I would say the prices for many things like blenders or power drills or electric toothbrushes is a bit more expensive than the US, but you will find the same brand names / quality that you'll find in the US as well. I really wouldn't bother with transformers--it's not really worth it for small items. Many bigger items like your desktop computer and recent flatscreen monitor may have 110-220v support, but skip the coffee maker and hair dryers and stuff like that.