Compared to Distribution

an indicator guage with the arrow in the green the value is in the best half of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the yellow the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the red the value is in the worst quarter of communities.

Compared to Target

green circle with white tick inside it meets target; red circle with white cross inside it does not meet target.

Compared to a Single Value

green diamond with downward arrow inside it lower than the comparison value; red diamond with downward arrow inside it higher than the comparison value; blue diamond with downward arrow inside it not statistically different from comparison value.

Trend

green square outline with upward trending arrow inside it green square outline with downward trending arrow inside it non-significant change over time; green square with upward trending arrow inside it green square with downward trending arrow inside it significant change over time; blue square with equals sign no change over time.

Compared to Prior Value

green triangle with upward trending arrow inside it higher than the previous measurement period; green triangle with downward trending arrow inside it lower than the previous measurement period; blue equals sign no statistically different change from previous measurement period.

green chart bars Significantly better than the overall value

red chart bars Significantly worse than the overall value

light blue chart bars No significant difference with the overall value

gray chart bars No data on significance available

Cost of Living Index Composite

Select a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Measurement Period: 2024

Filter: none (all Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA))

The Cost of Living (COL) Index compares relative consumer living costs (such as housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, and healthcare) for the typical middle-class family. The average for all participating places equals 100. The COL Index does not measure inflation price changes over time.

Why is this important?

Keeping living costs close to the national average indicates the region’s affordability for families and helps economic development organizations bring quality jobs to the region as companies compare our costs with other urban areas around the country.

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