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Cost of Living

Overview

ECA's rigorous cost of living methodology has been developed over more than 50 years.  

We use a multi-source approach for collecting data, comprising a dedicated team of International Data Researchers, field research companies and expatriates working for client companies. This ensures both extensive coverage and reliable, representative results.  

Surveys are undertaken twice-yearly and more frequently for locations experiencing high inflation.

Cost of living data is available from ECA in several forms: as part of subscription in a calculator which allows you to experiment with different types of index and review the outputs; in reports, providing background detail for specific indices; and as part of the Build-up Calculator for performing balance-sheet calculations.  Cost of living data is also pre-populated in ECAEnterprise, our Assignment Management System, and in our Net-to-Net Calculator.

  • Three index types to reflect different assignee spending patterns
  • A variety of customisable indices enables you to get the best fit for your company’s policy
  • City and country level options
  • Full background information and explanations provided, including notes on quality and availability of goods
  • Country-specific spendable data based on government expenditure surveys enable accurate COLA calculations for all family sizes and incomes

More about Cost of Living

  White Papers

ECA Global Perspectives - Cost of Living  

23 March 2023

This free report explains how ECA's indices are calculated and applied to protect the buying power of people moving between countries as well as lo...

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ECA Global Perspectives - National Salary Comparison  

11 June 2021

Will an individual's spending power be maintained if they move to work in a different country? This free white paper compares local salaries for ma...

Read more