Prices of goods and services such as food, shelter, transportation, energy, clothing, education and healthcare differ across countries. Cost of Living Index is meant to compare the expenses on these goods and services an average person incurs in different regions. The Index is also used to track how much the costs of basic expenses rise over a period. The cost of living can impact a person’s choice in work and also directly impact a person’s ability to save for a home. TRENDS takes a look at the Cost of Living Index versus Local Purchasing Power Index in some of the Arab world cities: