difficult to persuade an employee to take up an assignment as they tend to see it as a reduction in salary.
Examples of Cost of Living Index Calculations using our data:

Example 1) An Australian employee moving from Perth to London where healthcare and communication will be provided by the employer

More Expensive in London:
•Alcohol & Tobacco +4.77%
•Clothing +21.85%
•Education +31.53%
•Furniture & Appliances +16.03%
•Groceries +16.35%
•Household +50.72%
•Miscellaneous +137.47%
•Personal Care +11.18%
•Recreation & Culture -6.82%
•Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels +34.99%
•Transport +19.80%

The overall difference in cost of living moving from Perth and London is +28.06%.

In this case the cost of living index is positive and would be applied as it is.

Example 2) A British employee moving from London to Mumbai where the employer will provide housing and education

More Expensive in Mumbai:
Alcohol & Tobacco -37.53%
Clothing -9.58%
Communication -44.92%
Furniture & Appliances -19.31%
Groceries -24.03%
Healthcare -31.24%
Miscellaneous -72.43%
Personal Care -24.94%
Recreation & Culture -35.73%
Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels -33.11%
Transport is -27.99%

The overall difference in cost of living moving from London Mumbai is -30.53%.

In this case the cost of living index is negative and would not be applied.

Net Spendable Salary

Differences in cost of living only impact the portion of the salary that is spendable in the host country. Items in the home country such as retirement funding, medical insurance and other home based costs are not impacted by the cost of living in the host country.

To determine the Net Spendable Salary establish what amount / portion of the current salary (in home currency) is spent in maintaining the employee’s current standard of living / lifestyle. What will the expatriate need to spend their salary on in the host country? For example will accommodation be provided or will the employee pay rent, will healthcare be provided etc. Deduct all items that are either provided in kind or are spendable in the home country. Deduct the hypothetical amount of tax, social contributions and any other statutory deductions applicable in the home country from the Spendable Salary. What is left is the Net Spendable Salary.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
The formula for calculating the cost of living allowance using the above inputs is as follows:

(Net Spendable Salary X Cost of Living Index X Hardship Index X Exchange Rate) less (Net Spendable Salary X Exchange Rate) = COLA

Examples of COLA Calculations using our data

Example 1) An Australian employee with a net spendable salary of AUD0,000 moving from Perth to London where healthcare and communication will be provided by the employer

(0,000.00 X 1.2806 X 1 X 0.4768) less (0,000.00 X 0.4768) = COLA of £13,379.44 (GBP)

Based on all the above factors a person would require a Cost of Living Allowance of £13,379.44 (GBP), in addition to their current salary of 100,000.00 Australian Dollar (AUD) to compensate for relocating from Perth to London. This Cost of Living Allowance compensates for the overall cost of living difference of +28.06% and the relative difference in hardship of 0%.

Example 2) A British employee with a net spendable salary of £18,000 moving from London to Mumbai where the employer will provide housing and education

Note: Because the Cost of Living Index is negative it is not applied.

(£18,000.00 X 1 X 1.3 X 67.2852) less (£18,000.00 X67.2852) = COLA of 363,340.32 Indian Rupee

Based on all the above factors a person would require a Cost of Living Allowance of 363,340.32 (INR ), in addition to their current salary of £18,000.00 British Pound (GBP ) to compensate for relocating from London to Mumbai. This Cost of Living Allowance compensates for the overall cost of living difference of [-30.53%] and the relative difference in hardship of 30%.

COLA Payment
The COLA is paid as a salary supplement (i.e. as an additional allowance) net of tax in the host country. If the COLA is a taxable allowance in the host country it should be grossed up in order that the full amount of calculated COLA is paid net of tax given that the basis of the calculation is Net Spendable Salary. The COLA is often accompanied by other allowances and benefits such as flights home, relocation / settling in allowance, and furnishing allowance.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Significant changes in the exchange rate can make a considerable difference in the COLA calculation. In 2008 some of the major global exchange rates changed by as much as 30-40%.

The cost of living index reflects the changes caused by inflation and exchange rates. In the short-term there may be disequilibrium between inflation and the exchange rate (the one pushes the other), however over time the cost of living index provides the most accurate view of the cost of living.

It is important to remind expatriates that when the cost of living difference is negative, and the negative value has not been applied, they have higher purchasing power in the host country than they would at home.

Where a negative cost of living index has not been applied (our recommended approach), and a change in the exchange rate indicates an upward adjustment in COLA may be required, it is recommended that the COLA should not be adjusted upward until the cost of living index becomes positive i.e. the cost of living reflects that there is a “real” increase in cost of living between home and host countries. This may mean that their would be no increase in the COLA as a result of exchange rate fluctuations for some considerable time. During this time the employee’s purchasing power decreases. But it is important to remember that until the cost of living difference becomes positive, the individual will still have a higher purchasing power than they do in their home country.

