----- Original Message ----- From: "Dominic Stratten" Subject: RE: [OT] Living cost, units, currencies and bread... Here in the U.S., there are significant differences from state to state and some things vary for other reasons. > 1 Litre of Diesel fuel = $1.45 Yeah, well, here in Michigan where the price is higher than most states, it's $0.47, but it varies quite a bit from day to day and from town to town. > 1 Year road tax for car = $300 This is an interesting one. Again, here in Michigan we have a very high registration fee compared to many states, but it varies depending on the car. A Porsche might cost almost that much to register, but an econobox is closer to a tenth of that. > Packet of 20 Cigarettes (Marlborough) = $8.18 Almost $5 here in MI which is among the highest of the states. > Average salary (guess at 16000 ukp a year) = approx $30000 This is probably not a lot different than in the U.S., although it takes two incomes to live a moderate lifestyle for a family of four, probably because most families have two incomes. Someone mentioned consulting rates, but they vary A LOT depending on the particular field, the experience of the consultant, etc. Probably some consultants could go for as low as the $15 mentioned, but a computer consultant might go for between $30 and $300, and a management consultant anywhere from $50 to $1000. Income tax is also an interesting one, especially for a private enterpreneuer. Although the maximum U.S. income tax is something like 28%, if you want to strike out on your own, there are all sorts of other taxes. In some states, it's pretty easy to pay 75%. --McD _______________________________________________ http://www.piclist.com View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist