Cost Of Living

See also: Consumer Price Index

The cost of living is generally higher than in the United States or the United Kingdom, as most commodities are imported and have to bear the cost of freight and insurance, plus customs duty if payable.

This is partly offset by the absence of income and property taxes, but monthly rents on apartments and houses in prime areas are usually quite a bit higher than for comparable properties in the U.S. or U.K. Most are let furnished. Petrol is less expensive than in Britain, though higher than in the U.S. The cost of electricity and water (in properties using desalinated water) can also be higher than a resident of the U.K. or U.S. is accustomed to.

Last Updated: 2006-01-11