| @ AussiePB: The words I had chosen ("simply bullshit") might have sound a bit harsh and offensive. Apologies for this. I have no data to support my statement on Shanghai's relative expensiveness either. However, we once had a discussion approx. 18 months ago at my university involving internal professors and externals as well. Although there was no consensus on how reliable this method of measuring is, it was widely believed that if one applied this method, many cities in Africa (such as Lagos) and Latin/South America (such as Mexico City) would rank higher than Chinese cities. This may not convince everyone, but I have found this thesis to be fairly plausible given the extreme poverty in some regions in Africa and Latin/South America. The main reason for me is: While I understand that many people in Shanghai are struggling to make ends meet, I don't see any danger for them to become homeless or die of starvation. In Africa and Latin/South America, I do see these dangers for a certain part of the population. But I admit this is not necessarily what you consider substantiated data. Anyway, let's not start with a debate on data again. What I do agree with you on is the doubt on the tenability of this method of measuring. But I think it's acceptable in the end, even though it would be strange to see cities like Mexico City and Lagos on the top. |
Living Cost in Shanghai