Traditional currency converters only tell you the exchange rate between two currencies. But the real question most people have is: What can I actually buy with this amount of money in another country? That is a question of purchasing power, not just currency value.

This Cost of Living Comparison page uses static purchasing‑power indexes to estimate how much goods and services cost in different countries relative to the United States, which is set at 1.00. These values are approximate by design and do not require live updates, making this a stable, long‑term reference instead of a real‑time calculator.

Use this page as a guide for planning trips, comparing remote work salaries, exploring relocation options, or simply understanding how far your money stretches around the world.

Purchasing Power Index (60 Countries)

These static purchasing‑power indexes estimate how much goods and services cost relative to the United States (set at 1.00). The values are approximate and intended for general comparison, budgeting, and educational use. They do not require updates.

How to Read the Purchasing Power Index

The United States is set at an index of 1.00. Countries with a value below 1.00 generally have a lower cost of living, meaning your money can buy more goods and services there. Countries with a value above 1.00 tend to be more expensive, so the same amount of money buys less.

• A country with an index of 0.50 is roughly half as expensive as the U.S.
• A country with an index of 1.20 is roughly 20% more expensive than the U.S.
• These values are approximate and meant for general comparison, not precise budgeting.

Example Purchasing Power Comparisons

The examples below show how far $100 USD might go in different countries based on the static indexes above. These are simplified, rounded illustrations to help you visualize relative cost of living.

• $100 USD in the United States ≈ $100 of local goods and services.
• $100 USD in Mexico can feel closer to $180–$190 worth of goods compared to U.S. prices.
• $100 USD in India can feel like $230–$250 worth of goods compared to U.S. prices.
• $100 USD in the Philippines can feel like around $260–$280 worth of goods.
• $100 USD in Switzerland may feel closer to $70 worth of goods because of higher prices.
• $100 USD in Norway may feel like $75–$80 worth of goods compared to U.S. prices.

These comparisons are not exact conversions. They are meant to give you a practical sense of how everyday costs can change from one country to another.