cost of living

ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEXComparative Data for 31 Urban Areas8

Vol. 41, No. 2 Single Issue Price $70ISSN 0740-7130 Annual Subscription $140

Produced by

Section 1: Urban Area Index Data

Section 2: Average Prices

Published August 2008Data for Second Quarter 2008

130568_C2ER_C6V.qxp 5/1/08 2:27 PM Page 1

ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX

COPYRIGHT 2008 ISSN 0740-7130

C2ER, P.O. Box 100127, Arlington VA 22210 USA

REPRODUCTION OF THIS REPORT IS PROHIBITED

ABOUT THE INDEX: The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) produces theACCRA Cost of Living Index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences among urban areas. Items on which the Index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures. Weights assigned to relative costs are based on government survey data on expenditure patterns for professional and executive households in the top income quintile. All items are priced in each urban areas at a specified time and according to standardized specifications.

Because the number of items priced is limited, it is not valid to treat percentage differences between areas as exact measures. Since judgment sampling is used in this survey, no confidence interval can be determined. Small differences, however, should not be construed as significant—or even as indicating correctly which area is the more expensive.

INTERPRETING THE INDEX: The ACCRA Cost of Living Index measures relative price levels for con-sumer goods and services in participating areas. The average for all participating urban areas, both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan, equals 100, and each participant’s index is read as a percentage ofthe average for all urban areas.

The Index does not measure inflation (price change over time). Because each quarterly report is a separate comparison of prices at a single point in

time, and because both the number and the mix of participants changes from one quarter to the next, Index data from different quarters cannot be compared. For inflation data, contact the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) at www.bls.gov.

The Index reflects cost differentials for professional and executive households in the top income quintile. Operationally, this standard of living is set by the weighting structure. Homeownership costs, for ex-ample, are more heavily weighted than they would be if the Index reflected a clerical worker standard of living or average costs for all urban consumers. (Weights for component indexes appear above col-umn headings—e.g., 12.49% for Grocery Items.)

PARTICIPATING AREAS: Areas included in this survey are those where organizations have volunteered to participate. The number of respondents varies from quarter to quarter, and C2ER makes a continuing effort to expand coverage of metropolitan areas. Any metropolitan area not represented in this report is absent because local organizations have opted not to collect data. C2ERhas no data for areas that do not appear in this report.

PRICE REPORTING: C2ER stringently reviews all prices reported, and attempts to eliminate errors and noncompliance with specifications. All price data are obtained from sources deemed reliable, but no rep-resentation is made as to the complete accuracy thereof. They are published subject to errors, omis-

sions, changes, and withdrawals without notice.

SPECIFICATIONS: The specific items priced are list-ed on page iii. Abbreviated specifications for all items are presented only as a guide to users of this report; far more detailed specifications are contained in the manual that governs pricing, which may be found at www.coli.org.

EXCLUSION OF TAXES: C2ER is fully aware that state and local taxes are an integral part of the cost of living, and that tax burdens vary widely among states and metropolitan areas and within metropolitan areas. Due to the multiplicity of state and local taxes, taxing jurisdictions, and assessment procedures, it is not feasible to calculate local tax burdens reliably. C2ER has opted to produce an index that adequately measures differences in goods and services costs, rather than to produce an inaccurate measure that attempts to incorporate taxes levied on real and intangible property, retail purchases, and income.

TWO SECTIONS OF QUARTERLY DATA: The ACCRA Cost of Living Index presents data in two sections:

URBAN AREA INDEX DATA: This section shows each urban area’s Composite Index and six component indexes—Grocery Items, Housing, Utilities, Transportation, Health Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services. Urban areas are listed by state. Within each state, urban areas appear

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alphabetically within metropolitan area, metropolitan division or micropolitan area in the United States. C2ER has adopted the new metro and micro area definitions announced by the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on June 6, 2003.

Data users who opt to use suburban places as surrogates for central cities should be aware that living cost differences can exist within large metropolitan areas. This caution is particularly important where there are substantial differences in housing costs and/or utility rates.

AVERAGE PRICES: The average price reported for each item in the survey is shown for each participating place. Places are listed alphabetically within state, without respect to metropolitan or micropolitan status. After the final state listing, this section presents the median, average, standard deviation, and range for each item.

DATA REQUESTS: Please use our website at www.coli.org.

OTHER QUESTIONS: Please direct all questions ex-cept data requests to C2ER at the mailing address shown on the previous page, voice 703-522-4980, fax 703-522-4985, or www.c2er.org (“Contact Us”). SUBSCRIPTIONS: This quarterly report is available

by subscription for US$140 per year. Subscriptions begin with the current issue unless the subscriber specifies otherwise. Single copies of current or back reports may be purchased for $70 each. Electronic subscriptions are available for $250 for four quarters. Combined print/electronic subscriptions are available for $295 per year. Order forms are available from the C2ER Subscription Office (voice 703-522-4980, fax 703-522-4985, or www.c2er.org). Please call or e-mail [email protected] about international orders.

Fax and Internet orders may be placed with VISA, MasterCard, or American Express account number; mail orders may use any of those options plus check (payable to “C2ER”) or government purchase order in U.S. currency.

If you have questions about your subscription, con-tact the C2ER Subscription Office (703-522-4980).

COPYRIGHT POLICY: Each issue of the ACCRA Cost of Living Index is copyrighted. Printing, trans-ferring into computer-readable format, or otherwise reproducing an entire Index report or any part thereof for sale is expressly prohibited unless written per-mission is obtained from C2ER. News media, how-ever, are permitted to use Index data in editorial form in both paper copy and on the Internet, and are per-mitted to reproduce tables in part to illustrate text,

provided appropriate credit is given to C2ER. They are granted no other reproduction rights. Participants may post on their Internet sites index data (but not average prices) for their area, for any areas over 2 million population, and for no more than five other areas. Other Internet posting of any ACCRA Cost of Living Index data without written per-mission from C2ER is prohibited.

Any questions about copyright policy or reproduction rights should be addressed to the C2ER Subscription Office.

