[Federal Register: February 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 26)]
[Notices]
[Page 6023-6053]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09fe04-95]
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OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
2002 Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowance Survey Report:
Caribbean and Washington, DC, Areas
AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice publishes the ``2002 Nonforeign Area Cost-of-
Living Allowance Survey Report: Caribbean and Washington, DC, Areas.''
The Federal Government uses the results of these surveys to set cost-
of-living allowance (COLA) rates for General Schedule, U.S. Postal
Service, and certain other Federal employees in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. This report contains the results of the COLA
surveys that the Office of Personnel Management conducted in Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Washington, DC, area during the
summer of 2002.
DATES: Comments on this report must be received on or before June 8,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Send or deliver comments to Donald J. Winstead, Deputy
Associate Director for Pay and Performance Policy, Strategic Human
Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31,
1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415-8200; fax: (202) 606-4264; or
e-mail: COLA@opm.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald L. Paquin, (202) 606-2838; fax:
(202) 606-4264; or e-mail: COLA@opm.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 591.229 of title 5, Code of Federal
Regulations, requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to
publish nonforeign area cost-of-living allowance (COLA) survey summary
reports in the Federal Register. We are publishing the complete ``2002
Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowance Survey Report: Caribbean and
Washington, DC, Areas'' with this notice. This report contains the
results of the COLA surveys OPM conducted in Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, and the Washington, DC, area during the summer of 2002.
OPM published final regulations on May 3, 2002, (at 67 FR 22339)
that significantly modified the previous COLA survey methodology
consistent with the settlement agreement in Caraballo, et al. v. United
States, No. 1997-0027 (D.V.I.), August 17, 2000. Caraballo was a class-
action lawsuit in which the plaintiffs contested the methodology OPM
used to determine COLA rates. In the Caraballo settlement, the parties
agreed that if the Government adopted and maintained certain changes in
the COLA program, the plaintiffs would be forever barred from bringing
suit over these issues. Exhibit A of the settlement agreement lists 26
``Safe Harbor Principles'' that outline the changes to which the
parties agreed. (The settlement agreement is available on OPM's Web
site at http://www.opm.gov/oca/cola.)
The 2002 COLA surveys in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and
the Washington, DC, area are the first that OPM conducted using the new
methodology. The survey report that follows describes the methodology,
calculations, and the results of these surveys.
Survey Results
Using an index scale with the Washington, DC, area living costs
equal to 100, OPM computed index values of relative living costs in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Then, pursuant to the
Caraballo settlement, OPM added an adjustment factor of 7.0 to the
Puerto Rico index and 9.0 to the Virgin Islands index and rounded the
results to the nearest whole percentage point. The results show that
the existing COLA rates for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
(11.5 percent and 22.5 percent respectively) are above the levels
indicated by the 2002 survey. However, pursuant to the Caraballo
settlement, OPM will not reduce COLA rates in any nonforeign area until
the effective date implementing the results of the Pacific surveys that
are planned for 2004. OPM anticipates that the effective date of that
final rule will be in mid-2005. At that time, OPM will reduce any COLA
rates where reductions are warranted but not by more than 1 percent per
year, as prescribed in 5 CFR 591.228(c).
Office of Personnel Management.
Kay Coles James,
Director.
2002 Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowance Survey Report: Caribbean
and Washington, DC, Areas
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
1.1 Report Objectives
1.2 New COLA Methodology
1.3 Significant Methodological Changes
2. Preparing for the Survey
2.1 COLA Advisory Committees
2.2 Pre-Survey Meetings
2.3 Survey Item Selection
2.3.1 Special Considerations
2.4 Outlet Selection
2.5 Geographic Coverage
3. Conducting the Survey
3.1 Pricing Period
3.2 Non-Housing Price Data Collection
3.2.1 Data Collection Teams
3.2.2 Data Collection Process
3.3 Housing (Rental) Price Data Collection
4. Analyzing the Results
4.1 Data Review
4.2 Special Price Computations
4.2.1 K-12 Private Education
4.2.2 Health Insurance
4.2.3 Water Utilities
4.2.4 Energy Utilities Model
4.2.5 Rental Data Hedonic Models
4.3 Averaging Prices by Item and Area
4.3.1 Special St. Thomas/St. John Computations
4.3.2 Computing DC Area Average Prices
4.4 Computing Price Indexes
4.4.1 Geometric Means
4.4.2 Special Private Education Computations
4.5 Applying Consumer Expenditure Weights
5. Final Results
6. Post Survey Meetings
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Publication in the Federal Register of Prior Survey
Results: 1990-1998
Appendix 2: Estimated DC Area Middle Income Annual Consumer
Expenditures
Appendix 3: COLA Survey Items and Descriptions
Appendix 4: COLA Rental Survey Data Collection Elements
Appendix 5: Hedonic Rental Data Equations and Results
Appendix 6: Final Living-Cost Results for Puerto Rico
Appendix 7: Final Living-Cost Results for the U.S. Virgin Islands
Executive Summary
The Government pays cost-of-living allowances (COLAs) to Federal
employees in nonforeign areas in consideration of living costs
significantly higher than those in the Washington, DC, area. The Office
of Personnel Management (OPM) conducts living-cost surveys to set the
COLA rates. The methodology for conducting these surveys is prescribed
in regulation at subpart B of part 591 of title 5 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
This report provides the results of the COLA surveys that OPM
conducted in the summer of 2002 in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and the Washington, DC, area. The report details OPM's
comparison of living costs in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
with living costs in the Washington, DC, area.
For the surveys, OPM contacted about 900 outlets and collected
approximately 5,100 prices on more than 300 items representing typical
consumer purchases. OPM then combined the data
[[Page 6024]]
using consumer expenditure information developed by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The final results are a series of living-cost indexes,
shown in Table 1, that compare living costs in the surveyed areas to
those in the Washington, DC, area. The index for the DC area (not
shown) is 100.00 because it is, by law, the reference area. The indexes
for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands shown in Table 1 include
the adjustment factor prescribed at 5 CFR 591.227.
Table 1.--Final Living-Cost Comparison Indexes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance area Index
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico................................................... 103.60
U.S. Virgin Islands........................................... 121.44
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Introduction
1.1 Report Objectives
This report provides the results of the 2002 (i.e., ``Caribbean'')
nonforeign area cost-of-living allowance (COLA) surveys that OPM
conducted in the summer of 2002. (Appendix 1 lists previous survey
reports and their publication dates.) In addition to providing these
results, this report describes how OPM prepared for and conducted the
survey and how it analyzed the results. The results show comparative
living-cost differences between the Caribbean areas, i.e., Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), and the Washington, DC, area. By law,
Washington, DC, is the base or ``reference'' area for the COLA program.
1.2 New COLA Methodology
The Caribbean surveys are the first that OPM conducted using the
new methodology that OPM adopted pursuant to the stipulation of
settlement in Caraballo, et al. v. United States, No. 1997-0027
(D.V.I), August 17, 2000. Caraballo was a class-action lawsuit in which
the plaintiffs contested the methodology OPM used to determine COLA
rates. In the Caraballo settlement, the parties agreed that if the
Government adopted and maintained certain changes in the COLA program,
the plaintiffs would be barred from bringing suit over these issues.
The complete stipulation for settlement is on OPM's Web site at http://www.opm.gov/oca/cola/
html/cola-settlement.htm.
Before the settlement, the parties entered into a memorandum of
understanding under which they engaged in a cooperative process to
study living-cost and compensation issues. The research was exhaustive
and covered essentially all aspects of the COLA program. A summary of
that research is available on OPM's Web site at http://www.opm.gov/oca/COLA/html/cola-n.htm
.
Exhibit A of the Caraballo settlement agreement lists 26 ``Safe
Harbor Principles'' that outline the changes to which the parties
agreed. These principles formed the basis for a new COLA methodology,
which OPM incorporated into its regulations. In developing these
regulations, OPM consulted with the Survey Implementation Committee,
which was established under the Caraballo settlement and is composed of
representatives of the parties in Caraballo. The Survey Implementation
Committee in turn consulted with the Technical Advisory Committee,
which was also established under the Caraballo settlement and is
composed of three economists with expertise in living-cost comparisons.
OPM published the new COLA regulations in the Federal Register as
proposed on November 9, 2001 (66 FR 56741) and as final on May 3, 2002
(67 FR 22339).
1.3 Significant Methodological Changes
In the proposed rule, OPM described in detail the regulatory
changes that it made to incorporate the new methodology. Among these
are the following:
--OPM conducts the surveys in the COLA areas on a rotational basis once
every 3 years and in the Washington, DC, area, which is the reference
area, every year. Beginning after the first 3 survey years, OPM adjusts
the price index for each area not surveyed during a given year based on
the relative change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the COLA area
compared with the relative change in the CPI for the Washington, DC,
area. Under the previous methodology, OPM surveyed every COLA area and
the DC area annually (except during the period of negotiation of the
Caraballo settlement agreement).
--OPM surveys rents and detailed characteristics of rental units in
each area to compute relative shelter costs. OPM uses these data and
regression analyses to estimate the cost of shelter for both owners and
renters. Under the previous methodology, OPM surveyed rental prices and
obtained data on home owner mortgage and maintenance costs.
--OPM surveys sale prices of specified items (with certain exceptions)
in effect at the time of the survey. Under the previous methodology,
OPM surveyed only non-sale prices.
--OPM uses a utility model to compute the energy requirements and cost
to maintain the internal temperature of a standard home at a given
temperature in each area. Under the previous methodology, OPM used
local usage information provided by local utility companies.
--OPM uses estimated expenditure weights that reflect Washington, DC,
area average spending patterns of households in central income groups
as reported in tabulated Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) data,
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Under the previous
methodology, OPM estimated expenditures at three different income
levels and weighted these together using Federal employment weights.
--OPM adds an adjustment factor to the index derived from the survey
data to account for differences in need, availability of and access to
goods and services, and quality of life between the COLA areas and the
Washington, DC, area. The survey index plus the adjustment factor is
the final price index for the COLA area. Under the previous
methodology, OPM did not add adjustment factors to the living-cost
index.
--OPM sets COLA rates by rounding the final living-cost index to the
nearest whole percentage point. If COLA rate reductions are warranted,
however, OPM limits such reductions to no more than one percentage
point per year. Under the previous methodology, OPM set COLA rates to
the nearest 2.5 percentage point, and reductions in COLA rates were
limited only if caused by changes in the methodology, not relative
changes in living costs.
--OPM involves employees in administering the COLA program. Before each
survey, OPM establishes COLA Advisory Committees (CACs), which are
described below.
2. Preparing for the Survey
2.1 COLA Advisory Committees
Before the Caribbean surveys, OPM established CACs in St. Croix,
USVI, St. Thomas/St. John, USVI, and Puerto Rico. The Caraballo
settlement provides for employee involvement in the administration of
the COLA program, and in the previous two surveys under the COLA
Partnership Pilot Project, OPM found it valuable to involve employee
and agency representatives in planning and conducting the survey and
reviewing the survey results.
Each CAC is composed of approximately 12 agency and employee
representatives from the survey area and two representatives from OPM.
The CACs' functions include:
[[Page 6025]]
--Advising and assisting OPM in planning COLA surveys;
--Providing or arranging for data collection observers during COLA
surveys;
--Advising and assisting OPM in reviewing survey data;
--Advising OPM on its COLA program administration, including survey
methodology;
--Assisting OPM in disseminating information to affected employees
about the surveys and the COLA program; and
--Advising OPM on special situations or conditions, such as hurricanes
and earthquakes, as they relate to OPM's authority to conduct interim
surveys or implement some other change in response to conditions caused
by a natural disaster or similar emergency.
2.2 Pre-Survey Meetings
To help OPM prepare for the COLA surveys, the CACs held 3-day
meetings in each of the Caribbean areas. These were joint meetings of
the CAC, Survey Implementation Committee (SIC), and Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC). The CACs, SIC, and TAC reviewed the preliminary outlet
and item lists that OPM had developed for the surveys. The committee
members researched the outlets and availability and appropriateness of
the items in each area and made recommendations to OPM concerning the
survey. OPM incorporated these in its survey design.
OPM found the work of the CACs, SIC, and TAC in the Caribbean to be
extremely helpful and informative. The SIC and TAC's knowledge about
the Caraballo settlement, the new methodology, and the economic
concepts underlying that methodology combined with the CACs' knowledge
of the local area, the popularity of items and outlets, and other
information about the COLA area were invaluable in helping OPM plan the
survey. These joint CAC, SIC, and TAC meetings were particularly
important because, under the Caraballo settlement, the SIC and TAC
dissolve after the first 3 years of COLA surveys.
2.3 Survey Item Selection
As described above, OPM consulted with the CACs, SIC, and TAC as it
selected survey items. OPM identified items to reflect a wide array of
items consumers typically purchase. To determine what consumers
purchase, OPM used the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2000 Consumer
Expenditure Survey (CES). OPM aggregated CES expenditures into the
following nine major expenditure groups (MEGs):
--Food
--Shelter & Utilities
--Household furnishings and supplies
--Apparel
--Transportation
--Medical
--Recreation
--Education and Communication
--Miscellaneous
OPM further subdivided each MEG into primary expenditure groups
(PEGs). In all, there were 45 PEGs. For example, OPM subdivided Food
into the following nine PEGs:
--Cereals and Bakery Products
--Meats, Poultry, Fish, and Eggs
--Dairy Products
--Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
--Processed Foods
--Other Food at Home
--Nonalcoholic Beverages
--Food Away from Home
--Alcoholic Beverages
To select survey items, OPM chose a sufficient number of items to
represent each PEG and reduce overall price index variability. To do
this, OPM applied the following guidelines. Each survey item should be:
--Relatively important (i.e., represent a fairly large expenditure)
within the PEG;
--Relatively easy to find in both COLA and DC areas;
--Relatively common, i.e., what people typically buy;
--Relatively stable over time, e.g., not a fad item; and
--Subject to similar supply and demand functions.
In all, OPM selected 312 non-housing items for survey. Appendix 2
shows how OPM organized the CES data into MEGs and PEGs, identifies the
Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) for which OPM chose survey
items, and shows estimated DC area middle income annual consumer
expenditures for each DEC and higher level of aggregations.
