METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS OF THE COST OF LIVING.

At a time when increasing attention is being paid to the international comparison of the cost of living, this article begins with a catalog of the limitations of existing comparisons. The authors then analyze the major problems of estimation and interpretation. These problems include the determination of patterns of consumption and setting weights and prices; making monetary and fiscal adjustments: and, finally, accounting for international differences in the standard of living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]