As far as I know, at least in China, the income level hasn't really increased for average people while almost every neccessity becomes more expensive. Yeah, the country as a whole may have made some economic wonders, but the people reaping the benefits are few compared to the masses that are tied down to the high price of living. Not to mention, most official stastics in China are false, esp. those about economy. So if you are using those stastics as a guide, you are bound to make mistakes about general situation of Chinese people.You may wonder how everyone gets by if their income level stay relatively the same while the price of everything goes up. Well, mostly there are several ways. Sell house. The price of housing has increased disproportionately in China. Many who work hard their entire life wont be able to purchase a simple apartment in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Then, you can work harder to keep up with the increased cost. Or get mortgage to pay for housing. And last, a decreased level of living condition could also help.TLR, The prospect in China isn't really that great. Only the few lucky or the top become much richer.