It is advisable to stipulate a currency protection rule, rather than reacting to every fluctuation in the exchange rate. For example the rule may state that COLA will be reviewed if exchange rates or local inflation move by more than +10% during a year. It is important to keep in mind that the prices of goods and services are unlikely to drop in local currency. This would only occur in a period of deflation (negative inflation). Therefore the currency protection rule would normally make provision for upward adjustments in COLA and not downward adjustments during an employee’s assignment. Downward adjustments to an existing COLA due to exchange rate fluctuations without a corresponding drop in the prices of local goods and services puts immense pressure on an employee’s host currency budget commitments and can lead to the employee experiencing financial difficulty.

Using an independent service provider provides an independent, objective basis for determining an employee’s COLA.

We recommend therefore that a COLA is calculated by applying the specific (customized) cost of living index to the net spendable salary at the beginning of the assignment and monitoring exchange rate fluctuations thereafter in addition to the annual salary review.

Find More Living Articles

The bedroom area is one of the most important rooms in any home or apartment. You will spend as much time in there as you will in any other room in the home, so it is crucial that it continually looks good and provides stylish looks, especially if you ever in the future decide to sell your property. However, choosing what type of bedroom you want can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you only have a little bit of space to play with. Betta Living can help you with your choice, be providing you with a free home design consultation.

We can visit your property and assess the bedrooms in your home and offer you the appropriate advice and guidance you need so that you can find the ideal bedroom for the space and home you have. After one of our experts has paid a visit to your home, do not feel that you have to then employ our services, as there is absolutely no obligation to buy!

If you do decide to purchase one of our bedrooms, then you will find that our fitted bedroom furniture and fitted wardrobes will be useful as they will not compromise available floor space. They can easily slot against walls so that they do not take up valuable space. If you want a good example of how a bedroom can make a great difference to a home, check out our Adrianna Zebrano bedroom which is just £1,540. It comes fitted with wardrobes, drawers and even a shoe and tie rack and is available in six different finishes.

If you want to see a Betta Living bedroom in a natural environment, then you can find a store near to your home on our website. Pay us a visit and let us help you sleep in luxury.

Comfy Living is a one-stop online store that will really impress you with the range of beds on offer. It is here that you will find Futons, Leather Beds, Metal Beds, Wooden Beds, Children’s Beds, and Bunk Beds that have been made to the highest quality of standards. The high standards of workmanship notwithstanding, you will be glad to note that you can own any type of bed at a price that will not hurt your pocket. Not only does Comfy Living assure you of both quality and affordability but you can expect to enjoy lots of convenience if the bed type you choose falls under the Next Day Bed section…yes, you can order one of these and have it delivered the next day absolutely free of charge.

Futons are an increasingly popular form of sleeping arrangement and we have spared no effort in ensuring that you have a great selection of futons and futon mattresses to select from. Most of what is available under this section can be delivered to you on the following day. Why should you consider investing in these? Well, futons offer a great deal of convenience in terms of efficient space utilization and versatility. Depending on how you choose to fold it after using it as a bed, the futon can be transformed into a sofa-bed or completely folded up for storage. Our stock of mattresses features colorful alternatives for your selection pleasure.

At Comfy Living we have a wide selection of metal beds that are designed with an intention to offer you an equally wide range of styles and color. For the children in your family we offer brightly painted metal beds that will match virtually any color scheme you have in mind. For you the adult, our contemporary and traditional style beds will certainly impress. These are available in different sizes and descriptions including 3ft Single, 4ft Small Double and even 5ft King Size.

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Comfy Living understands that when it comes to wooden beds some people prefer the traditional look while others will demand the contemporary look. In addition to providing you with the best of both worlds we have gone a step further to offer an alternative that combines both elements – our 4ft6 Double is classic and rustically modern. We also stock white beds which are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to blend in with different color schemes.

For your kids’ tastes we have a variety of children’s beds most of which have metal frames, with the rest being in the form of futon sets and chair beds. All these options are attractively colored in a way that will get any child excited. We also offer beds that are designed in very interesting shapes including racing cars and soccer/football details.

There is hardly any kid who does not find sleeping on a bunk bed to be fun regardless of whether he or she sleeps on the top or bottom bunker. At Comfy Living we offer you such beds of the highest quality, sourced from leading suppliers. In our stocks we have triple bunks, 3ft Single and 2ft6 Small Single options. In the event that you purchase one of these and the requisite mattresses you stand to receive a 10 percent discount on what is already a very affordable asking price.

Group buying sites have taken the world by storm. In today’s economy we’re all looking for ways to save, and these group buying sites can save us 50-75% or more.

There is a new player entering the group buying scene in Vancouver, BC: Indulge Living (indulgeliving.com). This group buying coupon site features Vancouver coupons that promote interaction between friends, family, and other like-minded people. Their passion is to highlight the best Vancouver restaurants, activities, and places where you can indulge.