C2ER: C2ER is a nonprofit professional organization comprising research staff of chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and agencies, and related organizations throughout the United States and Canada. In its dedication to improving business information through research, C2ER developed the ACCRA Cost of Living Index to meet the need for a measure of living cost differentials among urban areas. Originally titled Inter-City Cost of Living Indicators Project, the ACCRA Cost of Living Index has been published quarterly since 1968. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is based on nearly 100,000 data points gathered primarily by C2ER members located in 400 cities. For more information about participating in this project or joining C2ER, please visit www.c2er.org or call 703-522-4980.

HOW TO USE THE ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX

Assume that City A has a composite index of 98.3 and City B has a composite index of 128.5. If you live in City A and are contemplatinga job offer in City B, how much of an increase in your after-taxes income is needed to maintain your present lifestyle? 100*[(City B – City A)/City A] = 100*[(128.5-98.3)/98.3] = 100*(.3072) = 30.72%, or about a 31% increase Conversely, if you are considering a move from City B to City A, how much of a cut in after-taxes income can you sustain withoutreducing your present lifestyle? 100*[(City A – City B)/City b] = 100*[(98.3 – 128.5)/128.5] = 100*(-.2350) = -23.5%, or about a 24% reduction

iii

Price Report Column Headings

The items and specifications in this study are listed below. Descriptions for housing and utilities are abbreviated, since pricing is based on explicit procedural instructions and highly detailed specifications. Monthly costs for housing and energy are not communitywide averages, and should not be construed as such: they are specific to professional and executive households. Establishment samples are selected to reflect a mid-management standard of living; minimum sample size depends on the population of the area for which data are collected. To ensure uniformity, national brands are stipulated wherever possible. “Lowest price” is the average of the lowest prices found in all stores surveyed. Weights are shown for the component indexes. Weights are calculated by C2ER based on data extracted from the 2006 US Consumer Expenditure Survey, BLS.

ColumnNumber Weight GROCERY ITEMS

MEATS1 .031121 T-bone steak ............................... Price per pound 2 031121 Ground beef or hamburger.......... Price per pound, lowest price, min 80% lean 3 .037510 Sausage ...................................... Price per pound; Jimmy Dean or Owens brand, 100% pork 4 .036480 Frying chicken ............................. Price per pound, whole fryer 5 .035243 Chunk light tuna .......................... 6.0 oz. can, Starkist or Chicken of the Sea DAIRY PRODUCTS

6 .034522 Whole milk................................... Half-gallon carton 7 .008141 Eggs ............................................ One dozen, Grade A, large 8 .004288 Margarine .................................... One pound, cubes, Blue Bonnet or Parkay 9 .065746 Parmesan cheese, grated ........... 8 oz. canister, Kraft brand PRODUCE

10 .030524 Potatoes ...................................... 10 lb., white or red 11 .056884 Bananas ...................................... Price per pound 12 .026154 Iceberg lettuce............................. Head, approximately 1.25 pounds BAKERY PRODUCTS

13 .085120 Bread, white ................................ 24 oz. loaf, lowest price, or prorated 24-oz. equivalent, lowest price

MISCELLANEOUS GROCERY PRODUCTS 14 .016255 Fresh Orange Juice……………… 64 oz. (1.89 liters) Tropicana or Florida Natural brand15 .036501 Coffee, vacuum-packed .............. 11.5 oz. can, Maxwell House, Hills Brothers, or Folgers 16 .035140 Sugar........................................... 4 pound sack, cane or beet, lowest price 17 .038438 Corn flakes .................................. 18 oz., Kellogg’s or Post Toasties 18 .012675 Sweet peas ................................. 15-15.25 oz. can, Del Monte or Green Giant 19 .013836 Peaches ...................................... 29 oz. can, Hunt’s, Del Monte, Libby’s or Lady Alberta 20 .051628 Facial tissues............................... 200-count box, Kleenex brand 21 .051628 Dishwashing powder ................... 75 oz. Cascade dishwashing powder 22 .017765 Shortening................................... 3 pound can, all-vegetable, Crisco brand 23 .099643 Frozen meal ................................ 8 to 10 oz. frozen chicken entrée, Healthy Choice or Lean

Cuisine brand 24 .012675 Frozen corn ................................. 16 oz. whole kernel, lowest price 25 .078015 Potato chips ................................ 12 oz. plain regular potato chips 26 .052947 Soft drink ..................................... 2 liter Coca Cola, excluding any deposit

HOUSING27 .164359 Apartment, monthly rent .............. Two bedroom, unfurnished, excluding all utilities except water, 1½

or 2 baths, 950 sq. ft. 28A Total purchase price.................... 2,400 sq. ft. living area new house, 8,000 sq. ft. lot, 4 bedrooms,

2 baths 28B Mortgage rate.............................. Effective rate, including points and origination fee, for 30-year 28C .835641 Monthly payment ......................... Principal and interest, using mortgage rate for item 28B and

assuming 25% down payment

ColumnNumber Weight

UTILITIES29-30 .633597 Total home energy cost ............... Monthly cost, at current rates, for average monthly consumption

of all types of energy during the previous 12 months for the type of home specified in Item 28A

29 - Electricity ..................................... Average monthly cost for all-electric homes is shown in Column 29A; average monthly cost for homes using other types of energy as well is shown in Column 29B

30 - Other home energy...................... Average monthly cost at current rates for natural gas, fuel oil, coal, wood, and any other forms of energy except electricity

31 .366403 Telephone.................................... Private residential line; customer owns instruments. Price in-cludes: basic monthly rate; additional local use charges, if any, incurred by a family of four; TouchTone fee; all other mandatory monthly charges, such as long distance access fee and 911 fee; and all taxes on the foregoing.

TRANSPORTATION

32 .255161 Auto maintenance........................ Average price to computer- or spin-balance one front wheel 33 .744839 Gasoline ...................................... One gallon regular unleaded, national brand, including all taxes;

cash price at self-service pump if available

HEALTH CARE 34 .060244 Office visit, optometrist ................ Full vision eye exam for established adult patient 35 .198209 Office visit, doctor ........................ American Medical Association procedure 99213 (general

practitioner’s routine examination of established patient) 36 .319194 Office visit, dentist ....................... American Dental Association procedure 1110 (adult teeth

cleaning)37 .087955 Ibuprofen ..................................... 200 mg. 50 tablets, Advil brand 38 .334398 Atorvastatin Calcium……………...20 mg. 30 tablets, Lipitor brand

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS & SERVICES 39 .115611 Hamburger sandwich................... ¼-pound patty with cheese, pickle, onion, mustard, and catsup.

