Hmmm...I dunno about it being tied to location.
I was just always taught that you just didn't ask people personal questions regarding finances and stuff like that that. And, I was taught that it was rude to brag about how much you paid for something.
I think a lot of it depends on who's asking and how they go about doing it. Honestly, I don't really think how much I make or how much I paid for something like a dog or car, or my house is anyone's business.