Believe it or not, SA in top 20 of cheap countries

15 June 2016 - 09:32 By ©The Daily Telegraph, Staff reporter

If emigration is on your mind but the rand's weakness is a worry, India should be your top choice. The Asian giant is the cheapest country in a cost-of-living survey by Numbeo and, although it might not feel like it when you do your weekly shopping, South Africa features in the cheapest top 20.The survey takes into account the price of about 50 items, including a wide variety of accommodation, food and drink from supermarkets and restaurants, clothing, taxi fares, leisure activities, utilities and internet and cellphone bills.India emerges with a cost of living index of 24.14, followed by Moldova, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Nepal. South Africa comes 19th, sandwiched between The Philippines and Romania.The cheapest restaurant meals and flats are found in Nepal, and Cuba has the cheapest cinema tickets, public transport and electricity.The cheapest McDonald's combo meal is found in Ukraine, and the cheapest pair of Levi's 501s can be purchased in Uganda.Of the countries among the cheapest 20, India has the most World Heritage sites (32), Colombia has the highest life expectancy (79) and the highest percentage of forested land (54%), Romania has the best average internet connection speed (12.8Mbps), Moldova has the fewest roads (9,352km).Bosnia and Herzegovina is the least urbanised, and a natural disaster is least likely to occur in Ukraine.The most expensive place in which to live is Bermuda, which has a cost of living index of 133.68.Switzerland, The Bahamas, Norway and Iceland complete the top five.The UK comes 12th, Australia 13th, New Zealand 14th and the US 21st. ..

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