McDonald’s Quarter-Pounder with cheese, where available 40 .115611 Pizza............................................ 11"-12" thin crust cheese pizza. Pizza Hut or Pizza Inn where

available 41 .115611 Fried chicken ............................... Thigh and drumstick, with or without extras, whichever is less

expensive, Kentucky Fried Chicken or Church’s where available 42 .018334 Haircut ......................................... Man’s barbershop haircut, no styling 43 .018334 Beauty salon................................ Woman’s shampoo, trim, and blow-dry 44 .010777 Toothpaste................................... 6 oz.-6.4 oz. tube, Crest or Colgate 45 .026284 Shampoo ..................................... 15 oz. bottle, Alberto VO5 brand 46 .042299 Dry cleaning................................. Man’s two-piece suit 47 .044918 Men’s dress shirt ......................... Cotton/polyester, pinpoint weave, long sleeves 48 .010711 Boy’s jeans .................................. Blue denim jeans, regular, relaxed or loose fit, sizes 8-20 49 .080844 Women’s slacks........................... At least 95% cotton, twill khakis, misses 4-14 50 .082682 Major appliance repair ................. Home service call, clothes washing machine; minimum labor

charge, excluding parts 51 .015912 Monthly newspaper subscription . Daily and Sunday home delivery, large-city newspaper 52 .051212 Movie........................................... First-run, indoor, evening, no discount 53 .051212 Bowling ........................................ Price per line (game). Saturday evening non-league rate 54 .078968 Tennis balls ................................. Can of three extra-duty, yellow, Wilson or Penn brand 55 .053010 Veterinary Services ..................... Annual exam, 4-year-old dog 56 .033835 Beer ............................................. Heineken’s, 6-pack, 12-oz. containers, excluding any deposit 57 .033835 Wine ............................................ Livingston Cellars or Gallo Chablis or Chenin Blanc, 1.5-liter

bottle

ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX - SECOND QUARTER 2008 PAGE 1.1

100% 12.49% 29.84% 9.94% 10.73% 4.07% 32.93%METRO/MICRO COMPOSITE GROCERY TRANS- MISC. GOODS

URBAN AREA AND STATE INDEX ITEMS HOUSING UTILITIES PORTATION HEALTH CARE AND SERVICES

Anniston-Oxford AL MetroAnniston-Calhoun County AL 93.1 97.3 79.6 96.2 97.3 87.1 102.1

Auburn-Opelika AL MetroAuburn-Opelika AL 96.7 97.5 90.9 93.1 101.8 82.7 102.8

Birmingham-Hoover AL MetroBirmingham AL 91.5 98.1 72.4 97.8 98.6 90.0 102.3

Decatur AL MetroDecatur-Hartselle AL 89.3 95.1 73.1 86.3 106.6 89.3 97.0

Dothan AL MetroDothan AL 87.9 98.8 75.9 82.4 97.7 84.0 93.6

Florence-Muscle Shoals AL MetroFlorence AL 91.2 97.5 80.9 86.2 94.0 83.8 99.7

Gadsden AL MetroGadsden AL 90.9 103.6 80.8 102.6 93.1 83.7 91.9

Huntsville AL MetroHuntsville AL 92.0 94.0 83.2 81.5 98.0 94.1 100.2

Mobile AL MetroMobile AL 94.2 103.1 81.6 103.9 96.7 87.7 99.2

Montgomery AL MetroMontgomery AL 97.6 98.7 98.5 99.3 101.8 87.3 95.9

Tuscaloosa AL MetroTuscaloosa AL 90.6 102.3 77.3 89.8 99.0 93.9 95.1

Anchorage AK MetroAnchorage AK 122.5 143.3 132.9 92.4 104.0 131.7 119.2

Fairbanks AK MetroFairbanks AK 136.4 125.2 149.7 205.8 108.9 140.1 116.0

Kodiak AK MicroKodiak AK 124.8 154.3 118.7 139.4 112.2 128.3 118.5

Flagstaff AZ MetroFlagstaff AZ 118.4 107.5 163.0 93.5 104.8 99.1 96.4

Lake Havasu City-Kingman AZ MicroLake Havasu City AZ 111.2 104.5 137.3 100.0 104.0 96.9 97.5

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale AZ MetroPhoenix AZ 99.8 100.6 98.5 91.6 99.0 100.6 103.3

Prescott AZ MetroPrescott-Prescott Valley AZ 106.5 100.7 118.9 89.2 102.1 101.5 104.8

Sierra Vista-Douglas AZ MicroSierra Vista AZ 101.4 102.1 103.3 99.8 103.7 101.3 99.0

Tucson AZ MetroTucson AZ 99.6 106.8 96.4 93.7 100.7 97.0 101.4

Yuma AZ MetroYuma AZ 104.2 108.6 99.8 108.4 102.2 101.3 106.3

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers AR-MO MetroFayetteville AR 89.8 94.0 80.4 93.4 97.2 93.3 92.8

Fort Smith AR-OK MetroFort Smith AR 86.6 86.3 70.2 99.3 85.3 90.1 97.6

ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX PAGE 2.1

QUARTER 2, 2008: PRICE REPORT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21TBONE GRND SAU FRY HGAL DOZEN MARGA PAR POTA BANA LET ORANG COF SWEET PEACH CAS-

URBAN AREA AND STATE STEAK BEEF SAGE CHICK TUNA MILK EGGS RINE MESAN TOES NAS TUCE BREAD JUICE FEE SUGAR CEREAL PEAS ES KLNX CADE

