this is how dollar stores make money

the prices of some things in mongolia completely baffles me. examples: toothpaste, dental floss, milk, anything plastic, in an aluminum can or from korea. these things cost too much. i don't like paying the equivalent of $3 for dental floss unless it's economy size and will last a year or two. items i would most likely find at a dollar tree store are at least 3 to 4 times more expensive here. and while that's uncool, i only pay $150 rent for a two bedroom apartment that has a decent view of the mountains and fairly reliable hot water/electricity.

is it very american of me to equate the value of something in monetary terms? i mean, cheap is cheap just as overpriced is overpriced, right?

whatever.