I’m sure you’ve noticed that gasoline is above $3 a gallon nowadays. For many people, especially those with low incomes, the high cost of gas is certainly a big concern. But I wonder how many people know how today’s cost of gas in the U.S. compares with the rest of the world? Well conveniently, CNN/Money Magazine has a listing which shows that in comparative terms, U.S. gas prices -- even at $3 a gallon -- are only about average around the world:

Keep in mind that these prices are not necessarily national averages, but rather, are representative prices measured in each country’s largest cities. Second, this list was compiled in May 2004, so prices are probably a little higher these days.

I consider myself and my family to be very fortunate because we live a comfortable upper-middle class lifestyle and drive relatively economical cars. I suppose that allows me to be a little snooty and say that perhaps these high gas prices will discourage Americans from driving big, fat, gas-guzzling SUVs and will hopefully encourage the development of alternative-fuel, more ecologically-friendly vehicles. We’ll just have to wait and see.