Many of us find it difficult to find time to indulge in a fun activity with our friends and family. It seems like we never have enough time to get everything done, let alone do anything for ourselves. When we can find time to indulge, it is usually doing something that we can share with family and friends. Indulge Living makes it easy to find things to do in Vancouver, and save 50-75% each time!

How Group Buying Works

Each day group buying sites, like Indulge Living, offer one great deal for a local business. This could be a salon, local attraction, restaurant, activity, or other fun thing to do. Then you buy, share, and enjoy the deal:

Buy a deal when you see one that you want to indulge in.
Share the deal with friends, family, and social media networks.
Enjoy your favourite local places and activities.

The power of social networking is what makes group buying sites so popular and successful. Before the daily coupon is activated, a minimum number of coupons must be purchased. Encouraging your friends and family to purchase this deal can help it reach the minimum so you can all get the deal. You’ll even get each time someone you refer purchases a daily deal.

There are 2 ways to see offers by group buying sites like Indulge living. You can visit their website each day or sign-up to receive their daily deal in your email inbox.

Indulge Living launches July 2010, but you can already sign-up for their daily deal newsletter and have offers sent directly to your inbox. If you’re one of the first 500 people to subscribe, you’ll be rewarded with towards your first Indulge Living coupon purchase. You can learn more about Indulge Living at www.indulgeliving.com.

mikros pakis transistor album: things you miss when you blink την παραγωγή υπογράφει ο Δημήτρης Παπασπυρόπουλος. Lyrics: I would like to fall up on a hill Looking up the sky Oh god Id love to fly This is the Living Living of the Dead We ‘re scavenging those we kill For our own benefit I would like to fall Fall up on a hill And looking up the sky Oh god Id love to fly The idea that were gonna be able to provide this kind of therapy For individuals in the US is offensible This will be available to the wealthy and People who are willing to sell their homes basically to get to get to extend their lives. This is the Living Living of the dead I hate to say it so bluntly but thats exactly what it is, I have concluded for my own life given the choice between amputation and saving my life by the death of somebody else you can just call me gimpy . I would like to fall Fall up on a hill And looking up the sky Oh god Id love to fly.
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Temporary Stay Program Bonaventure Senior Living

We offer a Temporary Stay Program designed to introduce you to our amenities and services while you make your long-term care decisions.

There are three ways the Temporary Stay program can work for you:

Recovery Care
This option is perfect if you are recovering from an illness or hospital stay. Our communities offer full time caregivers who are on duty 24 hours a day to assist in your recovery.

Experience the Lifestyle
Our Temporary Stay apartment is the perfect way to experience senior living on a temporary basis. This opportunity will help you make the best decision concerning your future.

Respite Care
Our Respite Care program provides both physical and emotional relief for caregivers. Whether the stay is only overnight, several days or lasts a month, this program allows family members peace of mind while they take time to rest.

Why You Should Experience Temporary Stay
Your furnished apartment has a barrier free shower and a 24-hour security call system. Personal care staff is on duty 24 hours a day to assist you. We also encourage participation in the planned social and recreational programs on site.

Extras Bonaventure Senior Living
For a nominal fee our communities will provide personal care services, medication management, assistance with bathing, specialized nighttime needs and much, much more!

We can customize a service plan that is just right for you!

Memory Care

Dignity, choice and independence are more than just words in our Memory Care communities. They are the basis of our care philosophy.

We believe in family involvement. For family members, we offer monthly support groups and educational series. We understand the fear and sadness you feel as your loved one progresses through the stages of Alzheimer’s. Your regular involvement in service planning is encouraged and will help you fully understand the changing needs of your loved one.

Our communities offer individually tailored programs designed by our qualified staff. You can relax knowing that the one you love is truly being treated with respect and dignity while being encouraged to be as independent as their disease will permit.

Our residents are surrounded with mementos of yesteryear along with their own personal belongings in either a private or semi-private home-like apartment. Our beautiful landscaped grounds allow residents to safely enjoy the outdoors and the changing seasons.

For more information about our Memory Care Program, we invite you to contact one of our Memory Care communities directly to speak with a caring staff member

Retirement Living Bonaventure Senior Living

Enjoy a carefree retirement lifestyle in a comfortable private apartment in our beautifully decorated communities. Mingle with friends, sit and chat by the fireplace, or join in on one of the many planned outings and activities. At a Bonaventure Senior Living Community, you can truly call your time, your own.

We cater to older adults who are independent and active yet want supportive services to make their lives more carefree. We offer large deluxe studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, some with private patios or balconies. Every apartment has a full kitchen along with individual climate controls. Furnish your home with your own furniture and special treasures to truly make it your own.

There are no buy-in fees or long term leases. Instead we offer a simple month-to-month plan that allows great flexibility. Retirement living with Bonaventure Senior Living is the perfect choice!