Appendix 3 lists the non-housing items that OPM surveyed and their
descriptions. Each of these items is specifically described with an
exact brand, model, type, and size whenever practical. Thus, OPM priced
exactly the same items in both the COLA and DC areas. For example, OPM
priced a 10.5-ounce can of Campbell's vegetable soup in both the COLA
and DC areas because it is typical of canned soups and consumers
commonly purchase it.
2.3.1 Special Considerations
Automobile Insurance: OPM was not able to compare exactly the same
level of automobile insurance coverage in all areas. State and local
jurisdictions regulate car insurance, and the coverage offered varies
among the COLA areas and the Washington, DC, area. Therefore, OPM
surveyed different levels of automobile insurance coverage in Puerto
Rico as compared with the USVI. OPM, however, surveyed both levels of
coverage, to the extent possible, in the Washington, DC, area. When OPM
made the price comparisons, OPM based the comparison on comparable
levels of coverage in the COLA survey area and in the DC area. Table 2
shows the coverage that OPM surveyed.
Table 2.--Automobile Insurance Coverage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico and
Coverage DC area limits USIV and DC area limits
and deductibles and deductibles
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bodily Injury................ $100,000/ $25,000/$30,000.
$300,000.
Property Damage.............. $25,000......... $25,000.
Medical...................... $15,000......... $5,000.
Uninsured Motorist *......... $100,000/ $25,000/$30,000.
$300,000.
Comprehensive................ $100 Deductible. $250 Deductible.
Collision.................... $250 Deductible. $500 Deductible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Not available in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. OPM excluded the
Uninsured Motorist cost from Washington, DC, area policies before
computing the price index.
Health Insurance: It was not practical to compare the prices of
exactly the same quality and quantity of health benefits insurance
between the COLA and Washington, DC, areas because the same array of
plans are not offered in
[[Page 6026]]
each area and a significant proportion of Federal employees in both the
COLA and DC areas subscribe to plans that are not available nationwide.
To compare the employee health benefit premium of these often highly
different plans, OPM would have to adjust for differences in benefits
and coverage. Research that the parties conducted prior to the
Caraballo settlement indicated that this would not be feasible.
Therefore, OPM used the non-Postal Service employee's share of the
Federal Employees Health Benefits premiums by plan for each plan
offered in each area and obtained from OPM's Central Personnel Data
File the number of Federal employees enrolled in each plan. As
described in Section 4.2.2 below, OPM used these data to compute the
average ``price'' of health benefits insurance for Federal employees in
the COLA and DC areas.
Housing: For housing items, OPM surveyed rental rates for specific
kinds or classes of housing but collected a much broader range of
information about each housing unit. OPM surveyed the following classes
of housing:
--Four bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 3200 square feet.
--Three bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 2600 square feet.
--Two bedroom, single family unit, not to exceed 2200 square feet.
--Three bedroom apartment unit, not to exceed 2000 square feet.
--Two bedroom apartment unit, not to exceed 1800 square feet.
--One bedroom apartment unit, not to exceed 1400 square feet.
For each rental unit surveyed, OPM obtained detailed information
about the unit. Appendix 4 lists the types of information that OPM
collected. OPM did not collect homeowner data, such as mortgage
payments, maintenance expenses, or insurance. Under the Caraballo
settlement, the parties agreed to adopt a rental equivalence approach
similar to the one BLS uses for the Consumer Price Index. Rental
equivalence compares the shelter value (rental value) of owned homes
rather than total owner costs because the latter are influenced by the
investment value of the home (i.e., influenced by what homeowners hope
to realize as a profit when they sell their homes). As a rule, living-
cost surveys do not compare how consumers invest their money.
In the 2002 survey, OPM surveyed rents and used that as a surrogate
for rental equivalence. In the coming year, OPM plans to conduct a
special research to obtain additional rent and rental equivalence
information to determine whether the approach OPM is currently using is
appropriate.
Although OPM surveyed rental rates for the same classes of housing
in each area, the type, style, size, quality, and other characteristics
of each unit varied within each area and between the COLA and DC areas.
As described in Section 4.2.5, OPM used hedonic regression analyses to
hold these characteristics constant between the COLA and Washington,
DC, area to make rental price comparisons.
2.4 Outlet Selection
Just as it is important to select commonly-purchased items and
survey the same items in both the DC area and COLA areas, it is
important to select outlets frequented by consumers and find comparable
outlets in both the COLA and DC areas. To identify comparable outlets,
OPM categorized outlets by type (e.g., grocery store, convenience
store, discount store, hardware store, auto dealer, and catalog
outlet). For example, OPM surveyed grocery items at supermarkets in all
areas because most people purchase their groceries at such stores and
because supermarkets exist in nearly all areas. Selecting comparable
outlets is particularly important because of the significant price
variations that may occur between dissimilar outlets (e.g., comparing
the price of milk at a supermarket with the price of milk at a
convenience store).
OPM used the above classification criteria and existing data
sources, including previous COLA surveys, phone books, and various
business listings, to develop initial outlet lists for the survey. OPM
provided these lists to the CACs, SIC, and TAC and consulted with them
on outlet selection. The committees helped OPM refine the outlet lists
and identify other/additional outlets where local consumers generally
purchase the items that OPM planned to survey. For example, OPM planned
to survey various department store items, such as clothing, but there
are no major department stores in the USVI. The St. Croix and St.
Thomas/St. John CACs helped OPM identify quality clothing, shoe, and
jewelry stores in the USVI to survey. OPM surveyed these outlets and
compared their prices with prices from similar quality department
stores in the Washington, DC, area. Also, at the CACs' recommendation,
OPM used catalog pricing in both Puerto Rico and the USVI, particularly
in the USVI because catalog shopping is relatively more popular there.
Whenever OPM used catalog prices, it also priced the same item by
catalog in the DC area for comparative purposes. To ensure consistent
catalog pricing, OPM used only current catalogs for all catalog survey
items. OPM priced 8 items by catalog in Puerto Rico and in the DC area
and priced 16 items by catalog in the USVI and the DC area. All catalog
prices included any charges for shipping and handling and all
applicable taxes.
In all, OPM surveyed prices from approximately 900 outlets. In the
COLA survey areas, described below, OPM attempted to survey three
popular outlets of each type, to the extent practical. For some outlet
types, such as local phone service, there were not three outlets, and
in some areas, particularly in the USVI, there were not a sufficient
number of businesses to find three outlets of each particular type.
This was not generally a problem in Puerto Rico, however. In the
Washington, DC, area, OPM attempted to survey nine popular outlets of
each type, three in each of the DC survey areas, also described below.
2.5 Geographic Coverage
Table 3 shows the COLA and DC survey area boundaries.
Table 3.--Survey and Data Collection Areas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLA areas and reference areas Survey area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico............................ San Juan/Caguas area and
eastern Puerto Rico.*
U.S. Virgin Islands.................... St. Croix, St. Thomas/St. John
area.*
Washington, DC--DC..................... District of Columbia.**
Washington, DC--MD..................... Montgomery County and Prince
Georges County.**
Washington, DC--VA..................... Arlington County, Fairfax
County, Prince William County,
City of Alexandria, City of
Fairfax, City of Falls Church,
City of Manassas, and City of
Manassas Park.**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* OPM collects housing data in St. John and eastern Puerto Rico. OPM may
also collect non-housing data from selected outlets in St. John and
combine such data with St. Thomas data as provided in Sec. 591.216(b).
[[Page 6027]]
** For selected items, such as golf and air travel, these survey areas
include additional geographic locations beyond these jurisdictions.
On St. Croix and St. Thomas, OPM surveyed businesses in essentially
all of the major commercial areas. As recommended by the St. Thomas/St.
John CAC, OPM also surveyed selected businesses on St. John. OPM
surveyed rental rates throughout the USVI, selecting sample sizes for
each island roughly in proportion to the number of General Schedule
employees whose duty station is on the island and who receive COLA.
In Puerto Rico, OPM surveyed businesses in the major commercial
areas in the greater San Juan-Caguas area. OPM surveyed rental rates in
the San Juan-Caguas area and in the communities north and east of San
Juan including communities in the Roosevelt Roads area. In selecting
these communities and sample sizes of each, OPM used the results of the
1993-94 Federal Employee Housing and Living Patterns Survey. Among
other things, that survey obtained information on where Federal
employees lived.
OPM divides the Washington, DC, area into three survey areas: the
District of Columbia, the DC suburban areas of Maryland, and the DC
suburban areas of northern Virginia. For certain items, OPM surveys
prices in areas beyond the counties and cities shown in the table
above. For example, OPM surveyed the cost of air travel from Ronald
Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International
Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). OPM also
surveyed the price of a 5-mile taxi ride originating at these airports.
Both Dulles and BWI, however, are outside the counties and cities shown
in the above table. Nevertheless, these airports are commonly used by
residents of the DC area for air travel.
OPM surveyed rental rates in the same three DC survey areas. As
with the Puerto Rico survey, OPM used the results of the 1993-94
Federal Employee Housing and Living Patterns Survey to select
communities within these areas and to determine the sample size for
each community.
3. Conducting the Survey
3.1 Pricing Period
OPM collected data from late June 2002 through early November. OPM
collected non-housing price data onsite in the USVI from June 24
through July 12, 2002, and in Puerto Rico from July 15 through August
2, 2002. OPM collected non-housing data in the DC areas beginning
August 5 and completed most of the collection by mid-September 2002.
OPM continued to check and collect non-housing prices on an as-needed
basis through November 2002. OPM contracted for the collection of
rental data. That data collection began in the Caribbean areas in mid-
July and ended with the delivery of the data to OPM on November 8,
2002.
3.2 Non-Housing Price Data Collection
3.2.1 Data Collection Teams
In both the COLA and Washington, DC, areas, OPM central office
staff collected non-housing price data. In the COLA areas, data
collection observers designated by the local CAC accompanied the OPM
data collectors. Data collection observers were extremely helpful to
OPM and the survey process by advising and assisting the data
collectors in contacting outlets, matching items, and selecting
substitutes. The observers also advised OPM on other living-cost and
compensation issues relating to their areas. OPM did not use data
collection observers in the Washington, DC, area, but OPM made
available to the CACs all of the DC area data it collected.
3.2.2 Data Collection Process
The data collector/observer teams obtained most of the data by
visiting stores, auto dealers, and other outlets. The teams also priced
items, such as insurance, tax preparation fees, bank interest, and
private education tuition, by telephone. As noted above, OPM surveyed
some items via catalog, including all shipping costs and any applicable
taxes in the price. OPM also collected other items, such as sales tax
rates and airline fares, from Web sites on the Internet.
For all items subject to sales and/or excise taxes, OPM added the
appropriate amount of tax to the price for computing COLA rates. For
some items, such as restaurant meals, tax rates varied by location.
The data collectors collected the price of the item at the time of
the visit to the outlet. Therefore, with certain exceptions, the data
collectors collected the sale price, if the item was on sale, and that
was used in the COLA calculations. The exceptions include coupon
prices, going-out-of-business prices, clearance prices, and area-wide
distress sales, which OPM does not use because they are atypical and/or
seasonal. OPM also does not collect automobile ``sale'' or negotiated
prices. Instead, OPM obtains the sticker (i.e. non-negotiated) price
for the model and specified options. The prices are the manufacturer's
suggested retail price (including options), destination charges,
additional shipping charges, appropriate dealer-added items or options,
dealer mark-up, and taxes, including sales tax, licensing and title
fees, road use tax, and an excise tax (``arbitrio'') in Puerto Rico.
3.3 Housing (Rental) Price Data Collection
OPM contracted for the collection of rental data. The contractor
was Delta-21 Resources, Incorporated, a research organization with
expertise in housing and rental data collection. Delta-21 collected
data throughout the Caribbean and DC areas. These data included rental
prices, comprehensive information about the size and type of dwelling,
number and types of rooms, amenities, and other important aspects of
the dwelling that might influence the rental price. Appendix 4 lists
the data elements that the contractor collected.
The contractor identified units for rent from various sources,
including rental property managers, realtor brokers, listing services,
newspaper ads, grocery store bulletin boards, and casual drive-by
observation. The contractor then visited each rental unit, took a
photograph of the unit, and made a sketch of the floor plan based on
exterior dimensions and shape. OPM made these data available to the
CACs, including the photographs and sketches.
4. Analyzing the Results
4.1 Data Review
During and after the data collection process, the data collectors
reviewed the data for errors and omissions. This involved reviewing the
data item-by-item and comparing prices across outlets within an area to
spot data entry errors, mismatches, and other mistakes.
After all of the data had been collected in both the COLA areas and
Washington, DC, area, OPM staff again reviewed the data by item across
all of the areas. One purpose was to spot errors not previously
detected, but the principle reasons were to look at equivalent brands
and substitute items.
An equivalent brand is one that has the same size, quality, and
price as another brand for the same type of item. Despite the pre-
survey research, OPM discovered after the survey that some of the
brands thought to be equivalent were often priced differently within
the same outlet across areas. For example, prior to the survey, OPM
specified Post Raisin Bran and Kellogg's Raisin Bran as equivalent
brands. During the post-
[[Page 6028]]
survey data review, however, OPM found that within the same outlet the
regular price of one brand was usually higher than the price of the
other brand. Therefore, OPM concluded that the cereals were not
equivalent in price; and during the post-survey review, OPM decided to
use only the Post Raisin Bran prices.
A substitute is an item that is similar but does not exactly match
the item description of the specified survey item. For example, OPM
specified an Egg McMuffin Value Meal as an item to survey as a Fast
Food Breakfast. The data collectors in Puerto Rico, however, discovered
that McDonald's in the San Juan area do not sell Egg McMuffins. So, the
data collectors priced a Ham, Egg, and Cheese Bagel Value meal as a
substitute. OPM then priced both types of breakfast value meals in the
DC area and used the Egg McMuffin Value Meal prices for the USVI and DC
area comparison and the Bagel Value Meal prices for the Puerto Rico/DC
area comparison.
4.2 Special Price Computations
After OPM completed its data review, it was essentially ready to
begin the price averaging process described in section 4.3. First,
however, OPM had to make special price computations for five survey
items: K-12 private education, Federal Employees Health Benefits
premiums, energy utility prices, and rental prices. For each of these,
OPM used special processes to calculate appropriate values for each
survey area.
