These days many Americans are irritated that so many things cost more than they used to. In fact, consumer prices increased 2.1% year over year in the first quarter. In April, they were up 3.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yet, on a global basis, the U.S. has become a bargain, compared with some other countries, as the U.S. dollar weakens and costs balloon in other places, according to results from a new report by ECA International, a global human resources company. The semiannual survey, which compares the price of food and basic goods and services -- but not housing, utilities, or school fees -- for expatriates in more than 400 cities around the world, ranked Australian cities higher for cost of living this year, mainly as a result of currency changes. The Australian dollar has appreciated about 30% against the U.S. dollar since June 2010, and the Swiss franc has jumped about 37%. In the United States, Manhattan, which ranked No. 28 on last year's global list, fell to No. 44. Honolulu dropped to No. 62 from No. 40.