New Perspective On International Cost Of Living Comparisons: Public Goods And Services by VisualisingKorea

Consumer goods prices are normally used to compare cost of living across countries. It’s seldom considered that many essential goods and services we rely on throughout our lives are provided free of charge or at reduced prices by the welfare state. Our interactive visualisation shows various types of welfare benefits/services that an average person can benefit from throughout their lifetime – from cradle to grave - in various countries strategically selected to compare Korea with other welfare regimes (Anglo-Saxon, Scandinavian, post-communist). The difference is striking even at a glance. Hovering over the dots brings up information on each benefit/service.