4.2.1 K-12 Private Education
One of the items OPM surveyed is the average annual tuition for
private education, grades K-12 in each area. Generally, tuition rates
varied by grade level, so OPM computed an overall average tuition
``price'' for each school surveyed by averaging the tuition rates
grade-by-grade. Section 4.4.2 below describes the additional special
adjustments OPM applied to these ``prices'' in the price comparison
process.
4.2.2 Health Insurance
As noted in Section 2.3.1, OPM surveyed the non-Postal employee's
premium for the various Federal Employees Health Benefit plans offered
in each survey area. Using enrollment information from OPM's Central
Personnel Data File (CPDF), OPM computed two weighted average premium
costs--one for self-only coverage and another for family coverage--for
Federal white-collar employees in each of the COLA areas and the
Washington, DC, area. As shown in Table 4, OPM then computed an overall
weighted average premium for each survey area by applying the number of
white-collar Federal employees nationwide enrolled in self-only and
family plans. OPM used these overall weighted average premiums as
``prices'' in the price averaging process described in section 4.3
below.
Table 4.--2002 Average FEHB Premiums for Full-Time Permanent Employees--Employees' Share for Non-Postal
Employees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bi-weekly Annual
Family weighted weighted
Location Self premium premium average average
premium premium
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico..................................... $23.47 $49.94 $39.85 $1,039.66
USVI............................................ $43.77 $92.72 $74.05 $1,931.91
DC Area......................................... $37.12 $84.96 $66.72 $1,740.68
50 States Enrollment............................ 571,014 926,439 .............. ..............
Percent......................................... 38.13 61.87 .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2.3 Water Utilities
OPM surveyed water utility rates in each of the COLA and
Washington, DC, survey areas. In the USVI, where rainwater cisterns are
widely used, OPM obtained water utility rates only for customers who
are on municipal water systems. To compute the ``price'' of water
utilities, OPM assumed that the average monthly water consumption in
each area was 7,600 gallons. This is consistent with the consumption
amount OPM used in the previous COLA survey. OPM used this quantity
along with the rates charged to compute the average monthly water
utility cost by survey area. OPM used these average monthly costs as
``prices'' in the price averaging process described in section 4.3
below.
4.2.4 Energy Utilities Model
For energy utilities (i.e., electricity, gas and oil), OPM
collected from local utility companies and suppliers in each of the
COLA and DC survey areas the price of various energy utilities used for
lighting, cooking, heating, cooling, and other household needs. In
previous surveys, OPM also obtained average local household energy
consumption and used this information along with the prices surveyed to
compute annual utility costs. A shortcoming of this approach was that
usage varies among areas depending on several variables including
climate, type of home construction, and type of heating and/or cooling
technology (e.g., central air conditioning versus window-unit air
conditioning). Therefore, in the Caraballo settlement, the parties
agreed to a new methodology for computing utility costs.
The new methodology uses a heating and cooling engineering model
along with local home construction information and climatic data from
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to determine
how many kilowatt hours of electricity, cubic feet of gas, and/or
gallons of fuel oil are needed to maintain a home at a constant ambient
temperature in each area. Although some homes use additional heating
and cooling technologies, such as wood, coal, kerosene, and solar
energy, OPM did not price or include these in the calculations because,
based on the results of the 1992-93 Federal Employee Housing and Living
Patterns Survey, relatively few Federal employees use these as primary
sources of energy in their homes.
For Puerto Rico and the USVI, OPM surveyed the price of electricity
for heating, cooling, and other household energy utility needs because
the Employee Survey indicated that was by far the most popular energy
source. For the Washington, DC area, OPM surveyed the prices of
electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil to compute home energy costs for
all electric homes, gas heated homes, and fuel oil heated homes. OPM
then used the results of the Federal Employee survey to compute a
weighted average cost for each of the DC areas based on the relative
usage of each type of heating energy source.
[[Page 6029]]
Table 5 shows the energy usage and utility costs by month for the
Caribbean and DC areas. The energy usage for both Puerto Rico and the
USVI is the same because the model assumed that home construction is
comparable in both areas and assumed that the weather is the same
because NOAA publishes Caribbean data only for Puerto Rico. Therefore,
the model used these data for the USVI. The table shows for comparison
purposes only the energy usage by month for an all-electric home in the
DC area, although as noted above, the model actually computed utility
costs for all electric, gas and electric, and oil and electric homes.
OPM used the weighted annual costs shown in the bottom row of the table
as ``prices'' in the price averaging process described in section 4.3.
Table 5.--2002 Energy Utility Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean areas Washington, DC, area
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Month Puerto All Gas and
KWH Rico USVI KWH[hairsp]* electric electric Oil and electric
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January................................................. 2318 $241.33 $366.10 3326 $238.29 $157.51 $171.41
February................................................ 2225 233.47 351.75 2688 194.20 122.49 142.59
March................................................... 2649 265.21 417.18 1812 133.66 95.64 108.20
April................................................... 2746 289.11 432.15 966 75.12 69.50 73.73
May..................................................... 2980 345.82 468.26 1170 89.27 86.43 88.96
June.................................................... 3086 346.27 484.62 1377 132.09 114.38 131.25
July.................................................... 3197 354.48 501.75 1648 159.52 140.46 158.27
August.................................................. 3226 335.89 506.23 1566 151.22 132.74 150.08
September............................................... 2938 315.63 461.78 1246 118.83 100.22 118.30
October................................................. 2921 321.60 459.16 975 88.21 69.82 86.41
November................................................ 2546 277.45 401.29 1797 132.62 95.63 107.63
December................................................ 2348 263.74 370.58 2797 210.21 140.22 153.37
-------------
Totals.............................................. 33180 $3,590.00 $5,220.85 21368 $1,723.25 $1,325.04 $1,490.20
-------------
Relative Usage (in percent)............................. .......... 100 100 ............ 45 45 10
---------------------------------------------------------
Wtd. Average............................................ .......... $3,590 $5,220.85 ............ $1,520.75
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* DC area all electric usage. Shown only for comparison with Caribbean usage. OPM used DC area all electric KWH usage only for all electric homes. OPM
used lower KWH usages for gas and oil homes.
4.2.5 Rental Data Hedonic Models
As discussed in Section 3.3, OPM hired a contractor to collect
rental data, including rents and data about the characteristics of each
rental unit. OPM hired another contractor, the Center of International
and Interarea Comparisons (CIIC), to analyze the housing data and
estimate relative rental rates and rental indexes. CIIC is well-known
for its work in international price comparisons, and one of its co-
directors of research is a member of the TAC. CIIC consulted closely
with the TAC and the SIC in analyzing the rental survey results.
As prescribed by OPM regulations and the Caraballo settlement, CIIC
used hedonic regression analysis, which is a type of multiple linear
regression analysis, to compare rents in the COLA areas with rents in
the DC area. Multiple linear regression is used to determine how the
dependent variable (in this case rent) is influenced by the independent
variables (in this case the characteristics of the rental unit). CIIC
found that only some of the housing characteristics that Delta-21
collected were statistically meaningful in determining what influenced
rent in the Puerto Rico, USVI, and DC areas. CIIC tested various
approaches using different characteristics and shared the results with
the TAC. The TAC recommended one specific equation, which OPM adopted.
This equation used the independent variables listed below, although
some of the variables were ``crossed'' (i.e., used interactively) with
other variables:
Number of square feet
Number of bedrooms
Number of bathrooms
Number of years since built or extensively remodeled
Parking provided (yes/no)
Pets Allowed (yes/no)
Furnished (yes/no)
External condition (good, average, poor)
Quality of Neighborhood (desirable, less desirable)
Unit Type 1 (a: high rise apartment, b: garden or in-home apartment, c:
house)
Unit Type 2 (a: high rise, garden, or in-home apartment, b: house)
Area (St. Croix, St. Thomas/St. John, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC,
area)
As is common in this type of analysis and as was done in the
research leading to the Caraballo settlement, CIIC used semi-
logarithmic regressions. The regression produces parameter estimates
for each independent variable, including Area. When the regression uses
the Washington, DC, area as the base, the regression produces parameter
estimates for each of the COLA survey areas: St. Croix, St. Thomas/St.
John, and Puerto Rico. The exponent of the Area parameter estimate
(i.e., when the estimate is converted from natural logarithms)
multiplied by 100 (following the convention used to express indexes)
yields the Area's rent index. This index reflects the difference in
rents for the COLA survey area relative to the Washington, DC, area,
while (in effect) holding other significant housing characteristics
constant.
The TAC recommended a technical adjustment to the above
calculations to correct for a slight bias caused by the use of
logarithms. The exponent of the average of the logarithms of a series
of numbers is always less than the average of the numbers. Therefore,
at the TAC's recommendation, OPM added one-half of the standard
deviation of the Area parameter estimate before converting from natural
logarithms. (See Arthur Goldberger, ``Best Linear Unbiased Prediction
in the Generalized Linear Regression Model,'' Journal of the American
Statistical Association, 1962.) Table 6 shows the resulting rental
indexes. OPM used these indexes as ``prices'' in the price averaging
process described in section 4.3.
[[Page 6030]]
Table 6.--Rent Indexes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rent
Area index
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico.................................................. 65.52
St. Croix, USVI.............................................. 67.50
St. Thomas/St. John, USVI.................................... 84.22
Washington, DC, Area......................................... *[hairsp]
100.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* By definition, the index of the base area is always 100.00.
Appendix 5 shows the regression equation in SAS code and the
regression results. (SAS is a proprietary statistical analysis computer
software package.) The TAC recommended that OPM review the issue of
which equation to use and how to choose among equations as additional
rental data become available during the Alaska and Pacific COLA
surveys. OPM plans to do this.
4.3 Averaging Prices by Item and Area
After OPM collected, reviewed, and made special adjustments as
required to the data, OPM averaged the prices for each item by COLA
survey area. For example, OPM priced canned soup at three different
grocery stores on St. Croix, then averaged these prices to compute a
single average price for canned soup on St. Croix. If the OPM data
collectors reported more than one price for a particular item within
the same outlet (e.g., for equivalent items as described in Section 4.1
above), OPM used the lowest price by item by outlet to compute the
average. (The concept is that if the item and brands are equivalent,
consumers will choose the one with the lowest price.) OPM repeated this
averaging process item-by-item and area-by-area.
4.3.1 Special St. Thomas/St. John Computations
For St. Thomas and St. John, OPM applied an additional step. As
noted in Section 2.5 above, the St. Thomas/St. John CAC recommended
that OPM survey and use non-housing price data from selected outlets on
St. John. OPM did this and computed average prices by item on St. John.
OPM then combined these St. John average prices with St. Thomas average
prices on an item-by-item basis to compute a St. Thomas/St. John
weighted average price for each item found in both areas. For weights,
OPM used the number of General Schedule (GS) employees with duty
stations on St. John and with duty stations on St. Thomas expressed as
a percentage of the GS employment on St. Thomas and St. John combined.
Table 7 shows the weights.
Table 7.--St. Thomas and St. John Employment Weights
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS Weight
Area Employment (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Thomas, USIV................................ 224 79.7
St. John, USVI.................................. 57 20.3
--------------
Total......................................... 281 100.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.3.2 Computing DC Area Average Prices
For Washington, DC, area prices, OPM first averaged prices within
each of the three DC survey areas described in Section 2.5. Then OPM
computed a simple average of the three DC area survey averages to
derive a single DC area average price for each survey item.
4.4 Computing Price Indexes
Next, OPM computed a price index for each of the items found in
both the COLA survey area and in the Washington, DC, area. To do this,
OPM divided the COLA survey area average price by the DC area average
price and (following the convention used to express indexes) multiplied
this by 100. For the vast majority of survey items, OPM's next step was
to apply consumer expenditure weights. For a few items, however, OPM
first applied special processes as described below.
4.4.1 Geometric Means
As described in Section 2.3, OPM selected survey items to represent
selected detailed expenditure categories (DEC). Generally, OPM surveyed
only one item per DEC, but in a few cases, OPM surveyed multiple items
at a single DEC. In these cases, OPM computed the geometric mean of the
price indexes to derive a single price index for the DEC. (A geometric
mean is the nth root of the product of n different numbers and is often
used in price index computations.) For example, OPM surveyed two
prescription drugs--Amoxicillin and Prilosec. These two different
prescription drugs represent a single DEC called ``prescription
drugs.'' To derive a single price index for the DEC, OPM computed the
geometric mean of the price index for amoxicillin and the price index
for Prilosec.
4.4.2 Special Private Education Computations
As noted in Section 4.2.1, OPM surveyed K-12 private education in
the COLA and DC areas and computed an average tuition ``price'' that
reflected all grade levels. Because not everyone sends children to
private school, OPM made an additional special adjustment for K-12
education by applying ``use factors.'' These use factors reflect the
relative extent to which Federal employees make use of private
education in the COLA and DC areas. For example, Table 8 below shows a
use factor of 4.1066 for Puerto Rico. OPM computed this by dividing
54.33 percent (the percentage of Puerto Rico Federal employees with at
least one child in a private school) by 13.23 percent (the percent of
DC area Federal employees with at least one child in a private school).
OPM obtained the percentages from the results of the 1992/93 Federal
Employee Housing and Living Patterns Survey. This is the most current
comprehensive data available. The table below shows the use factors and
the adjusted price indexes for each COLA survey area.
Table 8.--Summary of Private Education Use Factors and Indexes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employees w/children in
private schools Prince index
COLA survey area -------------------------------- Use factor Price index w/use factor
Local area DC area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico..................... 54.33 13.23 4.1066 52.68 216.35
St. Croix....................... 57.27 13.23 4.3288 62.14 268.97
St. Thomas...................... 51.90 13.23 3.9229 48.05 188.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 6031]]
4.5 Applying Consumer Expenditure Weights
Next, OPM applied consumer expenditure weights to aggregate price
indexes by expenditure group. As noted in Section 2.3, OPM used the
results of the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey to estimate the amounts
that middle income level consumers in the DC area spend on various
items. By using expenditure weights, OPM was able to combine the price
indexes according to their relative importance. For example, shelter is
the most important expenditure in terms of the COLA survey and
represents about 28 percent of total consumer expenditures. On the
other hand, the purchase of newspapers at newsstands represents less
that a \1/10\th of 1 percent of total expenditures.
