According to the 2011 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, expats in developing countries such as South Africa, Thailand and the Philippines are much more likely to have increased luxuries since relocating from their home country (47%, 43% and 47% respectively vs 32% average) and as a result are ranked highly on the Expat Economics Luxury league table: South Africa 1st, Thailand and Philippines joint 3rd.
The main luxuries that expats in these countries benefit from compared to their home country are: domestic staff, swimming pools, owning their property or owning more than one property; although expats in these countries are less likely to go on more luxurious holidays (37%, 45% and 53% respectively) compared to expats overall (50%).
These destinations typically score quite low on the Expat Economics Income league table (Philippines 14th, Thailand 21st and South Africa 25th) but are likely to report increased disposable income since relocating (Philippines 86%, Thailand 89% and South Africa 69%). As a result, while expats in these destinations benefit from a more luxurious lifestyle, this is predominantly due to increased affordability, as opposed to increased income.
Lower spending on essentials like accommodation, public transport, food and childcare can account for the extra level of disposable income. Most expats in South Africa, Thailand and the Philippines reported that they spend less on public transport (82% of expats in South Africa, 75% of expats in Thailand, 91% of expats in the Philippines), nightlife (73%, 59% and 60% respectively) and housing (58%, 72% and 69% respectively).
