This document discusses differences in standards of living within and between countries. It notes that standards of living depend on how effectively an economy produces goods and services, and access to healthcare and education. Standards of living refer to levels of material goods and necessities, while quality of life is more subjective and considers factors like happiness, life expectancy, and freedoms. Other factors that influence standards of living include income distribution, poverty rates, GDP, and infrastructure, while quality of life may be measured by freedoms, equality, healthcare, and human dignity.