With all the other economic questions being asked about the wizarding world that Harry Potter lives in, it's gotten me to wonder about this.
While Harry is wealthy, and the Weasleys are apparently not wealthy at all, I can't help but to wonder just how important money is in the wizarding world. If someone can cast as spell and create a structure, or have a tent that's easily moved around, but still has spacious living quarters in it (no tardis jokes, please), how much does a wizard or witch need money?
I know they need it for items that can't be created without skill, like wands, and for some magical ingredients, but it seems like one could easily create food and other necessities of life through transformation spells.
And, related to that, what would be the cost of living in the wizarding world?
I would think the ease of travel from one place to another would keep the cost of living close to the same throughout the wizarding world. But has anyone actually compared the cost of living for wizards and witches with the cost of living for muggles?
I know that's two questions (how important is money and what's the cost of living), but the two seem intertwined. Has JKR said anything about this or has anyone written anything about either one?