| Hi @DB -I agree completely with the message you are trying to convey here, but disagree a little with the method. Let me briefly explain why... In absolute terms, you are quite correct, Shanghai doesn't even come close to being one of the most expensive in the world. In relative terms (your point 3), I do not have data to support my observations, but for the average local hard-working Shanghainese (let's say in the construction or manufacturing industry), I'm led to believe that the cost of living is extremely high. In the 'early' days of my marriage (whilst living in Shanghai), it was not uncommon for me to buy a particular item, and then make a statement as to how extremely cheap that item was (obviously when said item was bought from my Australian salary, and when the same item is compared to Australian prices). Such a statement actually put strain on my relationship (one of the very few issues we had when 'blending' our cultures) - my wife would immediately reply that it wasn't cheap - for us, and compared to Australia, yes it didn't cost much relatively, but for the average Shanghainese, the item was unaffordable and considered and impossible luxury. So I fleshed this out a bit more with my wife over the years, and now understand that although I may see something as inexpensive, it is not appropriate - and often downright offensive - to comment on the same to local Shanghainese - it can be perceived as showing-off or trying to act elitist (even though this was clearly never the intent). Nowadays, out of respect to my in-laws, my wife and I can discuss perceptions on living costs in Shanghai relatively (between ourselves), but would never again consider 'belittling' my Shanghainese relatives and friends by making the same relative statements to them. As I said - I have no data to support the relative cost for locals in Shanghai, but I do hear from many people who are struggling day-to-day to make ends meet - having said this, I know people in many other countries that are facing the same problems - if I talk to many SGpeans, I get the same response - cost of living is way too high relative to average wages (whereas I find SG extremely inexpensive - once again it's relative)... these days I find Australia very expensive (which before relocating to SG, I had never even given a thought) - I can buy an entire dinner for my family at the local hawker center in SG for the same cost as two soft drinks in a 7-11 in Melbourne (although I earn much more in SG than I did in Australia, partly due to the massive tax advantages in SG). Anyway, in summary, I agree completely with the point you are making on absolute terms, but I think for you to rate number (3) as a valid way of measuring cost of living in Shanghai, then you have been a victim of your own observations with your opening comment that "this is simply bullshit"... to your position and income, relatively perhaps it is - but for the local Shanghainese, such a comment could be considered offensive (the latter making up a large population of Jian Shuo's readers). Take care @DB... |
Living Cost in Shanghai