Beginning at the lowest level of expenditure aggregation (e.g.,
sub-PEG), OPM computed the relative importance in percent of each
survey item within the level of aggregation, multiplied the price index
times its expenditure percentage, and summed the cross products for all
of the items within the level of aggregation to compute a weighted
price index for that level. OPM repeated this process at each higher
level of aggregation (e.g., PEG and MEG). Appendices 6 and 7 show these
calculations for each COLA survey area at the PEG and MEG level.
The above process resulted in an overall price index for Puerto
Rico (shown in Appendix 6) but not for the U.S. Virgin Islands, which
has two separate COLA survey areas. To compute an overall price index
for the U.S. Virgin Islands, OPM computed weights based on the number
of GS employees stationed on St. Croix versus St. Thomas/St. John. OPM
then multiplied each of the MEG indexes for St. Croix and St. Thomas/
St. John by their respective GS employment weights and summed the cross
products to produce an overall price index for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
(See Appendix 7.) Table 9 shows the weights OPM used.
Table 9.--St. Croix, and St. Thomas/St. John Employment Weights
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS Weight
Area Employment (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Croix, US VI.............................. 221 48.3
St. Thomas/St. John, USVI..................... 281 51.7
--------------
Total..................................... 502 100.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Final Results
To compute the overall living-cost index, OPM added to the price
index a non-price adjustment factor. The parties in Caraballo
negotiated these factors to reflect differences in living costs that
might not be captured by the surveys, and OPM adopted these factors in
regulation as part of the new methodology. The factors for Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands are seven and nine index points
respectively. The resulting living-cost indexes are shown in Table 10.
Table 10.--Final Living-Cost Comparison Indexes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance area Index
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico................................................... 103.60
U.S. Virgin Islands........................................... 121.44
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Post Survey Meetings
In December 2002, the CACs, SIC, and TAC held 1-day joint meetings
in each of the Caribbean survey areas to review the survey results. OPM
provided the committee members with various reports showing all the
data that OPM collected, examples of how OPM reviewed these data, the
data that OPM used in its analyses, and the results at the PEG and MEG
level, as shown in Appendix 6. Members of the TAC explained how the
rental data were analyzed and how OPM used expenditure weights to
combine price indexes to reflect overall living costs. OPM described
changes that it planned to incorporate in its regulations as a result
of what it learned in the 2002 surveys. (See OPM's proposed rulemaking
under 5 CFR part 591 published concurrent with this notice.)
In the St. Thomas/St. John CAC, SIC, and TAC meeting, OPM briefed
the committees on the results of the St. John non-housing price test
survey. The St. Thomas/St. John CAC recommended that OPM include St.
John non-housing price data in the 2002 survey and in future COLA
surveys. OPM agreed with the CAC and included this change among the
other proposed COLA regulatory changes.
Appendix 1.--Publication in the Federal Register of Prior Survey
Results: 1990-1998
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citation Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
65 FR 44103............................ Report on 1998 living-cost
surveys conducted in Alaska,
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
63 FR 56432............................ Report on 1997 living-cost
surveys conducted in Alaska,
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
62 FR 14190............................ Report on 1996 living-cost
surveys conducted in Alaska,
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
61 FR 4070............................. Report on winter 1995 living-
cost surveys conducted in
Alaska.
60 FR 61332............................ Report on summer 1994 living-
cost surveys conducted in
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
59 FR 45066............................ Report on winter 1994 living-
cost surveys conducted in
Alaska.
58 FR 45558............................ Report on summer 1992 and
winter 1993 living-cost
surveys conducted in Alaska,
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
58 FR 27316............................ Report on summer 1993 living-
cost surveys conducted in
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
57 FR 58556............................ Report on summer 1991 and
winter 1992 living-cost
surveys conducted in Alaska,
Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands.
56 FR 7902............................. Report on summer 1990 living-
cost surveys conducted in
Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 6032]]
Appendix 2--Estimated DC Area Middle Income Annual Consumer Expenditures
[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level Code Category name Expenditures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1................. TOTALEXP ................ Total........................... $48,701.32
2................. FOODTOTL MEG Food......................... 6,407.88
3................. CERBAKRY PEG Cereals and bakery products.. 477.67
4................. CEREAL ................ Cereals and cereal products. 157.97
5................. 010110 ................ Flour...................... 7.33
5................. 010120 ................ Prepared flour mixes....... 15.88
5................. 010210 ................ Ready-to-eat and cooked 89.31
cereals*.
5................. 010310 ................ Rice*...................... 19.07
5................. 010320 ................ Pasta, cornmeal & other 26.38
cereal products*.
4................. BAKERY ................ Bakery products............. 319.69
5................. BREAD ................ Bread...................... 88.26
6................. 020110 ................ White bread*.............. 39.13
6................. 020210 ................ Bread, other than white... 49.13
5................. CRAKCOOK ................ Crackers and cookies....... 79.90
6................. 020510 ................ Cookies*.................. 55.56
6................. 020610 ................ Crackers.................. 24.34
5................. 020810 ................ Frozen & refrigerated 27.04
bakery products*.
5................. OTHBAKRY ................ Other bakery products...... 124.49
6................. 020310 ................ Biscuits and rolls*....... 41.38
6................. 020410 ................ Cakes and cupcakes*....... 39.84
6................. 020620 ................ Bread and cracker products 4.65
6................. 020710 ................ Sweetrolls, coffee cakes, 24.13
doughnuts.
6................. 020820 ................ Pies, tarts, turnovers.... 14.49
3................. ANIMAL PEG Meats, poultry, fish, and 714.81
eggs.
4................. BEEF ................ Beef........................ 192.11
5................. 030110 ................ Ground beef*............... 71.80
5................. ROAST ................ Roast...................... 28.82
6................. 030210 ................ Chuck roast*.............. 10.33
6................. 030310 ................ Round roast*.............. 8.66
6................. 030410 ................ Other roast............... 9.83
5................. STEAK ................ Steak...................... 78.30
6................. 030510 ................ Round steak*.............. 12.86
6................. 030610 ................ Sirloin steak*............ 25.26
6................. 030710 ................ Other steak............... 40.18
5................. 030810 ................ Other beef................. 13.18
4................. PORK ................ Pork........................ 98.96
5................. 040110 ................ Bacon*..................... 15.17
5................. 040210 ................ Pork chops*................ 23.31
5................. HAM ................ Ham........................ 22.35
6................. 040310 ................ Ham, not canned*........... 21.13
6................. 040610 ................ Canned ham*............... 1.23
5................. 040510 ................ Sausage.................... 13.87
5................. 040410 ................ Other pork................. 24.25
4................. OTHRMEAT ................ Other meats................. 91.73
5................. 050110 ................ Frankfurters*.............. 17.00
5................. LNCHMEAT ................ Lunch meats (cold cuts).... 61.47
6................. 050210 ................ Bologna, liverwurst, 20.68
salami*.
6................. 050310 ................ Other lunch meats......... 40.79
5................. LAMBOTHR ................ Lamb, organ meats and 13.26
others.
6................. 050410 ................ Lamb and organ meats...... 9.10
6................. 050900 ................ Mutton, goat and game..... 4.16
4................. POULTRY ................ Poultry..................... 129.18
5................. CHICKEN ................ Fresh and frozen chickens.. 102.64
6................. 060110 ................ Fresh and frozen whole 28.33
chicken*.
6................. 060210 ................ Fresh and frozen chicken 74.32
parts*.
5................. 060310 ................ Other poultry.............. 26.54
4................. FISHSEA ................ Fish and seafood............ 175.60
5................. 070110 ................ Canned fish and seafood*... 25.31
5................. 070230 ................ Fresh fish and shellfish*.. 101.05
5................. 070240 ................ Frozen fish and shellfish*. 49.24
4................. 080110 ................ Eggs*....................... 27.24
3................. DAIRY PEG Dairy products............... 316.36
4................. MILKCRM ................ Fresh milk and cream........ 105.55
5................. 090110 ................ Fresh milk, all types*..... 96.70
5................. 090210 ................ Cream...................... 8.85
4................. OTHDAIRY ................ Other dairy products........ 210.81
5................. 100110 ................ Butter..................... 17.39
5................. 100210 ................ Cheese*.................... 108.29
5................. 100410 ................ Ice cream and related 60.12
products*.
5................. 100510 ................ Miscellaneous dairy 25.01
products.
3................. FRUITVEG PEG Fruits and vegetables........ 356.11
[[Page 6033]]
4................. FRSHFRUT ................ Fresh fruits................ 186.75
5................. 110110 ................ Apples*.................... 33.23
5................. 110210 ................ Bananas*................... 37.03
5................. 110310 ................ Oranges*................... 21.81
5................. 110510 ................ Citrus fruits, excluding 16.87
oranges.
5................. 110410 ................ Other fresh fruits......... 77.80
4................. FRESHVEG ................ Fresh vegetables............ 169.35
5................. 120110 ................ Potatoes*.................. 30.09
5................. 120210 ................ Lettuce*................... 22.63
5................. 120310 ................ Tomatoes*.................. 33.65
5................. 120410 ................ Other fresh vegetables..... 82.98
3................. PROCFOOD PEG Processed Foods.............. 748.33
4................. PROCFRUT ................ Processed fruits............ 127.16
5................. FRZNFRUT ................ Frozen fruits and fruit 14.55
juices.
6................. 130110 ................ Frozen orange juice*...... 6.32
6................. 130121 ................ Frozen fruits............. 3.75
6................. 130122 ................ Frozen fruit juices....... 4.48
5................. 130310 ................ Canned fruits*............. 17.90
5................. 130320 ................ Dried fruit................ 5.68
5................. 130211 ................ Fresh fruit juice.......... 24.72
5................. 130212 ................ Canned and bottled fruit 64.32
juice*.
4................. PROCVEG ................ Processed vegetables........ 113.36
5................. 140110 ................ Frozen vegetables*......... 35.60
5................. CANDVEG ................ Canned and dried vegetables 77.76
and juices.
6................. 140210 ................ Canned beans*............. 16.60
6................. 140220 ................ Canned corn............... 9.51
6................. 140230 ................ Canned miscellaneous 23.67
vegetables.
6................. 140320 ................ Dried peas................ 0.36
6................. 140330 ................ Dried beans............... 3.64
6................. 140340 ................ Dried miscellaneous 9.69
vegetables.
6................. 140310 ................ Dried processed vegetables 0.68
6................. 140410 ................ Frozen vegetable juices... 0.45
6................. 140420 ................ Fresh and canned vegetable 13.16
juices.
4................. MISCFOOD ................ Miscellaneous foods......... 507.81
5................. FRZNPREP ................ Frozen prepared foods...... 87.37
6................. 180210 ................ Frozen meals*............. 26.12
6................. 180220 ................ Other frozen prepared 61.25
foods.
5................. 180110 ................ Canned and packaged soups*. 34.37
5................. SNACKS ................ Potato chips, nuts, and 95.21
other snacks.
6................. 180310 ................ Potato chips and other 76.37
snacks*.
6................. 180320 ................ Nuts...................... 18.83
5................. CONDMNTS ................ Condiments and seasonings.. 86.66
6................. 180410 ................ Salt, spices, other 20.88
seasonings*.
6................. 180420 ................ Olives, pickles, relishes. 9.46
6................. 180510 ................ Sauces and gravies*....... 39.77
6................. 180520 ................ Baking needs & misc. 16.55
products.
5................. OTHRPREP ................ Other canned & pkgd 144.39
prepared foods.
6................. 180611 ................ Prepared salads........... 18.08
6................. 180612 ................ Prepared desserts*........ 9.58
6................. 180620 ................ Baby food*................ 38.38
6................. 180710 ................ Miscellaneous prepared 78.20
foods.
6................. 180720 ................ Vitamin supplements....... 0.15
5................. 190904 ................ Food prepared by consumer on 59.81
trips.
3................. OTHRFOOD PEG Other food at home........... 202.69
4................. SWEETS ................ Sugar and other sweets...... 126.14
5................. 150110 ................ Candy and chewing gum*..... 85.89
5................. 150211 ................ Sugar*..................... 17.15
5................. 150212 ................ Artificial sweeteners...... 2.84
5................. 150310 ................ Jams, preserves, other 20.25
sweets*.
4................. FATSOILS ................ Fats and oils............... 76.55
5................. 160110 ................ Margarine*................. 10.13
5................. 160211 ................ Fats and oils*............. 20.82
5................. 160212 ................ Salad dressings*........... 26.16
5................. 160310 ................ Nondairy cream and 9.00
imitation milk.
5................. 160320 ................ Peanut butter.............. 10.44
3................. NALCBEVG ................ Nonalcoholic beverages...... 239.71
4................. 170110 ................ Cola*...................... 86.72
4................. 170210 ................ Other carbonated drinks.... 47.55
4................. COFFEE ................ Coffee..................... 37.70
5................. 170310 ................ Roasted coffee*........... 25.07
[[Page 6034]]
5................. 170410 ................ Instant and freeze dried 12.63
coffee.
4................. 170510 ................ Noncarbonated fruit 18.80
flavored drinks*.
4................. 170520 ................ Tea........................ 14.47
4................. 200112 ................ Nonalcoholic beer.......... 0.37
4................. 170530 ................ Other nonalcoholic 34.10
beverages and ice*.
3................. FOODAWAY PEG Food away from home........... 2,885.84
4................. RESTRANT ................ Meals at restaurants, carry- 2,459.35
outs and other.
5................. LUNCH ................ Lunch....................... 938.18
6................. 190111 ................ Lunch at fast food, take- 515.26
out, etc.*.
6................. 190112 ................ Lunch at full service 284.21
restaurants*.
6................. 190113 ................ Lunch at vending machines & 9.97
vendors.
6................. 190114 ................ Lunch at employer and 128.73
school cafeterias.
5................. DINNER ................ Dinner...................... 947.59
6................. 190211 ................ Dinner at fast food, take- 311.43
out, etc.*.
