Global Cost of Living Outlook
Description
The Global Cost of Living Outlook report examines the structural drivers behind rising household expenses worldwide and the growing mismatch between everyday costs and real income growth. It assesses how inflation has shifted from a short-term macroeconomic shock into a longer-duration affordability challenge, influenced by persistent energy volatility, housing constraints, supply chain reconfiguration, and labour market pressures. The report frames cost of living as a multi-dimensional issue extending beyond headline CPI, affecting consumer behaviour, political sentiment, and long-term economic stability.
The report evaluates the major cost categories shaping household strain, including food, housing, transport, utilities, healthcare, and education. It explores how these pressures vary across income levels and regions, highlighting the unequal burden placed on low- and middle-income households. The analysis also considers the impact of rising debt-servicing costs, reduced savings buffers, and changing consumption patterns as households adapt to sustained affordability deterioration. Particular attention is given to the role of rent inflation, energy expenditure, and wage stagnation in driving long-term living standard compression.
Finally, the report provides a forward-looking view of cost of living trajectories across key global regions, outlining the policy trade-offs governments face in managing inflation, growth, and social protection. It assesses the implications for consumer confidence, retail demand, housing affordability, and financial resilience, alongside second-order effects such as labour unrest, political polarisation, and economic fragmentation. The report concludes with strategic guidance for decision-makers, including affordability risk indicators and scenario-based planning recommendations.
The report evaluates the major cost categories shaping household strain, including food, housing, transport, utilities, healthcare, and education. It explores how these pressures vary across income levels and regions, highlighting the unequal burden placed on low- and middle-income households. The analysis also considers the impact of rising debt-servicing costs, reduced savings buffers, and changing consumption patterns as households adapt to sustained affordability deterioration. Particular attention is given to the role of rent inflation, energy expenditure, and wage stagnation in driving long-term living standard compression.
Finally, the report provides a forward-looking view of cost of living trajectories across key global regions, outlining the policy trade-offs governments face in managing inflation, growth, and social protection. It assesses the implications for consumer confidence, retail demand, housing affordability, and financial resilience, alongside second-order effects such as labour unrest, political polarisation, and economic fragmentation. The report concludes with strategic guidance for decision-makers, including affordability risk indicators and scenario-based planning recommendations.
Table of Contents
26 Pages
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. Cost of Living: Framework and Core Definitions
- 3. Global Inflation Trends and Purchasing Power Erosion
- 4. Housing Affordability and Rent Inflation Dynamics
- 5. Energy and Utility Cost Pressures
- 6. Food, Transport, and Essential Goods Inflation
- 7. Real Wages, Debt Burdens, and Household Balance Sheets
- 8. Regional Outlook: Major Markets and Vulnerability Profiles
- 9. Policy Responses and Economic Trade-Offs
- 10. Forward Scenarios and Risk Indicators
- 11. Strategic Implications and Recommendations
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