QUESTION: How is the Comparison List - COL in the Geographic Assessor different from the COL Table by Earnings in the Relocation Assessor?
The COL estimated differentials provided in the Geographic Assessor Comparison List - COL are based on the Local Expenditure Pattern, which is the default expenditure pattern used in the Relocation Assessor. As a result, COL estimated differentials in the Geographic Assessor will always match those provided in the Relocation Assessor using the default assumptions (whereas the Relocation Assessor assumptions can be customized, the Geographic Assessor always uses the default assumptions).
The COL Table by Earnings in the Relocation Assessor provides COL differentials based on either a Local or National Expenditure Pattern, depending on the user selection.
Prior to the April 2016 data release, the Relocation Assessor used 2,200 square feet (the National Expenditure Pattern) as the default home size for all Base locations. Recent refinements to Local Expenditure datasets allow each Base location to have an individualized benchmark housing size to better reflect local housing costs. In the Two City Cost Comparison table and the COL Table by Earnings, users can toggle between the Local and National Expenditure Pattern by checking or unchecking the box next to Expenditure Pattern = Local (below the table).
Prior to the January 2019 data release, the Geographic Assessor also used the National Expenditure Pattern. However, as the assumptions in the Geographic Assessor are not customizable, the Expenditure Pattern = Local toggle is not included.
For more information, see RA Data Background FAQ #15.