Anniston-Calhoun County AL 9.59 2.12 2.65 1.08 0.70 2.56 1.97 0.81 3.51 4.02 0.64 1.41 1.39 2.81 3.09 1.75 2.99 0.87 1.88 1.88 4.28Auburn-Opelika AL 10.34 3.08 3.11 1.03 0.76 2.45 1.99 0.83 2.93 4.71 0.64 1.44 1.32 3.36 3.98 1.61 3.24 0.89 1.82 1.82 3.75Birmingham AL 9.88 2.84 2.77 1.13 0.78 2.54 1.88 0.95 3.15 4.82 0.65 1.43 1.38 3.04 3.59 1.79 3.35 0.92 1.71 1.64 4.38Decatur-Hartselle AL 8.39 2.82 2.95 1.07 0.75 2.12 1.80 0.76 2.96 4.48 0.62 1.40 1.32 3.11 3.67 1.74 3.42 0.92 1.77 1.77 4.14Dothan AL 8.88 2.81 2.91 1.17 0.81 2.48 1.94 0.93 2.95 3.84 0.66 1.46 1.45 3.14 3.33 1.75 3.28 0.94 1.87 1.90 4.24Florence AL 8.41 2.32 3.08 1.05 0.74 2.21 1.95 0.78 3.17 3.86 0.63 1.40 1.21 3.15 3.57 1.64 3.52 0.98 1.85 2.02 4.32Gadsden AL 8.65 2.58 3.25 1.03 0.81 2.28 1.70 0.83 3.30 5.22 0.63 1.39 1.40 3.19 3.28 1.77 3.57 0.93 1.99 1.83 4.49Huntsville AL 9.75 2.84 2.83 0.88 0.73 2.48 1.84 0.70 3.38 3.49 0.63 1.35 1.44 3.13 3.56 1.64 3.14 0.88 1.79 1.66 4.18Mobile AL 9.19 2.99 2.88 1.13 0.79 2.63 2.06 0.87 3.61 4.83 0.63 1.41 1.50 3.55 3.46 1.80 3.73 1.05 1.94 2.00 4.73Montgomery AL 9.59 2.47 2.60 1.09 0.71 2.45 1.88 0.80 3.09 4.33 0.66 1.45 1.34 3.11 3.39 1.78 3.39 0.83 1.81 1.88 4.18Tuscaloosa AL 8.09 2.98 2.83 1.27 0.76 2.57 2.04 0.71 3.29 5.01 0.65 1.47 1.52 3.39 3.73 1.68 3.01 0.95 1.87 1.70 4.20

Anchorage AK 10.62 2.97 4.49 1.79 1.29 3.24 3.29 1.24 6.12 4.14 0.94 1.49 2.17 4.92 5.11 2.79 4.02 1.48 2.77 2.39 5.44Fairbanks AK 9.24 3.07 4.49 1.79 0.97 2.39 3.29 1.17 5.13 4.32 0.94 1.84 1.72 4.24 4.74 2.36 3.89 1.27 2.59 2.01 4.90Kodiak AK 11.74 3.62 5.22 1.59 1.28 3.19 3.53 1.64 5.85 5.44 1.39 2.22 1.65 5.32 5.09 2.91 3.86 1.50 2.67 2.67 6.60

Flagstaff AZ 8.79 2.85 2.99 1.69 0.93 2.09 2.07 1.01 5.29 3.51 0.68 1.17 1.47 3.76 4.84 1.78 4.07 1.25 2.72 1.45 4.21Lake Havasu City AZ 9.62 3.19 3.24 1.49 0.79 1.92 2.15 1.01 5.23 3.62 0.69 1.24 1.21 3.77 4.87 1.81 3.88 1.27 2.08 1.85 4.39Phoenix AZ 8.54 3.00 2.96 1.33 0.83 2.13 2.06 0.90 4.62 3.48 0.68 1.13 1.47 3.58 4.45 1.82 3.84 1.14 2.58 1.62 3.85Prescott-Prescott Valley AZ 8.19 2.78 2.92 1.48 0.74 1.97 2.23 0.97 4.69 3.61 0.67 1.17 1.36 3.68 4.40 1.95 3.71 1.14 2.18 1.82 4.18Sierra Vista AZ 8.06 3.32 2.88 1.12 0.84 2.39 2.29 0.85 5.16 3.19 0.65 1.14 1.37 3.76 4.66 1.77 3.86 1.22 2.51 1.93 3.98Tucson AZ 7.87 2.40 3.12 1.40 1.49 2.10 2.19 0.99 4.85 3.54 0.67 1.21 1.38 3.64 4.93 1.90 3.57 1.18 2.29 1.54 4.51Yuma AZ 8.52 3.32 3.96 1.25 1.23 2.60 2.31 1.36 4.41 3.13 0.53 1.29 1.37 4.10 3.94 2.21 4.08 1.06 2.15 2.21 5.11

Conway AR 8.64 2.64 2.58 1.01 0.75 2.02 1.86 0.74 2.80 3.88 0.64 1.54 1.31 3.16 3.76 1.77 3.07 0.89 2.14 1.72 3.95Fayetteville AR 9.71 2.43 2.73 0.85 0.72 2.09 1.70 0.66 2.92 3.30 0.65 1.37 1.27 3.42 3.71 1.60 3.19 0.73 1.93 1.74 4.49Fort Smith AR 8.26 2.20 2.61 0.93 0.68 2.10 2.02 0.69 2.89 2.98 0.64 1.36 1.24 3.07 3.35 1.45 3.14 0.76 1.75 1.65 3.73Hot Springs AR 7.98 2.46 3.14 0.83 0.79 2.32 1.98 0.72 3.45 3.56 0.63 1.41 1.28 3.18 3.68 1.80 3.42 0.96 2.05 1.84 4.40Jonesboro AR 7.96 2.02 3.05 0.94 0.77 2.01 1.56 0.70 2.64 4.11 0.60 1.26 1.06 3.26 3.63 1.73 3.59 0.93 1.99 1.76 4.26Little Rock-North Little Rock AR 8.04 2.20 3.28 0.97 0.84 2.17 1.93 0.74 2.89 3.47 0.63 1.47 1.10 3.19 3.90 1.94 3.54 0.97 2.24 1.68 3.89

