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QUESTION:  Where do the numbers for cost of living come from?

 

ERI collects, compiles and analyzes data relating to cost of living from available sources and researches areas which are not commonly surveyed individually.  A different regression model is used for each of the separate cost-of-living categories to predict the movement of costs across size, spending level, time, etc.

 

ERI downloads actual housing sales data from commercially available sources. Gasoline, consumables, medical care premium costs, and effective income tax rates are also just as accurately collected from authoritative online databases, and ERI research staff audit these sources with special area research projects. Again, what distinguishes ERI from other cost-of-living sources is that we attempt to provide an affordable in-house resource rather than an expensive consulting service.

 

See RA Data Background FAQ #14 for a list of the data sources used in the calculation of cost-of-living differentials in the Relocation Assessor.