A Comparative Analysis of the Cost of Living Across Income Categories of Asian Muslim-majority Countries

This research examines how the cost of living differs across various income categories in 24 Asian Muslim-majority countries. The study systematically compares living costs by classifying the selected countries into four distinct economic categories: low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income. The cost of living is captured using seven price indices, including the Consumer Price Index, Food Price Index, Utilities Price Index, Health Price Index, Transport Price Index, Education Price Index and Communication Price Index. Secondary data are sourced from the World Bank and the websites of the respective countries for an in-depth descriptive analysis on how income level and key price indices collectively shape the cost of living. The study highlights significant differences in price indices between income groups, with high-income countries exhibiting stable and predictable pricing trends due to robust infrastructure and efficient markets. In contrast, low-income Countries face high volatility in essential sectors like food and transportation due to economic instability. Middle-income countries show transitional trends, with some stability in areas like health and education but ongoing challenges in basic needs, reflecting gradual economic transformations.