Bakersfield CA 7.79 2.43 2.53 0.96 0.89 2.78 2.72 1.01 4.14 3.32 0.69 1.13 1.96 3.44 4.61 2.23 3.52 0.99 2.29 1.97 5.54Fresno CA 7.80 2.60 3.33 1.08 0.98 2.88 3.13 1.34 5.07 3.72 0.80 1.03 1.75 3.85 5.18 2.58 4.01 1.29 2.41 2.23 5.17Lancaster-Palmdale CA 7.71 2.48 3.06 1.23 1.00 2.69 2.76 1.01 4.85 3.56 0.71 1.39 2.34 3.77 4.36 1.96 3.93 1.19 2.26 1.96 5.16Los Angeles-Long Beach CA 9.51 3.09 3.81 1.23 0.94 2.83 2.69 0.82 5.19 3.99 0.78 1.63 1.74 3.50 4.45 2.14 4.55 1.08 2.63 2.30 5.25Oakland CA 9.97 2.57 2.66 1.59 1.05 2.67 3.33 1.46 5.59 4.73 0.89 1.51 2.09 4.20 6.25 2.14 4.51 1.18 2.99 1.99 6.43Orange County CA 8.65 2.65 3.60 1.23 1.02 2.81 2.59 0.86 4.85 4.27 0.76 1.59 1.89 3.50 4.01 2.23 4.49 1.20 2.56 2.31 5.23Palm Springs CA 8.35 2.33 3.20 1.21 1.07 2.65 2.59 0.85 4.39 3.89 0.76 1.59 1.74 3.59 4.77 2.16 4.65 1.08 2.53 2.29 4.57Riverside City CA 8.42 3.03 3.34 1.37 0.94 2.65 2.49 0.86 4.51 3.87 0.70 1.59 1.81 3.49 4.39 2.30 4.63 1.07 2.52 1.98 4.29Sacramento CA 9.99 3.49 3.99 1.53 0.92 2.87 3.05 1.22 5.51 4.17 0.77 1.17 2.18 3.50 6.05 2.25 3.94 1.39 2.95 1.83 4.88San Diego CA 9.79 2.79 3.34 1.23 0.93 2.83 2.65 0.82 5.19 3.99 0.78 1.53 1.79 3.50 4.51 2.14 4.41 1.08 2.63 2.27 5.33San Francisco CA 10.19 3.09 3.25 1.69 0.99 2.71 3.27 1.87 5.69 4.13 0.85 1.47 2.03 4.04 5.65 2.23 4.37 1.52 2.99 2.19 4.57San Jose CA 11.19 2.71 4.23 1.37 2.01 2.69 2.93 1.55 5.11 3.65 1.07 1.23 2.61 5.65 5.15 2.03 4.53 1.59 2.67 3.03 5.21

Boulder CO 11.39 2.87 3.10 1.11 0.78 2.29 2.14 0.81 4.49 3.99 0.69 1.33 1.63 3.70 5.47 2.15 3.38 1.10 3.03 1.80 4.40Colorado Springs CO 9.36 2.54 3.13 1.06 0.76 2.28 1.81 0.77 4.34 3.77 0.68 1.37 1.41 3.09 4.23 2.02 3.14 0.93 2.65 1.86 4.41Denver CO 10.08 2.29 3.70 1.17 0.77 2.19 1.97 0.87 4.17 3.99 0.71 1.11 1.46 3.69 4.80 2.65 3.15 1.07 2.94 1.57 4.25Grand Junction CO 9.99 2.66 3.33 1.06 0.97 2.27 2.01 0.85 4.82 3.91 0.65 1.42 1.48 3.29 4.84 2.17 2.86 1.12 3.16 1.63 4.89Greeley CO 10.08 2.76 3.32 1.06 0.91 2.53 2.74 1.04 4.84 3.89 0.67 1.26 1.54 4.49 4.75 2.13 3.19 1.19 2.41 1.87 4.74Gunnison CO 11.98 2.99 3.99 1.14 0.97 2.59 2.89 1.19 4.99 3.99 0.74 1.49 1.64 4.45 5.87 2.31 3.79 1.27 3.04 2.17 4.75Loveland CO 8.51 2.64 3.28 1.25 0.76 2.23 2.05 0.84 4.26 3.74 0.69 1.36 1.65 3.09 5.07 2.47 3.23 1.06 2.73 1.79 4.56

ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX PAGE 2.9

QUARTER 2, 2008: PRICE REPORT

URBAN AREA AND STATE

Anniston-Calhoun County ALAuburn-Opelika ALBirmingham ALDecatur-Hartselle ALDothan ALFlorence ALGadsden ALHuntsville ALMobile ALMontgomery ALTuscaloosa AL

Anchorage AKFairbanks AKKodiak AK

Flagstaff AZLake Havasu City AZPhoenix AZPrescott-Prescott Valley AZSierra Vista AZTucson AZYuma AZ

Conway ARFayetteville ARFort Smith ARHot Springs ARJonesboro ARLittle Rock-North Little Rock AR

Bakersfield CAFresno CALancaster-Palmdale CALos Angeles-Long Beach CAOakland CAOrange County CAPalm Springs CARiverside City CASacramento CASan Diego CASan Francisco CASan Jose CA

Boulder COColorado Springs CODenver COGrand Junction COGreeley COGunnison COLoveland CO

22 23 24 25 26 27 28A 28B 28C 29A 29B 30 29+30 31 32 33 34 35 36CRIS FROZN FROZN POTATO APT HOME MORT HOME ALL- PART OTHER TOTAL TIRE GASO OPTO DENCO MEAL CORN CHIPS COKE RENT PRICE RATE (%) P+I ELECT ELECT ENERGY ENERGY PHONE BAL LINE METRIST DOCTOR TIST