6................. 190212 ................ Dinner at full service 629.98
restaurants*.
6................. 190213 ................ Dinner at vending machines 1.76
& vendors.
6................. 190214 ................ Dinner at employer and 4.43
school cafeterias.
5................. SNKNABEV ................ Snacks and nonalcoholic 344.59
beverages.
6................. 190311 ................ Snacks, etc. at fast food, 229.29
take-out, etc.*.
6................. 190312 ................ Snacks, etc. at full 26.13
service restaurants.
6................. 190313 ................ Snacks, etc. at vending 70.07
machines, etc.
6................. 190314 ................ Snacks, etc. at non-public 19.10
cafeterias.
5................. BRKFBRUN ................ Breakfast and brunch........ 228.99
6................. 190321 ................ Breakfast at fast food, 110.28
take-out, etc.*.
6................. 190322 ................ Breakfast at full service 110.80
restaurants*.
6................. 190323 ................ Breakfast at vending 1.71
machines, etc..
6................. 190324 ................ Breakfast at non-public 6.20
cafeterias.
4................. NONRESME ................ Non Restaurant Meals......... 426.48
5................. 190901 ................ Board (including at school).. 21.15
5................. 190902 ................ Catered affairs.............. 49.65
5................. 190903 ................ Food on out-of-town trips.... 251.16
5................. 790430 ................ School lunches............... 79.99
5................. 800700 ................ Meals as pay................. 24.54
3................. ALCBEVG PEG Alcoholic beverages 466.36
4................. ALCHOME ................ At home....................... 269.33
5................. 200111 ................ Beer and ale*................ 151.40
5................. 200210 ................ Whiskey...................... 20.56
5................. 200310 ................ Wine*........................ 72.76
5................. 200410 ................ Other alcoholic beverages..... 24.61
4................. ALCAWAY ................ Away from home................ 197.04
5................. BEERNALE ................ Beer and ale................ 97.03
6................. 200511 ................ Beer & ale at fast food, 19.20
take-out, etc..
6................. 200512 ................ Beer & ale at full service 65.30
restaurants*.
6................. 200513 ................ Beer & ale at vend. machines 1.09
& vendors.
6................. 200516 ................ Beer & ale at catered 11.44
affairs.
5................. WINE ................ Wine......................... 24.93
6................. 200521 ................ Wine at fast food, take-out, 2.06
delivery, etc..
6................. 200522 ................ Wine at full service 21.66
restaurants*.
6................. 200526 ................ Wine at catered affairs..... 1.21
5................. OTHALCBV ................ Other alcoholic beverages.... 75.07
6................. 200531 ................ Other alcohol at fast food, 4.90
take-out, etc..
6................. 200532 ................ Other alcohol at full 31.55
service restaurants.
6................. 200533 ................ Other alcohol at vending 0.53
machines, etc..
6................. 200536 ................ Other alcohol at catered 5.04
affairs.
6................. 200900 ................ Alcoholic beverages 33.04
purchased on trips.
2................. SHEL&UTL MEG Shelter and Utilities 15,244.33
3................. SHELTER PEG Shelter....................... 13,669.60
4................. RNTLEQ ................ Rented Equivalence*.......... 9,870.46
4................. RENTXX ................ Rented Dwelling*............. 3,060.99
4................. OTHLODGE ................ Other Lodging................ 707.16
4................. 350110 ................ Tenants Insurance*........... 30.99
3................. ENERUT PEG Energy Utilities*............. 1,289.59
3................. WATERX PEG Water and other public 285.14
services*.
2................. HHF&SUPP MEG Household Furnishings and 2,952.82
Supplies.
3................. HHOPER PEG Household operations.......... 664.63
4................. HHPERSRV ................ Personal services............ 319.42
5................. 340210 ................ Babysitting and child care*. 78.76
5................. 340906 ................ Care for elderly, invalids, 24.12
& handicapped.
5................. 340910 ................ Adult day care centers....... 2.78
5................. 670310 ................ Day-care centers, nursery, & 213.76
preschools*.
4................. HHOTHXPN ................ Other household expenses 345.21
[[Page 6035]]
5................. 340310 ................ Housekeeping services*...... 74.34
5................. 340410 ................ Gardening, lawn care 82.64
service*.
5................. 340420 ................ Water softening service..... 5.03
5................. 340520 ................ Laundry & dry clean 2.28
(nonclothing).
5................. 340530 ................ Coin-op laundry & dry clean 6.63
(nonclothng).
5................. 340914 ................ Services for termite/pest 14.95
control.
5................. 340915 ................ Home security system service 31.84
fee.
5................. 340903 ................ Other home services......... 21.34
5................. 330511 ................ Termite/pest control 0.52
products.
5................. 340510 ................ Moving, storage, freight 52.63
express*.
5................. 340620 ................ Appliance repair, including 21.64
service center.
5................. 340630 ................ Reupholstering, furniture 14.75
repair.
5................. 340901 ................ Repairs/rentals of lawn & 7.54
garden equip..
5................. 340907 ................ Appliance rental............ 6.66
5................. 340908 ................ Rental of office equip. for 1.06
nonbus. use.
5................. 340913 ................ Repair of misc. equip. and 1.15
furnishings.
5................. 990900 ................ Rental & installation of 0.20
dishwashers, etc..
3................. HKPGSUPP PEG Housekeeping supplies......... 517.77
4................. LAUNDRY ................ Laundry and cleaning supplies 111.39
5................. 330110 ................ Soaps and detergents*....... 60.63
5................. 330210 ................ Other laundry cleaning 50.75
products.
4................. HKPGOTHR ................ Other household products..... 293.49
5................. 330310 ................ Toilet tissue, paper towels, 83.22
napkins, etc.*.
5................. 330510 ................ Miscellaneous household 123.71
products.
5................. 330610 ................ Lawn and garden supplies*... 86.56
4................. POSTAGE ................ Postage and stationery....... 112.90
5................. 330410 ................ Stationery, stationery 59.15
supplies, giftwraps*.
5................. 340110 ................ Postage..................... 52.76
6................. STAMP ................ Stamp*..................... 51.60
6................. PARPST ................ Parcel Post*............... 1.16
5................. 340120 ................ Delivery services........... 0.98
3................. TEX&RUGS PEG Textiles and Area Rugs...... 122.91
4................. HHTXTILE ................ Household textiles........... 116.04
5................. 280110 ................ Bathroom linens*............ 18.65
5................. 280120 ................ Bedroom linens*............. 58.59
5................. 280130 ................ Kitchen and dining room 10.38
linens.
5................. 280210 ................ Curtains and draperies...... 13.44
5................. 280220 ................ Slipcovers, decorative 3.55
pillows.
5................. 280230 ................ Sewing mtls. for slipcovers, 10.30
curtains, etc..
5................. 280900 ................ Other linens................ 1.14
4................. FLOORCOV ................ Floor coverings.............. 6.87
5................. RNTCARPT ................ Wall-to-wall carpeting 0.60
(renter).
6................. 230134 ................ Wall-to-wall carpet 0.49
(renter).
6................. 320163 ................ Wall-to-wall carpet 0.11
(replacemnt) (renter).
5................. 320111 ................ Floor coverings, 6.27
nonpermanent *.
3................. FURNITUR PEG Furniture..................... 513.48
4................. 290110 ................ Mattress and springs *...... 79.17
4................. 290120 ................ Other bedroom furniture..... 105.79
4................. 290210 ................ Sofas....................... 101.92
4................. 290310 ................ Living room chairs *........ 59.83
4................. 290320 ................ Living room tables.......... 19.19
4................. 290410 ................ Kitchen, dining room 54.91
furniture *.
4................. 290420 ................ Infants' furniture.......... 12.70
4................. 290430 ................ Outdoor furniture........... 13.68
4................. 290440 ................ Wall units, cabinets & other 66.29
furniture.
3................. MAJAPPL PEG Major appliances.............. 178.09
4................. 230116 ................ Dishwashers, garbage 15.01
disposals, etc..
4................. 300110 ................ Refrigerators, freezers *... 47.17
4................. 300210 ................ Washing machines *.......... 21.05
4................. 300220 ................ Clothes dryers.............. 14.08
4................. 300310 ................ Cooking stoves, ovens *..... 26.21
4................. 300320 ................ Microwave ovens............. 7.99
4................. 300330 ................ Portable dishwasher......... 0.97
4................. 300410 ................ Window air conditioners..... 6.23
4................. 320511 ................ Electric floor cleaning 25.51
equipment *.
4................. 320512 ................ Sewing machines............. 5.59
4................. 300900 ................ Miscellaneous household 8.28
appliances.
3................. SMAPPHWR PEG Small appliances, misc. 102.30
housewares.
4................. HOUSWARE ................ Housewares.................. 76.57
5................. 320310 ................ Plastic dinnerware........... 2.17
5................. 320320 ................ China and other dinnerware *. 11.30
[[Page 6036]]
5................. 320330 ................ Flatware..................... 3.07
5................. 320340 ................ Glassware.................... 13.35
5................. 320350 ................ Silver serving pieces........ 2.51
5................. 320360 ................ Other serving pieces......... 1.21
5................. 320370 ................ Nonelectric cookware *....... 21.73
5................. 320380 ................ Tableware, nonelectric 21.24
kitchenware.
4................. SMLLAPPL ................ Small appliances............ 25.73
5................. 320521 ................ Small electric kitchen 19.60
appliances *.
5................. 320522 ................ Portable heating and 6.13
cooling equipment.
3................. MISCHHEQ PEG Miscellaneous household 853.64
equipment.
4................. 320120 ................ Window coverings *.......... 14.72
4................. 320130 ................ Infants' equipment.......... 11.50
4................. 320140 ................ Laundry and cleaning 16.28
equipment.
4................. 320150 ................ Outdoor equipment *......... 21.95
4................. 320210 ................ Clocks...................... 46.99
4................. 320220 ................ Lamps and lighting fixtures. 17.10
4................. 320231 ................ Other household decorative 324.95
items.
4................. 320232 ................ Telephones and accessories * 41.77
4................. 320410 ................ Lawn and garden equipment *. 77.17
4................. 320420 ................ Power tools *............... 43.40
4................. 320901 ................ Office furniture for home 20.40
use *.
4................. 320902 ................ Hand tools *................ 12.12
4................. 320903 ................ Indoor plants, fresh flowers 70.25
*.
4................. 320904 ................ Closet and storage items.... 14.56
4................. 340904 ................ Rental of furniture......... 4.36
4................. 430130 ................ Luggage..................... 14.38
4................. 690210 ................ Telephone answering devices. 3.00
4................. 690220 ................ Calculators................. 3.22
4................. 690230 ................ Business equipment for home 3.32
use.
4................. 320430 ................ Other hardware.............. 30.67
4................. 690242 ................ Smoke alarms................ 1.05
4................. 690245 ................ Other household appliances.. 15.17
4................. 320905 ................ Miscellaneous household 45.30
equip. & parts.
2................. APPAREL MEG Apparel and services 1,949.90
3................. MENBOYS PEG Men and boys.................. 364.49
4................. MENS ................ Men, 16 and over............. 281.87
5................. 360110 ................ Men's suits *............... 21.47
5................. 360120 ................ Men's sportcoats, tailored 7.89
jackets.
5................. 360210 ................ Men's coats and jackets *... 33.75
5................. 360311 ................ Men's underwear *........... 15.47
5................. 360312 ................ Men's hosiery............... 10.08
5................. 360320 ................ Men's nightwear............. 2.93
5................. 360330 ................ Men's accessories........... 20.30
5................. 360340 ................ Men's sweaters and vests.... 11.48
5................. 360350 ................ Men's active sportswear..... 15.40
5................. 360410 ................ Men's shirts *.............. 71.11
5................. 360511 ................ Men's pants *............... 52.02
5................. 360512 ................ Men's shorts, shorts sets... 13.35
5................. 360901 ................ Men's uniforms.............. 4.37
5................. 360902 ................ Men's costumes.............. 2.25
4................. BOYS ................ Boys, 2 to 15................ 82.61
5................. 370110 ................ Boys' coats and jackets..... 6.28
5................. 370120 ................ Boys' sweaters.............. 2.63
5................. 370130 ................ Boys' shirts*............... 19.64
5................. 370211 ................ Boys' underwear............. 5.59
5................. 370212 ................ Boys' nightwear............. 2.42
5................. 370213 ................ Boys' hosiery............... 3.81
5................. 370220 ................ Boys' accessories........... 2.56
5................. 370311 ................ Boys' suits, sportcoats, 2.62
vests.
5................. 370312 ................ Boys' pants[hairsp]*........ 20.90
5................. 370313 ................ Boys' shorts, shorts sets... 7.86
5................. 370903 ................ Boys' uniforms.............. 2.97
5................. 370904 ................ Boys' active sportswear..... 3.24
5................. 370902 ................ Boys' costumes.............. 2.08
3................. WMNSGRLS PEG Women and girls............... 812.23
4................. WOMENS ................ Women, 16 and over........... 699.16
5................. 380110 ................ Women's coats and 51.84
jackets[hairsp]*.
5................. 380210 ................ Women's dresses[hairsp]*.... 82.20
5................. 380311 ................ Women's sportcoats, tailored 6.09
jackets.
5................. 380312 ................ Women's vests and 54.09
sweaters[hairsp]*.
5................. 380313 ................ Women's shirts, tops, 126.65
blouses[hairsp]*.
[[Page 6037]]
5................. 380320 ................ Women's skirts.............. 17.14
5................. 380331 ................ Women's pants[hairsp]*...... 102.08
5................. 380332 ................ Women's shorts, shorts sets. 29.78
5................. 380340 ................ Women's active sportswear... 32.51
5................. 380410 ................ Women's sleepwear........... 34.86
5................. 380420 ................ Women's undergarments....... 40.91
5................. 380430 ................ Women's hosiery............. 25.24
5................. 380510 ................ Women's suits............... 37.03
5................. 380901 ................ Women's accessories[hairsp]* 42.19
5................. 380902 ................ Women's uniforms............ 10.70
5................. 380903 ................ Women's costumes............ 5.84
4................. GIRLS ................ Girls, 2 to 15............... 113.07
5................. 390110 ................ Girls' coats and jackets.... 6.39
5................. 390120 ................ Girls' dresses and 21.31
suits[hairsp]*.
