KUALA Lumpur has emerged as one of the most affordable places to visit in
Asia, unlike its neighbour Singapore.
Earlier, we reported the Singapore was listed as the 10th most expensive
city in the world for holidaymakers, according to a report released by UBS.
The same survey lists other Asian cities like Manila and Mumbai as good
go-tos for being bargain friendly, while Sydney and Tokyo were likely to hurt
your pockets.
Conducted on 73 major cities, the Price and Earning Index for 2011 analysed
economic factors such as currency strength, and price levels of travel basics
such as hotels, food and transportation in order to distinguish the truly
expensive cities apart from the so-called budget-busters.
It measured the cost of a typical basket of goods based on 122 good and
services (excluding accomodation). However it was geared towards western
European consumption habits.
Visiting the US has become significantly cheaper than it had been in the
past with the weakened greenback, according to U.S. News.
Major European cities such as Paris and Rome have also become more
affordable, while destinations in northern Europe - like Norway and Sweden that
have weathered
the economic crisis relatively well - have been able to keep prices high.
We've showed you which expensive cities to avoid. Now, here are 15 other
cities where you can stretch your dollar further.
maryanns@sph.com.sg
CHEAPEST CITIES
15. Santiago, Chile
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$61.90 ($78.30)
14. Vilnius, Lithuania
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$60.90 ($77.10)
13. Kiev, Ukraine
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$59.90 ($75.80)
12. Manama, Bahrain
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$59.50 ($75.30)
11. Sofia, Bulgaria
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$58.90 ($74.60)
10. Mexico City, Mexico
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$58.60 ($74.20)
9. Lima, Peru
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$56.80 ($71.90)
8. Bucharest, Romania
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$56 ($70.90)
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cost of a typical basket of goods = US$52.90 ($67)