5.37 2.62 0.99 3.09 1.51 545 249,780 5.97 1,119 160.10 160.10 28.26 8.40 3.380 99.00 59.33 51.205.17 2.69 1.06 2.52 1.58 558 294,250 5.83 1,300 84.54 83.39 167.92 24.03 9.50 3.455 61.00 59.50 53.004.59 2.48 1.24 3.41 1.08 747 211,509 5.83 934 92.70 89.37 182.08 23.81 9.61 3.298 99.20 64.00 62.255.03 2.72 1.24 2.47 1.38 510 228,052 5.99 1,024 134.84 134.84 27.58 10.48 3.555 88.50 63.33 56.605.07 2.83 1.20 2.75 1.47 574 238,800 5.79 1,049 128.09 128.09 26.52 10.00 3.211 58.40 62.00 51.604.83 2.93 1.77 2.67 1.56 529 255,140 5.99 1,146 129.54 129.54 28.91 8.19 3.259 68.60 67.20 50.205.27 3.23 1.14 3.49 1.58 600 255,000 5.78 1,120 95.80 91.99 187.79 25.80 8.00 3.239 68.67 67.67 51.005.08 2.54 0.97 2.35 1.42 682 256,150 5.84 1,132 116.09 116.09 28.94 8.92 3.352 100.50 61.67 67.004.50 2.77 1.36 2.95 1.41 622 250,500 5.99 1,126 101.26 80.61 181.87 28.25 8.60 3.330 95.25 62.50 59.505.32 2.76 1.30 3.29 1.42 680 313,728 5.82 1,383 97.30 82.77 180.07 25.41 10.36 3.354 71.00 62.90 56.205.30 3.12 1.27 3.22 1.36 659 238,800 5.74 1,044 157.59 157.59 24.33 10.05 3.266 76.80 61.50 73.40

6.15 3.99 2.16 4.39 2.37 920 418,380 5.92 1,865 55.37 117.99 173.36 22.18 10.16 3.474 107.80 118.50 108.506.15 3.26 1.62 2.86 2.36 1,022 472,800 5.91 2,105 114.50 368.25 482.75 24.69 11.00 3.595 144.67 140.37 128.006.52 4.29 2.87 4.65 2.76 1,200 350,000 5.81 1,541 67.41 226.67 294.08 25.13 12.00 3.629 145.00 87.50 112.50

6.27 2.81 1.84 2.60 1.54 997 527,150 5.84 2,331 70.35 99.57 169.92 23.82 10.83 3.433 87.40 83.40 77.256.59 2.45 1.39 2.66 1.40 573 468,928 5.74 2,051 185.45 185.45 24.50 10.98 3.380 62.00 84.00 71.006.01 2.14 1.39 2.60 1.47 809 306,317 5.74 1,340 171.04 171.04 22.17 10.09 3.261 97.71 75.40 79.805.96 2.31 1.32 2.60 1.39 837 370,006 6.00 1,664 62.72 102.16 164.88 22.01 10.16 3.390 86.67 86.20 74.715.66 2.41 1.25 2.43 1.49 888 316,548 5.80 1,392 87.47 81.96 169.43 28.49 10.54 3.419 97.67 77.25 78.755.75 3.11 1.63 2.58 1.32 826 295,255 5.81 1,300 104.10 70.66 174.76 22.71 10.66 3.269 82.17 71.67 77.004.52 3.41 1.33 2.23 1.42 758 313,500 5.80 1,379 203.38 203.38 25.99 10.50 3.356 74.40 87.50 75.00

4.46 2.75 1.20 2.50 1.52 600 248,184 6.43 1,168 62.51 100.26 162.76 29.01 9.49 3.303 73.50 73.00 66.004.62 2.84 1.42 2.86 1.30 588 253,350 5.82 1,117 71.12 78.04 149.16 29.01 9.50 3.249 77.80 77.00 65.003.88 2.30 1.12 2.31 1.24 530 216,000 6.00 971 65.56 96.44 162.00 30.01 6.50 3.065 87.60 70.00 62.004.95 2.59 1.24 2.60 1.47 575 262,500 5.84 1,161 86.75 86.96 173.71 27.17 7.50 3.207 79.33 65.20 55.204.90 2.39 1.36 2.50 1.46 564 243,625 5.97 1,092 57.33 76.53 133.86 31.80 7.67 3.216 50.67 78.33 52.674.87 2.99 1.22 2.36 1.58 766 236,650 5.59 1,018 83.50 106.81 190.31 30.29 9.30 3.200 70.88 81.00 68.75

6.44 3.36 1.77 2.72 1.29 793 312,490 5.77 1,370 128.03 87.74 215.77 18.69 10.67 3.660 69.00 85.00 77.506.06 3.47 1.84 3.15 1.50 921 472,195 5.75 2,067 160.99 94.29 255.28 16.55 11.28 3.711 108.71 86.00 83.226.26 3.08 2.00 2.96 1.48 955 311,176 5.79 1,367 124.54 62.24 186.79 26.01 10.00 3.723 85.33 100.00 89.756.59 2.10 1.55 2.36 1.36 1,887 779,733 5.85 3,449 114.70 64.56 179.26 18.69 10.59 3.851 104.20 79.40 83.805.69 3.18 2.37 3.29 1.91 1,504 685,830 6.11 3,119 72.63 90.94 163.58 22.99 11.06 3.916 114.89 106.50 94.136.59 2.20 1.47 2.18 1.38 1,748 823,783 5.85 3,644 114.40 65.55 179.95 18.69 10.79 3.730 90.40 95.00 84.256.83 2.92 1.58 2.55 1.31 974 550,533 5.89 2,446 121.73 65.57 187.30 25.25 12.00 3.801 71.80 68.50 83.806.40 2.35 1.73 2.75 1.23 1,119 494,603 5.89 2,197 101.53 74.97 176.50 16.94 11.99 3.765 86.00 73.00 85.606.99 2.80 1.91 2.50 1.69 1,102 468,164 5.85 2,071 159.75 51.17 210.92 18.69 11.08 3.735 109.40 81.50 86.806.67 2.10 1.67 2.36 1.36 1,686 640,659 5.85 2,834 130.12 50.81 180.93 18.69 10.24 3.763 101.80 91.00 91.406.29 3.32 2.22 2.97 1.74 2,293 860,964 6.11 3,919 97.32 91.88 189.20 22.99 10.85 4.016 100.30 120.50 90.704.27 4.39 3.29 2.99 1.35 1,349 796,975 5.99 3,580 147.57 91.25 238.82 24.99 11.59 3.844 106.40 115.00 88.33