5................. 390210 ................ Girls' shirts, blouses, 25.04
sweaters[hairsp]*.
5................. 390221 ................ Girls' skirts and 22.27
pants[hairsp]*.
5................. 390222 ................ Girls' shorts, shorts sets.. 7.79
5................. 390230 ................ Girls' active sportswear.... 7.38
5................. 390310 ................ Girls' underwear and 7.42
sleepwear.
5................. 390321 ................ Girls' hosiery.............. 3.59
5................. 390322 ................ Girls' accessories.......... 5.57
5................. 390901 ................ Girls' uniforms............. 3.72
5................. 390902 ................ Girls' costumes............. 2.60
3................. INFANT PEG Children under 2.............. 88.68
4................. 410110 ................ Infant coat, jacket, snowsuit 3.17
4................. 410120 ................ Infant dresses, outerwear.... 23.90
4................. 410130 ................ Infant underwear[hairsp]*.... 48.52
4................. 410140 ................ Infant nightwear, 4.19
loungewear[hairsp]*.
4................. 410901 ................ Infant accessories........... 8.90
3................. FOOTWEAR PEG Footwear...................... 340.80
4................. 400110 ................ Men's footwear[hairsp]*...... 115.74
4................. 400210 ................ Boys' footwear............... 33.69
4................. 400310 ................ Women's footwear[hairsp]*.... 160.44
4................. 400220 ................ Girls' footwear.............. 30.92
3................. OTHAPPRL PEG Other apparel products and 343.71
services.
4................. 420110 ................ Material for making clothes.. 6.82
4................. 420120 ................ Sewing patterns and notions.. 11.17
4................. 430110 ................ Watches[hairsp]*............. 26.92
4................. 430120 ................ Jewelry[hairsp]*............. 136.82
4................. 440110 ................ Shoe repair and other shoe 2.28
service.
4................. 440120 ................ Coin-op. apparel laundry & 53.13
dry clean[hairsp]*.
4................. 440130 ................ Alteration, repair & 7.48
tailoring of apparel.
4................. 440140 ................ Clothing rental.............. 5.64
4................. 440150 ................ Watch and jewelry repair..... 6.28
4................. 440210 ................ Apparel laundry & dry clean 86.70
not coin-op[hairsp]*.
4................. 440900 ................ Clothing storage............. 0.46
2................. TRANS MEG Transportation 8,245.76
3................. MOTVEHCO PEG Motor Vehicle Costs 4,401.84
4................. VEHPURCH ................ Vehicle purchases (net outlay) 3,497.61
5................. NEWCARS ................ Cars and trucks, new......... 1,900.46
6................. 450110 ................ New cars[hairsp]*........... 1,190.89
6................. 450210 ................ New trucks.................. 709.58
5................. USEDCARS ................ Cars and trucks, used........ 1,574.79
6................. 460110 ................ Used cars................... 899.09
6................. 460901 ................ Used trucks................. 675.70
5................. OTHVEHCL ................ Other vehicles............... 22.36
6................. 450220 ................ New motorcycles............. 10.69
6................. 460902 ................ Used motorcycles............ 11.67
4................. VEHFINCH ................ Vehicle finance charges...... 403.33
5................. 510110 ................ Automobile finance 212.51
charges[hairsp]*.
5................. 510901 ................ Truck finance charges....... 167.71
5................. 510902 ................ Motorcycle and plane finance 1.69
charges.
5................. 850300 ................ Other vehicle finance 21.42
charges.
4................. LEASVEH ................ Leased vehicles............ 315.82
5................. 450310 ................ Car lease payments........ 155.21
5................. 450313 ................ Cash downpayment (car 11.23
lease).
5................. 450314 ................ Termination fee (car 1.96
lease).
5................. 450410 ................ Truck lease payments...... 134.22
5................. 450413 ................ Cash downpayment (truck 10.39
lease).
5................. 450414 ................ Termination fee (truck 2.81
lease).
4................. VEHXP&LV ................ Other Vehicle Expenses and 185.07
Licenses.
[[Page 6038]]
5................. 520110 ................ State and local 104.55
registration[hairsp]*.
5................. 520310 ................ Driver's license............ 7.87
5................. 520410 ................ Vehicle inspection*......... 12.05
5................. PARKING ................ Parking fees................ 30.22
6................. 520531 ................ Parking fees in home city, 25.57
exc. residence.
6................. 520532 ................ Parking fees, out-of-town 4.66
trips.
5................. 520541 ................ Tolls....................... 9.63
5................. 520542 ................ Tolls on out-of-town trips.. 4.13
5................. 520550 ................ Towing charges.............. 6.19
5................. 620113 ................ Automobile service clubs.... 10.42
3................. GASOIL PEG Gasoline and motor oil........ 1,314.01
4................. 470111 ................ Gasoline*.................... 1,191.85
4................. 470112 ................ Diesel fuel.................. 13.42
4................. 470113 ................ Gasoline on out-of-town trips 95.76
4................. 470211 ................ Motor oil.................... 12.01
4................. 470212 ................ Motor oil on out-of-town 0.97
trips.
3................. CARP&R PEG Maintenance and repairs....... 878.76
4................. CARPAR ................ Maintenance and Repair Parts. 228.80
5................. 470220 ................ Coolant, additives, brake, 6.11
trans. fluids.
5................. 480110 ................ Tires--purchased, replaced, 127.40
installed*.
5................. 480213 ................ Parts, equipment, and 84.17
accessories*.
5................. 480214 ................ Vehicle audio equipment, 2.65
excluding labor.
5................. 480212 ................ Vehicle products............ 8.47
4................. CARREP ................ Maintenance and Repair 649.97
Service*.
5................. 490000 ................ Misc. auto repair, servicing 45.18
5................. 490110 ................ Body work and painting...... 30.46
5................. 490211 ................ Clutch, transmission repair. 62.11
5................. 490212 ................ Drive shaft and rear-end 5.66
repair.
5................. 490221 ................ Brake work, including 70.91
adjustments.
5................. 490231 ................ Repair to steering or front- 24.55
end.
5................. 490232 ................ Repair to engine cooling 26.42
system.
5................. 490311 ................ Motor tune-up............... 55.13
5................. 490312 ................ Lube, oil change, and oil 82.42
filters.
5................. 490313 ................ Front-end alignment, wheel 13.27
balance, etc..
5................. 490314 ................ Shock absorber replacement.. 4.91
5................. 490316 ................ Gas tank repair, replacement 7.03
5................. 490318 ................ Repair tires and other 39.11
repair work.
5................. 490319 ................ Vehicle air conditioning 25.24
repair.
5................. 490411 ................ Exhaust system repair....... 18.69
5................. 490412 ................ Electrical system repair.... 44.53
5................. 490413 ................ Motor repair, replacement... 87.68
5................. 490900 ................ Auto repair service policy.. 6.67
3................. 500110 PEG Vehicle insurance*............ 839.60
3................. CARNTL PEG Rented vehicles............... 44.75
3................. PUBTRANS PEG Public transportation......... 766.79
4................. 530110 ................ Airline fares*............... 450.04
4................. 530901 ................ Ship fares................... 104.86
4................. 530210 ................ Intercity bus fares.......... 27.89
4................. 530510 ................ Intercity train fares........ 38.04
4................. LOCTRANS ................ Local Transportation......... 145.96
5................. 530902 ................ School bus................... 2.90
5................. 530311 ................ Intracity mass transit fares. 83.27
5................. 530312 ................ Local trans. on out-of-town 17.89
trips.
5................. 530411 ................ Taxi fares and limousine 10.50
service on trips.
5................. 530412 ................ Taxi fares and limousine 31.40
service*.
2................. MEDICAL MEG Medical 2,161.20
3................. HEALTINS PEG Health insurance*............. 1,015.06
3................. MEDSERVS PEG Medical services.............. 698.31
4................. 560110 ................ Physician's services*........ 166.71
4................. 560210 ................ Dental services*............. 295.45
4................. 560310 ................ Eyecare services............. 44.63
4................. 560400 ................ Service by other than 45.77
physician.
4................. 560330 ................ Lab tests, x-rays............ 21.17
4................. 570110 ................ Hospital room*............... 36.78
4................. 570210 ................ Hospital service other than 42.44
room.
4................. 570220 ................ Care in convalescent or 34.69
nursing home.
4................. 570230 ................ Other medical care services.. 10.68
3................. DRGS&MED PEG Drugs and medical Supplies 447.83
4................. DRUGS ................ Drugs......................... 327.32
5................. 550210 ................ Nonprescription drugs*....... 59.18
5................. 550410 ................ Nonprescription vitamins..... 44.63
[[Page 6039]]
5................. 540000 ................ Prescription drugs*.......... 223.50
4................. MEDSUPPL ................ Medical supplies.............. 120.51
5................. 550110 ................ Eyeglasses and contact 74.50
lenses*.
5................. 550340 ................ Hearing aids................. 10.23
5................. 550310 ................ Topicals and dressings*...... 26.72
5................. 550320 ................ Medical equipment for general 2.28
use.
5................. 550330 ................ Supportive & convalescent 3.57
medical equip..
5................. 570901 ................ Rental of medical equipment.. 1.31
5................. 570903 ................ Rental of supportive, 1.89
convalescent equip..
2................. RECREATN MEG Recreation 3,032.20
3................. FEESADM PEG Fees and admissions........... 708.94
4................. 610900 ................ Recreation expenses, out-of- 37.92
town trips.
4................. 620111 ................ Social, recreation, civic 113.43
club membership*.
4................. 620121 ................ Fees for participant sports*. 107.29
4................. 620122 ................ Participant sports, out-of- 45.09
town trips.
4................. 620211 ................ Movie, theater, opera, 139.56
ballet*.
4................. 620212 ................ Movie, other admissions, out- 67.91
of-town trips.
4................. 620221 ................ Admission to sporting events. 47.02
4................. 620222 ................ Admission to sports events, 22.63
out-of-town.
4................. 620310 ................ Fees for recreational 90.17
lessons*.
4................. 620903 ................ Other entertainment services, 37.92
out-of-town.
3................. TVAUDIO PEG Television, radios, sound 375.46
equipment.
4................. TELEVSN ................ Televisions.................. 163.24
5................. 310110 ................ Black and white TV.......... 1.22
5................. 310120 ................ Color TV--console........... 36.90
5................. 310130 ................ Color TV--portable, table 42.90
model*.
5................. 310210 ................ VCR's and video disc 28.60
players*.
5................. 310220 ................ Video cassettes, tapes, and 27.98
discs.
5................. 310230 ................ Video game hardware and 22.29
software.
5................. 340610 ................ Repair of TV, radio, & sound 3.20
equipment.
5................. 340902 ................ Rental of televisions....... 0.15
4................. AUDIO ................ Radios, sound equipment...... 212.22
5................. 310311 ................ Radios...................... 18.25
5................. 310313 ................ Tape recorders and players.. 3.73
5................. 310320 ................ Sound components and 29.63
systems*.
5................. 310331 ................ Miscellaneous sound 0.40
equipment.
5................. 310332 ................ Sound equipment accessories. 5.53
5................. 310334 ................ Satellite dishes............ 4.12
5................. 310341 ................ Compact disc & tape mail 12.40
order clubs*.
5................. 310342 ................ Records, CDs, audio tapes, 51.07
needles.
5................. 340905 ................ Rental of VCR, radio, & 0.78
sound equip..
5................. 610130 ................ Musical instruments and 33.27
accessories.
5................. 620904 ................ Rental and repair of musical 1.70
instruments.
5................. 620912 ................ Rental of video cassettes, 51.34
tapes, discs*.
3................. PETSPLAY PEG Pets, toys, and playground 560.22
equipment.
4................. PETS ................ Pets......................... 359.15
5................. 610310 ................ Pet food*................... 155.98
5................. 610320 ................ Pet purchase, supplies, 61.37
medicine.
5................. 620410 ................ Pet services................ 29.65
5................. 620420 ................ Vet services*............... 112.15
4................. 610110 ................ Toys, games, hobbies, and 197.38
tricycles*.
4................. 610120 ................ Playground equipment......... 3.70
3................. ENTEROTH PEG Other entertainment supplies, 472.20
equipment, and services.
4................. UNMTRBOT ................ Unmotored recreational 52.15
vehicles.
5................. 600121 ................ Boat without motor and boat 15.59
trailers.
5................. 600122 ................ Trailer and other attachable 36.56
campers.
4................. PWRSPVEH ................ Motorized recreational 85.80
vehicles*.
5................. 600141 ................ Purchase of motorized camper 29.86
5................. 600142 ................ Purchase of other vehicle... 25.07
5................. 600132 ................ Purchase of boat with motor. 30.88
4................. RNTSPVEH ................ Rental of recreational 3.59
vehicles.
5................. 520904 ................ Rental noncamper trailer.... 0.30
5................. 520907 ................ Boat and trailer rental out- 1.01
of-town trips.
5................. 620909 ................ Rental of campers on out-of- 1.58
town trips.
5................. 620919 ................ Rental of other vehicles on 0.68
out-of-town trips.
5................. 620922 ................ Rental of other RV's........ 0.01
4................. 600110 ................ Outboard motors*............. 5.32
4................. 520901 ................ Docking and landing fees..... 9.53
4................. RECEQUIP ................ Sports, recreation and 193.09
exercise equipment.
5................. 600210 ................ Athletic gear, game tables, 78.85
and equip.*.
5................. 600310 ................ Bicycles*................... 11.98
[[Page 6040]]
5................. 600410 ................ Camping equipment........... 16.00
5................. 600420 ................ Hunting and fishing 50.58
equipment.
5................. 600430 ................ Winter sports equipment..... 4.54
5................. 600901 ................ Water sports equipment...... 10.82
5................. 600902 ................ Other sports equipment...... 18.12
5................. 620908 ................ Rental and repair of misc. 2.20
sports equip..
4................. PHOTOEQ ................ Photographic equip., supplies 105.39
and services.
