Countries rely on household surveys to measure poverty, with survey design significantly impacting data quality. Improved surveys capture more consumption, including durables and imputed rent, leading to increased measured consumption. In 12 countries, mean consumption rose by 46% after survey improvements. However, national poverty lines often increase, offsetting consumption gains and minimally affecting poverty rates. International poverty rates, based on a fixed line, may drop significantly. Countries face a trade-off between accuracy and comparability, which can be mitigated by strategic survey design adjustments.