6.04 2.55 1.85 2.65 1.16 1,199 550,851 5.86 2,440 70.77 83.69 154.46 24.16 9.00 3.283 97.88 84.80 80.005.59 2.12 1.39 2.31 1.16 737 272,375 5.89 1,210 50.56 69.63 120.19 30.15 12.17 3.152 91.80 92.00 80.806.05 2.40 2.24 2.84 1.35 835 345,770 5.82 1,524 70.77 83.75 154.51 24.80 9.44 3.340 85.33 99.47 78.676.21 2.57 1.62 2.50 1.21 673 324,030 5.89 1,440 78.85 77.58 156.44 25.68 11.50 3.308 81.60 90.17 72.335.94 3.02 2.01 3.00 1.45 732 281,919 5.78 1,238 70.77 69.78 140.54 26.21 8.00 3.229 100.33 92.00 79.005.79 3.95 3.49 3.40 1.69 725 480,000 5.78 2,108 64.54 82.01 146.55 32.01 10.00 3.520 80.00 87.50 70.005.86 2.23 1.77 2.63 1.10 825 221,986 5.87 985 42.03 89.10 131.13 34.99 11.24 3.220 83.67 75.75 79.83

ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX PAGE 2.17

QUARTER 2, 2008: PRICE REPORT

URBAN AREA AND STATE

Anniston-Calhoun County ALAuburn-Opelika ALBirmingham ALDecatur-Hartselle ALDothan ALFlorence ALGadsden ALHuntsville ALMobile ALMontgomery ALTuscaloosa AL

Anchorage AKFairbanks AKKodiak AK

Flagstaff AZLake Havasu City AZPhoenix AZPrescott-Prescott Valley AZSierra Vista AZTucson AZYuma AZ

Conway ARFayetteville ARFort Smith ARHot Springs ARJonesboro ARLittle Rock-North Little Rock AR

Bakersfield CAFresno CALancaster-Palmdale CALos Angeles-Long Beach CAOakland CAOrange County CAPalm Springs CARiverside City CASacramento CASan Diego CASan Francisco CASan Jose CA

Boulder COColorado Springs CODenver COGrand Junction COGreeley COGunnison COLoveland CO

37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57IBUPRO ATORVA HMBGR 2-PC HAIR BEAUT TOOTH SHAM DRY MEN'S BOY'S WOMEN'S WASHR NEWS BOWL TENNS VET

FEN STAT CAL SAND PIZZA CHICK CUT SALON PASTE POO CLEAN SHIRT JEANS SLACKS REPR PAPER MOVIE ING BALLS SERVICES BEER WINE

6.79 135.16 2.83 13.30 3.27 10.79 31.40 2.65 1.14 8.60 24.99 15.17 28.98 62.60 12.75 7.00 3.75 2.44 36.80 7.99 7.665.80 131.33 2.91 10.99 3.45 12.67 37.50 2.77 1.11 7.46 27.48 21.61 25.64 62.00 11.75 8.50 5.00 2.11 38.50 8.25 8.885.78 128.90 2.89 11.99 2.93 14.20 26.19 2.39 1.05 10.86 25.50 19.99 32.50 60.00 14.52 8.88 4.72 1.87 32.96 8.34 8.496.44 136.18 2.99 10.49 3.09 10.00 30.75 2.27 1.04 9.00 34.99 17.64 28.74 50.00 12.48 8.00 3.88 1.91 32.17 8.39 7.246.75 131.59 2.99 14.29 3.07 11.10 19.70 2.29 1.11 8.39 20.37 15.39 16.99 52.99 14.15 7.63 3.13 1.93 31.10 8.41 7.246.07 129.44 3.19 10.49 3.52 11.60 29.60 2.44 1.18 9.41 26.79 17.79 24.98 57.00 13.54 7.75 3.75 2.05 36.90 8.41 7.646.57 124.04 2.89 10.99 2.79 10.67 25.00 2.67 1.11 8.43 21.20 20.32 33.99 55.00 11.95 7.00 2.00 1.79 32.00 8.04 6.725.93 138.45 2.99 13.23 3.15 13.75 33.75 2.02 0.79 8.98 22.73 26.75 21.00 57.50 11.70 8.25 4.78 1.97 44.20 8.06 7.246.10 125.55 2.79 10.99 2.99 11.80 26.06 2.66 1.12 8.44 24.12 22.19 30.09 64.70 13.00 7.83 4.13 2.18 36.38 8.41 7.276.34 134.62 2.59 10.49 2.84 12.80 38.60 2.24 1.14 9.45 25.79 17.96 25.99 55.50 16.68 8.00 3.87 1.90 41.61 8.31 7.225.71 134.72 3.04 10.49 2.66 14.00 30.80 2.58 1.06 10.17 19.99 16.99 19.99 65.08 15.60 8.50 4.25 1.87 34.60 8.10 7.36

6.94 155.03 3.47 13.49 4.60 18.20 32.20 3.34 1.29 10.54 34.87 19.81 31.83 70.00 14.63 9.58 3.75 1.89 47.30 10.14 9.245.44 131.75 3.59 12.99 4.50 13.24 34.83 2.91 1.12 12.17 24.89 18.96 26.47 70.00 14.85 10.00 4.00 2.27 44.50 9.78 8.638.67 143.16 3.49 13.77 2.59 17.00 36.00 3.39 1.41 11.00 22.96 15.41 34.50 90.00 20.67 7.50 4.75 2.38 65.00 9.44 8.99