5................. 610210 ................ Film*....................... 23.42
5................. 610220 ................ Other photographic supplies. 1.15
5................. 620330 ................ Film processing*............ 35.03
5................. 620905 ................ Repair & rental of 0.33
photographic equip..
5................. 610230 ................ Photographic equipment...... 23.27
5................. 620320 ................ Photographer fees........... 22.19
4................. 610901 ................ Fireworks.................... 2.56
4................. 610902 ................ Souvenirs.................... 1.70
4................. 610903 ................ Visual goods................. 2.90
4................. 620913 ................ Pinball, electronic video 10.18
games.
3................. PERSPROD PEG Personal care products........ 336.66
4................. 640110 ................ Hair care products*.......... 73.16
4................. 640120 ................ Nonelectric articles for the 6.72
hair.
4................. 640130 ................ Wigs and hairpieces.......... 1.36
4................. 640210 ................ Oral hygiene products, 35.09
articles.
4................. 640220 ................ Shaving needs................ 18.84
4................. 640310 ................ Cosmetics, perfume, bath 155.44
preparation*.
4................. 640410 ................ Deodorants, hygiene, misc. 34.75
personal care.
4................. 640420 ................ Electric personal care 11.31
appliances.
3................. PERSSERV PEG Personal care services........ 342.23
4................. 650310 ................ Personal care service*....... 342.23
3................. READING PEG Reading 236.49
4................. 590110 ................ Newspapers.................... 91.52
5................. 590111 ................ Newspaper subscriptions*..... 69.14
5................. 590112 ................ Newspaper, non-subscriptions* 22.38
4................. 590210 ................ Magazines..................... 50.39
5................. 590211 ................ Magazine subscriptions*....... 33.86
5................. 590212 ................ Magazines, non-subscriptions*. 16.52
4................. 590220 ................ Books thru book clubs......... 14.49
4................. 590230 ................ Books not thru book clubs*.... 79.69
4................. 660310 ................ Encyclopedia and other 0.40
reference books.
2................. EDU&COMM MEG Education and Communication 1,991.01
3................. EDUCATN PEG Education..................... 100.84
4................. 670210 ................ Elementary and high school 85.25
tuition*.
4................. 660210 ................ School books, supplies, 15.59
equipment.
3................. COMMICAT PEG Communications 1,579.20
4................. PHONE ................ Telephone services............ 1,101.68
5................. 270101 ................ Telephone services, exc. cell 941.68
phones*.
5................. 270102 ................ Telephone services for cell 160.01
phones*.
4................. 690114 ................ Computer information 114.65
services*.
4................. 270310 ................ Community antenna or cable 362.87
TV*.
3................. COMP&SVC PEG Computers and Computer 310.97
Services.
4................. 690113 ................ Repair of computers for 3.85
nonbusiness use.
4................. 690111 ................ Computers & hardware 279.53
nonbusiness use*.
4................. 690112 ................ Software & accessories for 27.59
nonbus. use.
2................. MISCMEG MEG Miscellaneous 6,716.22
3................. TOBACCO PEG Tobacco products and smoking 236.00
supplies.
4................. 630110 ................ Cigarettes*.................. 218.42
4................. 630210 ................ Other tobacco products....... 15.83
4................. 630220 ................ Smoking accessories.......... 1.76
3................. MISC PEG Miscellaneous 1,015.55
4................. 620911 ................ Miscellaneous fees, pari- 57.67
mutuel losses.
4................. 680110 ................ Legal fees*................... 124.11
4................. 680140 ................ Funeral expenses*............. 53.22
4................. 680210 ................ Safe deposit box rental....... 5.19
4................. 680220 ................ Checking accounts & bank 27.73
service charges.
4................. 680901 ................ Cemetery lots, vaults, 18.12
maintenance fees.
4................. 680902 ................ Accounting fees*.............. 74.37
4................. 680903 ................ Miscellaneous personal 56.04
services.
4................. 710110 ................ Credit card interest and 375.49
annual fees*.
4................. 900001 ................ Occupational expenses......... 133.33
4................. 790600 ................ Expenses for other properties. 87.52
4................. 880210 ................ Interest paid, home equity 2.75
line of credit.
3................. INSPENSN PEG Personal insurance and 5,464.66
pensions
[[Page 6041]]
4................. LIFEINSR ................ Life and other personal 660.18
insurance*.
4................. PENSIONS ................ Pensions and Social Security*. 4,804.48
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix 3 COLA Survey Items and Descriptions
Adhesive bandages. 1 box of 30 adhesive bandages. Assorted
sizes. Clear or flexible ok to use. (Note: in Virginia, add tax to
this item.) Use: Band Aid brand, Nexcare.
Airfare--Los Angeles. Lowest cost round trip ticket to Los
Angeles, CA, 3-week advance reservation, departing and returning
midweek, including Saturday night stay. Price nonrefundable ticket.
Disregard restrictions, super-saver fares, and special promotions.
(In reference area, price all flights from BWI, Reagan/National, and
Dulles. Price all flights via Internet on same day.) Use: Round
Trip.
Airfare--Miami. Lowest cost round trip ticket to Miami, FL, 3-
week advance reservation, departing and returning midweek, including
Saturday night stay. Price nonrefundable ticket. Disregard
restrictions, super-saver fares, and special promotions. (In
reference area, price all flights from BWI, Reagan/National, Dulles.
Price all flights via Internet on same day.) Use: Round Trip.
Airfare--Seattle. Lowest cost round trip ticket to Seattle, WA,
3-week advance reservation, departing and returning midweek.
(Including Saturday night stay). Price nonrefundable ticket.
Disregard restrictions, super-saver fares, and special promotions.
(In reference area, price all flights from BWI, Reagan/National,
Dulles. Price all flights via Internet on same day.) Use: Round
Trip.
Airfare--St. Louis. Lowest cost round trip ticket to St. Louis,
MO, 3-week advance reservation, departing and returning midweek.
(Including Saturday night stay). Price nonrefundable ticket.
Disregard restrictions, super-saver fares, and special promotions.
(In reference area, price all flights from BWI, Dulles, and Reagan/
National Airport. Price all flights via Internet on same day.) Use:
Round Trip.
Alternator (Ford). Price of a 95 Amp alternator for a 1996 Ford
Explorer 4.0L Fuel Injected V6 with A/C and AT to the consumer at a
dealership. Use: Alternator (Ford).
Alternator (Honda). Price of an alternator for a 1996 Honda
Civic DX, 4 Door 1.7L, 4 cylinder, with A/C and AT to the consumer
at a dealership. Use: Honda, Mitsubishi.
Alternator (Toyota). Price of an 80 Amp alternator for a 1996
Toyota Camry LE, 4 Door, 2.4L, 4 cylinder, with A/C and AT to the
consumer at a dealership. Use: Alternator (Toyota).
Antacid. One large size bottle of extra or ultra strength
tablets. Count varies from 72 to 96 tablets. Use: Tums EX 96
tablets, Tums Ultra 72 tablets.
Antibacterial ointment. 1 ounce tube of antibacterial ointment.
(Note: in Virginia, do not add tax to this item.) Use: Neosporin.
Apples. Price per pound, loose (not bagged). If only bagged
available, report bag weight. Note quality. Use: Red Delicious,
Golden Delicious.
Area Rug (Catalog). Approximately 8' X 11' braided rug, flat
woven, 3-ply yarn. Wool/nylon/rayon. Multi-colored accents. Include
shipping and handling. Use: Area rug (A751-0449 C).
Area Rug (Furn Store). Approximately 8' X 11' braided rug, flat
woven, 3-ply yarn. Wool/nylon/rayon. Multi-colored accents. Use:
Area Rug.
Aspirin. 50 count bottle. If no Bayer, report Bufferin or
Excedrin as a substitute. Use: Bayer.
Auto Finance Rate. Interest rate for a 4-year loan on a new car
with a down payment of 20 percent. Assume the loan applicant is a
current bank customer who will make payments by cash/check and not
by automatic deduction from the account. Use: Interest Percentage
Rate (times 100).
Auto Inspection. Annual cost of auto safety and emissions
inspection required by local government. If not required annually
prorate to annual. Assume 4-year trade cycle. Use: Auto Inspection.
Baby Food. 4 oz jar strained vegetables or fruit. Use: Gerber
Seconds Baby Food, Heinz Baby Food.
Babysitter. Minimum hourly wage appropriate to area. Use:
Babysitting.
Baking Dish. 8 inch square glass, clear or tinted. Exclude
baking dish with cover or lid. Use: Pyrex, Anchor Hocking.
Bananas. Price per pound If sold by bunch, report price and
weight of average sized bunch. Note quality. Use: Available Brand.
Basic Funeral Services. Basic services of Funeral Director and
staff, including overhead. Price covers conducting the arrangements
conference; planning the funeral; consulting with family and clergy;
shelter of remains; preparing and filing of necessary notices;
obtaining necessary authorizations and permits; coordinating with
the cemetery, crematory or other third parties; proportionate share
of basic overhead costs. Note any other services that are included
in price. Use: Basic Funeral Services.
Bath Towel. 54\1/2\''x30'' wide (aprox.) 100% cotton, medium
weight. Side hem is woven selvage. Bottom hem may be folded. Use:
Martha Stewart Everyday 246943286, Store brand.
Beer at Home (bottles). 6 pack of bottled beer, 12 oz size. Use:
Budweiser.
Beer at Home (cans). Six-pack of 12 oz cans of Budweiser. Do not
price refrigerated beer unless that is the only type available. In
Puerto Rico, price 10 oz cans and report as substitutes. Use:
Budweiser.
Beer Away--(CH type). One glass of Budweiser/Miller Lite beer.
Price only at Chart House type restaurants where dinner is priced.
Use: Budweiser, Miller Lite.
Beer Away--(RC type). One glass of Budweiser/Miller lite beer.
Price only at Ruth's Chris type restaurants where dinner is priced.
Use: Budweiser, Miller Lite.
Beer Away--Casual. One glass of Budweiser/Miller Lite beer.
Price only at casual restaurants where dinner is priced. Use:
Budweiser, Miller Lite.
Bicycle 20''. 1-speed boy's bike with kickstand. Solid frame and
front forks (i.e., no shock absorbers). Coaster brake in rear.
Caliper brake in front. Use: Huffy Turbo Blast, Quasar, Mongoose.
Board Game. Standard edition, Not deluxe. Use: Sorry, Scrabble,
Life.
Book. Store price (not publisher's list price unless that is the
store price) for top selling paperback book. Also price via
Amazon.com. Use: Kentucky Rich (Michaels), On the Street Where you
Live (Clark), Dust To Dust (Hoag).
Bottled water. One gallon (128 fl oz) spring water. Do not price
sparkling or distilled water. Record brand in comments. Use: Store
brand, Local brand.
Bowling. One game of open (or non-league) 10-pin bowling on
Saturday night. Exclude shoe rental. If priced by the hour, report
hourly rate divided by estimated number of games per hour and note
hourly rate in comments. Do not price duck-pin bowling. Use:
Bowling.
Boy's Jeans. Regular fit, size range 9-14, inexpensive jeans.
Not bleached, stone-washed or designer jeans. Use: Rustler,
Wrangler.
Boy's Polo Shirt. Knit polo-type shirt with collar, solid color,
size range 7-14. Prefer no embroidered emblem. Not Izod or Polo
brand. Use: Local brand.
Boy's Polo Shirt (Name brand). Name brand, knit polo shirt with
collar, solid color, preferably without embroidered emblem. Size 7-
14. Use: Polo, Calvin Klein.
Boy's T-Shirt. Screen-printed t-shirt for boys ages 8 thru 10
(size 7-14). Pullover with crew neck, short sleeves and polyester/
cotton blend. Do not price team logo shirts. Use: Store brand.
Bread, White. 22-24 oz loaf, sliced. Not store brand. Use:
Wonder, Sunbeam, Holsum.
Breakfast full-service. 2 strips of bacon or 2 sausages, 2 eggs,
toast, coffee, and juice. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use:
Bacon and Eggs.
Breakfast, Fast Food (Bagel). Ham, Egg and Cheese Bagel, hash
brown and coffee. Use value meal, medium size. Check sales tax and
INCLUDE in price. Use: Ham, Egg & Cheese Bagel value meal.
Breakfast, Fast Food (Egg McMuffin). Egg McMuffin, hash brown
and coffee. Use value meal, medium size. Check sales tax and
[[Page 6042]]
INCLUDE in price. Use: Egg McMuffin value meal.
Cable TV, Basic Service. One month lowest level service. Report
number of channels. If 12 or less, price next service level unless
it includes premium (e.g., movie) channels. Do not report hook-up
charges. Use: 1 month of cable TV.
Cable TV, Level 1 Service. One month of the next level of
service above lowest level. If premium (e.g., movie) channels
included, please note in remarks (e.g., HBO1, Disney, Home Team
Sports). Use: Level I Cable.
Camera Film. Single roll, 35 millimeter, 24 exposure, 100 ASA
(speed). If only multi-roll packs available, note number of rolls
and ASA of each in comments. Use: Kodak Gold, Fuji.
Candy Bar. One regular size, weight approx. 1.55 oz to 2.13 oz.
Not king-size or multi-pack. Use: Snickers, Hershey's.
Canned Chopped Ham. 12 oz can of processed luncheon meat. Do not
price turkey, light or smoked. Use: SPAM.
Canned Green Beans. 14-15 oz can of plain cut green beans. Do
not price French cut style, Italian style, canned vegetable
mixtures, or similar specialty variations. Use: Del Monte, Green
Giant.
Canned Ham--2 pound. 2 pound canned ham. Use: DAK, Hormel Black
Label.
Canned Ham--3 pound. 3 pound canned ham. Use: DAK, Hormel Black
Label, Dubuque.
Canned Peaches. 15-16 oz can of sliced peaches. Do not price
lite or juice pack. Use: Libby's, Del Monte.
Canned Soup. Regular size (approx 10 oz). Not hearty, reduced
fat or salt free varieties. Use: Campbell's Vegetable Soup,
Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup.
Canned Tuna. Chunk light, packed in water (6.0 oz to 6.13 oz).
Do not price fancy style or albacore. Use: Star Kist, Bumble Bee.
