not only that, the cost-of-living estimates are often wrong. sure, it is cheaper to live in some places, but then you spend a lot more traveling to other places to get things that your local place doesn't have. in some places the cost-of-living also depends on your life-style.

if i live in a country where the average cost-of-living is low, i find that it's because of a generally poorer living standard and i have to spend a lot more compared to the local average to get the same standard that i'd have elsewhere.