6.19 122.24 3.59 9.99 2.59 12.60 37.60 2.57 1.02 9.59 21.86 24.51 24.73 65.50 12.75 8.50 3.00 1.99 41.20 7.53 4.996.24 130.62 3.39 9.99 3.24 12.33 32.33 2.06 0.99 8.48 19.33 13.22 19.99 57.67 10.17 8.25 4.75 2.59 42.00 7.55 5.246.16 128.83 2.89 10.24 3.48 14.80 37.00 2.40 1.04 10.61 24.02 17.98 34.10 61.06 16.68 8.80 4.14 2.10 47.95 7.26 4.896.72 130.68 3.59 10.32 3.09 12.43 34.50 2.05 1.04 11.62 23.00 19.49 20.99 70.38 13.22 8.00 3.64 3.49 42.46 7.56 5.616.12 131.63 3.19 10.97 2.83 10.00 30.00 2.39 0.99 9.17 29.50 25.66 28.32 54.50 11.46 6.75 3.00 3.09 41.11 7.49 4.996.33 126.36 2.97 10.19 3.33 14.00 32.67 2.56 1.03 11.36 23.59 19.83 26.33 58.64 13.65 9.15 3.64 2.60 44.07 7.55 5.997.19 129.20 3.39 10.99 3.50 9.20 32.20 2.79 1.11 10.55 35.00 22.50 31.66 65.00 11.00 7.50 4.50 1.95 43.75 7.15 6.98

5.95 126.62 2.59 9.49 2.69 10.98 28.50 2.19 0.94 8.45 22.99 18.66 22.50 52.50 8.33 8.00 2.99 1.86 91.00 7.60 7.496.15 129.45 2.78 11.10 3.09 11.80 28.00 1.97 0.97 9.03 25.12 15.84 26.83 51.79 9.08 8.00 2.88 1.94 34.40 7.70 6.926.13 125.50 2.70 12.00 3.69 12.00 25.48 1.96 0.97 8.38 19.96 13.73 27.66 60.00 8.92 8.00 3.20 1.82 39.67 7.25 10.005.86 131.31 2.85 9.49 3.99 10.60 29.39 2.39 1.04 7.34 30.00 19.29 32.49 48.75 10.00 7.50 3.00 2.18 40.60 7.72 7.785.85 130.07 2.69 9.87 3.30 12.33 25.00 1.65 0.96 9.50 20.53 14.99 22.32 50.00 14.14 7.75 2.55 2.01 51.17 8.58 7.996.84 131.92 2.76 10.66 3.03 12.20 39.00 2.33 1.13 7.11 23.25 19.99 24.99 59.50 11.58 8.13 3.25 2.42 33.60 7.91 7.82

6.75 135.35 3.19 11.79 3.99 10.50 39.00 2.68 0.95 12.75 26.38 20.39 28.87 45.00 12.35 9.75 3.38 2.37 36.33 7.17 5.026.65 141.35 3.01 11.79 3.08 10.00 33.17 2.62 0.95 10.06 24.79 19.19 32.49 72.59 13.35 9.85 5.17 2.12 37.17 7.89 5.786.46 137.61 3.22 11.57 2.84 13.50 34.65 2.69 1.08 8.18 25.18 18.74 23.78 40.00 13.75 8.75 3.80 2.96 46.13 7.83 5.566.81 140.18 3.03 11.24 3.38 13.30 54.00 2.80 1.13 11.00 23.03 18.35 24.39 46.98 8.67 11.85 5.35 2.05 46.20 7.79 5.597.73 133.85 3.08 12.40 2.95 13.67 40.88 3.32 0.85 10.38 41.67 31.23 42.27 55.44 11.87 9.56 5.63 3.81 50.13 8.79 6.097.25 140.18 2.93 11.99 3.13 13.60 51.20 2.83 1.11 10.47 22.85 19.94 21.79 41.80 21.58 10.60 5.29 1.99 48.90 7.99 5.596.81 139.84 2.89 11.99 3.39 16.60 44.60 3.19 1.01 10.39 28.19 24.59 33.79 54.96 15.69 10.00 5.00 2.24 60.33 7.69 5.297.15 140.62 3.05 11.24 3.63 11.00 37.79 2.56 1.05 9.25 24.19 20.95 24.99 45.89 13.78 9.75 4.50 2.46 37.40 7.89 6.396.33 139.17 3.20 11.99 2.78 14.80 47.00 2.49 0.91 10.47 22.85 17.39 24.19 52.00 16.03 9.85 4.25 2.05 44.06 8.59 5.026.81 138.32 3.41 10.99 3.37 13.59 43.00 2.95 1.13 11.21 22.53 19.15 24.39 38.79 16.50 10.50 4.83 2.05 42.23 7.79 5.597.71 133.70 3.36 12.78 3.12 16.70 52.17 3.07 1.01 14.60 39.25 31.53 44.07 57.30 12.35 10.06 6.04 4.43 57.56 8.02 5.756.72 149.68 2.99 11.99 2.90 16.00 31.20 3.32 1.19 9.79 36.90 25.59 36.89 53.59 9.58 10.15 5.12 2.74 45.94 8.55 6.29

6.03 134.00 3.15 10.49 2.92 17.67 42.86 2.29 0.95 12.85 25.69 16.49 26.56 54.59 15.00 9.75 3.25 2.70 47.99 7.55 5.725.15 129.26 3.04 9.16 2.98 11.20 34.80 2.18 0.96 7.69 24.05 18.59 23.76 48.97 11.47 7.63 3.34 2.10 40.70 7.64 4.926.95 132.33 3.44 10.24 3.05 14.16 34.14 2.25 1.06 10.51 20.28 20.07 28.49 58.04 10.00 9.64 4.88 2.35 44.97 7.51 5.096.00 131.92 3.19 12.91 3.76 12.00 26.38 2.52 0.92 11.23 20.99 17.14 22.49 47.33 9.75 9.00 3.13 2.07 37.50 7.96 5.046.64 129.99 3.19 10.99 2.96 11.88 29.00 2.82 1.03 11.50 36.00 19.99 35.99 54.00 10.50 8.00 3.63 2.06 33.40 7.88 5.996.33 136.14 3.00 11.99 2.08 14.00 24.00 2.25 1.05 12.60 42.50 12.44 39.99 57.50 10.00 7.50 3.50 2.18 52.00 7.72 7.956.27 127.33 3.29 11.73 2.60 12.00 29.75 2.27 0.97 12.74 39.16 18.69 39.91 51.63 9.85 8.00 3.50 2.15 39.03 8.17 5.49

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