Interactive Visual Analytics: A Deep Dive into The Global Cost of Living

Abstract

Cost of living significantly impacts individuals, businesses, and policymakers by shaping financial stability and economic decisions. Variations in cost of living arise from economic, geographical, and cultural factors, often leading to financial stress, particularly during periods of rising expenses and stagnant wages. The complexity of cost-of-living metrics, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), poses challenges for understanding and effective decision-making. This study addresses these issues by developing an interactive data visualization dashboard, designed to transform complex data into clear and actionable insights. By integrating Big Data Architecture, Agile Methodology, and a Random Forest model for predictive analysis, the tool offers accurate visualizations and interactive features that support financial literacy and informed decision-making. Users can compare cost indices across 131 countries and 2,408 cities, predict salaries based on cost-of-living data, and identify budget-friendly travel destinations. The system testing achieved an excellent System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 88.96, validating its usability and effectiveness. By simplifying global cost-of-living data, the dashboard empowers users to plan financial stability and respond proactively to economic challenges, bridging the gap between complex data and practical decision-making.