Cellular Phone Middle Plan. Middle level monthly cellular phone
service with a minimum of 500 anytime minutes and 3000 weekend and
evening minutes per month. Use: Cingular, Sprint.
Cellular Telephone Service. Basic monthly cellular phone service
with a minimum of 250 anytime minutes and 1000 weekend and evening
minutes per month. Use basic minimum offers from carriers that have
similar monthly phone plans. Use: Monthly Service.
Cereal. 18 to 20 oz box of raisin bran cereal. Use: Post Raisin
Bran, Kellogg's Raisin Bran.
Charcoal grill. Charcoal grill, heavy gauge, porcelain enameled,
steel lid, approx. 22.5'' in diameter. Use: Weber1touchsilver
(741001).
Cheese. 10 oz package cheese. Price mild cheddar if available.
Use: Kraft Cracker Barrel.
Chicken breast. Price per pound of USDA grade boneless, skinless
chicken breasts. Price store brand if available, otherwise record
brand. Note: Most ``fresh'' (i.e., not frozen) chicken is
``chilled'' to almost freezing. Do not price frozen chicken. Use:
Boneless, skinless breast.
Chicken, Whole. Price per pound of USDA graded, whole fryer
chicken. Price store brand if available, otherwise record brand.
Note: Most ``fresh'' (i.e., not frozen) chicken is ``chilled'' to
almost freezing. Do not price frozen chicken. Use: Whole fryer.
Cigarettes. One pack filter kings soft pack. Not generic. Use:
Winston, Marlboro.
Clean and Check Up. Current patient charge for routine exam,
including 2-bite wing x-rays and cleaning of teeth (light scaling
and polishing). No special treatment of gums or teeth. Not initial
visit. Not specialist or oral surgeon. Price for an adult. Use:
Dentist check-up.
Coffee, Ground. 13 oz can. Do not price decaffeinated or special
roasts. Use: Folger's, Maxwell House.
Compact Disc (Discount Store). Current best-selling CD. Do not
price double CD's. Use: Spiderman Soundtrack, C'mon, C'mon (Sheryl
Crow).
Compact Disc (Music Store). Current best-selling CD. Do not
price double CD's. Use: Spiderman Soundtrack, C'mon, C'mon (Sheryl
Crow).
Compact Disc Player. 5 disc rotary changer, 32-track
programming, 10 key access, 8 times over sampling, and remote.
IMPORTANT: Specific model numbers may vary by dealer. Use: Sony
CDPCE275, JVC XLFZ158, RCA RP8075.
Computer. Laptop computer with 14 inch screen, Intel[reg]
Pentium[reg] III 1.2 GHZ processor, 20 GB hard drive, 128MB memory,
and DVD-CDRW ROM, 56K modem, Windows XP Home operating system. Use:
HP Pavilion ZT1135 Notebook PC, Compaq 1700 series, Gateway 500Seb.
Contact Lenses. One box of disposable contact lenses, 3 pairs in
the box, a pair lasts two weeks. Price of 1 box only. Use: Sequence,
Medalists, Acuvue.
Cookies. 18--20 oz package. Use: Keebler Chips Deluxe, Nabisco
Chips Ahoy.
Cooking oil. 48 FL oz plastic bottle. Not blends, corn oil,
olive oil, or canola oil. Use: Crisco, Wesson Oil.
Cordless phone. Cordless phone with approx. 30 channels and
caller id. 900 MHz to 2.4 GHz. Use: Panasonic (KXTGA100N), Uniden
(TRU246), Vtech (VT2421).
Credit Card. Interest and Annual Fee Sum of charge card interest
rate applied to the national average balance ($8,562) plus any
annual fees charged by the bank. Do not use Gold or Platinum cards.
Use: Total Cost.
Cremation Services. Direct cremation. Includes removal of
remains, local transportation to crematory, necessary body care and
minimal services of the staff. Include crematory fee and obtain
minimum container fee. Use: Cremation Services.
Day Care. One month of day care for a 3 year old child, 5 days a
week, about 10 hours per day. If monthly rate is not available, 1)
obtain weekly rate, and record in the comments section 2) multiply
weekly rate by 4.33 to obtain monthly rate. Price at day care center
(in a Federal building is ok, but not on a military base). Try
private first, then at a Federal center next. If subsidized, ask
details. Use: DAY CARE.
Dental Crown. Cost of composite on lower molar without
restoration. Price for an adult. Use: Dental crown.
Dental filling. Lower molar, two surfaces amalgam filling. Price
for an adult. Use: Dental filling.
Dining table set (Catalog). Contemporary style, rectangular
table, solid hardwood, no leaf, four legs. Imported.
48x30. Two side chairs: 18x22x37, and two end
chairs with arms: 23\1/2\x20\3/4\x37. No or minimum pads
on chairs. Include shipping and handling. Use: Manhattan Collection.
Dining table set (Furn Store). Contemporary style, rectangular
table, solid hardwood, no leaf, four legs. Imported.
48x30. Two side chairs: 18x22x37, and two end
chairs with arms: 23\1/2\x20\3/4\x37. No or minimum pads
on chairs. Use: Manhattan Collection.
Dinner-Full Service (Chart House type). Large steak dinner (10
to 16 oz), salad, rice or potato, no coffee. Do not include tip.
Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use: Large steak dinner.
Dinner-Full Service (Pancake House type). 8-12 oz steak, small
side dish (e.g., rice or potato), side salad or salad bar, and
coffee. Meal should not include dessert. If 8-12 oz unavailable,
price closest size and note in comments. Check sales tax and INCLUDE
in price. Do not include tip. Use: Steak Dinner.
Dinner-Full Service (Ruth's Chris type). 8-10 oz petite filet,
salad, potato, no coffee. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Do
not include tip. Use: Petite filet dinner.
Dinner-Full Service (Casual). 8-12 oz steak, small side dish
(e.g., rice or potato), side salad or salad bar, and coffee. Meal
should not include dessert. If 8-12 oz unavailable, price closest
size and note in comments. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Do
not include tip. Use: Steak Dinner.
Dish Set. Corelle Abundance pattern tableware 20-piece set.
Includes: 4 dinner plates, 4 luncheon plates, 4 bowls, 4 cups, and 4
saucers. Pattern is beige with a fruit and flower motif. Use:
Corelle Impressions, New Corelle.
Disposable diapers. 34 count package, Stage 2 (child 12-18
pounds). Not jumbo, overnight or larger size diapers. Use: Pampers,
Huggies.
Doctor Office Visit. Typical fee when medical advice or simple
treatment is needed. Not initial visit. Exclude regular physical
examination, injections, medications, or lab tests. Use general
practitioner not pediatrician or other specialist. Use: Doctor
visit.
Drill, Cord. \1/2\ reversible, variable speed, key-
type chuck, 5.5 amp electric drill with cord. Use: Black & Decker
DR500.
Drill, Cordless. Variable speed, reversible, key-less chuck, 9.6
volt, electric drill with fast recharge. Use: Makita Model 6095DWBE,
DeWalt DW926K-2.
Dry clean Man's Suit. 2-piece man's suit of typical fabric. Do
not price for silk, suede or other unusual materials. Use: Dry
cleaning.
DVD player. 5 disc DVD/CD player with remote, with on-screen
menus. Jacks are located in the back. Use: Panasonic (DVD-CV52K).
Education, K-12 Private. Cost of tuition. Note if books &
uniforms are included. If price varies by grade, record in comments
price for each grade. Note any annual, recurring fees, i.e.,
registration, computer, activity, etc. Avoid pricing at church-
affiliated schools if possible. If not possible, note any rate
differences for church members versus others. Use: Ed, K-12 Private.
[[Page 6043]]
Eggs (brown, large) One dozen large, brown eggs. Record brand in
comments. Use: Store brand, Local brand.
Eggs (white, large). One dozen large eggs. Not brown eggs.
Record brand in comments. Use: Local Brand, Store Brand.
Eggs (white, medium). One dozen medium, white eggs. Do not price
brown eggs. Record brand in comments. Use: Store brand, Local brand.
Electric Bill. Price per KWH, plus any additional monthly
charges. Obtain local electrical utility bill, as possible. Use:
utility worksheet.
Electric Broom. Electric broom style vacuum cleaner w/ approx.
2-6 amps, 120 volts. Electric bagless broom, dirt cup. Use:
HooverTempoStikVacORQuikBroomSuprem, Bissel Easy Vac Plus 5 amp
3102-D, Eureka Boss Lite.
Embalming. Price for embalming non-autopsied remains. Use:
Embalming.
Fast food Dinner Burger. Hamburger meal consisting of a Big Mac,
Medium fries and medium soft drink. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in
price. Use: Big Mac Value Meal.
Fast food Dinner Pizza. Medium cheese pizza with salad and small
soft drink. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use: Medium Cheese
Pizza.
Fast food Lunch Burger. Hamburger meal consisting of a Big Mac,
Medium fries and medium soft drink. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in
price. Use: Big Mac Value Meal.
Fast food Lunch Pizza. Personal size cheese pizza or 1 slice of
cheese pizza, and a small soft drink. Do NOT include salad. Check
sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use: Cheese Pizza.
FEGLI (Life Insurance). Federal Life Insurance. Not surveyed.
Constant across all areas. Use: OPM.
FEHB Insurance. Self Only and Self and Family. OPM provides data
on Federal Health Benefits Insurance premiums. Use: OPM.
FERS/CSRS Contributions. Federal Retirement Contributions. Not
surveyed. Assumed to be constant across all areas. Use: FERS/CSRS.
Filing cabinet. 2 drawer metal vertical file cabinet, approx.
24x14x 8 file drawer sides may
accommodate hanging files. Use: Hirsh Industries, Space Solutions,
or Work.Org brand.
Film processing. 1 hour color film processing, in store. 24
exposure, 35 mm, 3x5 single print. Use: Film processing 1 hour.
Ford Explorer--2WD. Purchase price of a 2002 Ford Explorer XLS,
2 wheel drive, 4 door, 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder, 5-speed automatic
overdrive transmission. Please note the price of any special option
packages. Use Worksheet. Use: Ford Explorer XLS 2 WD-AT.
Ford Explorer--4WD. Purchase price of a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT,
4x4, 4 door, 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder, 5-speed automatic overdrive
transmission. Please note the price of any special option packages.
Use Worksheet. Use: Ford Explorer XLT.
Ford License, Reg, & Taxes (2WD). Annual license, registration
and personal property taxes for a Ford Explorer, 2 wheel drive Use:
Ford 2WD License, Reg & Taxes.
Ford License, Reg, & Taxes (4WD). License, registration, and
periodic taxes (e.g., road or personal property tax, but NOT one-
time taxes such as sales tax) on a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT, 4x4, 4
door, 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder, 5-speed automatic overdrive
transmission. Use: FORD 4 WD MISC TAXES & REG.
Fresh Mahi-Mahi. Price per pound of fresh mahi-mahi fillet. Do
not price previously frozen (PF) or specially prepared varieties. Do
not price family-pack, value-pack, super-save pack, or equivalent.
Use: Mahi-Mahi fillet.
Fresh Red Snapper. Price per pound of fresh Red Snapper. Use:
Red Snapper.
Fresh Salmon. Price per pound of fresh salmon fillet. Do not
price previously frozen (PF) or specially prepared varieties. Do not
price family-pack, value-pack, super-save pack, or equivalent. Use:
Salmon fillet.
Fresh Shrimp. Price per pound of fresh tiger shrimp-size 16 to
20 count per pound. Do not price previously frozen (PF) or specially
prepared varieties. Do not price family-pack, value-pack, super-save
pack, or equivalent. Use: Tiger Shrimp.
Frozen fish fillet. Price of frozen ocean whitefish fillet
prepared with a sauce (e.g., lemon-butter, teriyaki, or Cajun
sauce). Do not price breaded filets. Use: Gorton's grilled fillets,
Mrs. Paul's.
Frozen orange juice. 12 fl oz orange juice concentrate (makes 48
fl oz). Do not price calcium fortified, pulp free, country style,
etc. Use: Sunkist, Minute Maid.
Frozen peas. 16 oz package. Do not price peas with sauce or
Green Giant Select. Use: Green Giant, Birdseye, Hanover.
Frozen TV Dinner. One 11.5-oz (approximate) frozen dinner with
vegetable and/or other condiment. Do not price Hungry Man or
equivalent extra-portion sizes. Use: Swanson Turkey Dinner, Swanson
Fried Chicken Dinner.
Frozen waffles. 8 to 10 waffles per package. Use: Aunt Jemima,
Kellogg's, Eggo.
Fruit Drink. 64 fl oz bottle. Not powdered mixes or individual
serving sized drinks. Use: Hi-C, Hawaiian Punch.
Fruit Juice. 48 oz glass or plastic bottle of juice. Do not
price frozen or boxed drink or drink in significantly different size
bottle. Use: Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail, Ocean Spray
Cranapple.
Gasoline. Self-Serve Price per gallon for self-service unleaded
regular gasoline. Use: Gas for cars.
Gelatin. 3 oz box gelatin dessert. Use: JELL-O, Royal.
General Admission. Adult price for regular length, current-
release (currently advertised on television) evening film. Report
weekend evening price if different from weekday. Use: Movie.
Girl's dress. Cotton blend short or long-sleeved dress
appropriate for school. Exclude extra ornamentation. Size range 7-14
(for ages 8-10). Use: Store brand.
Girl's Dress (Catalog). Girls shantung dress, braided trim,
empire waist, back zip, dry clean. Include shipping and handling.
Use: Shantung dress.
Girl's jeans. Basic plain jeans for girls ages 8-10 (size 7-14).
Store brand, e.g., Arizona for JC Penney. Use: Store brand.
Girl's Jeans (Catalog). Girls 5 pocket, pre-washed jeans,
machine washable. Include shipping and handling. Use: 5 pocket
jeans.
Girl's jeans (CK type). Designer basic plain jeans for girls
ages 8-10 (size 7-14). Use: Calvin Klein Classics.
Girl's Polo type top. Girl's polo cotton blend, not stretchy
material (that has lycra), striped or solid pattern. Sizes 7-14.
Use: Store brand.
Gold Ball Earrings (Dept Store). One pair 6mm, 14K hollow, gold
ball earrings for pierced ears. If not available, but 4, 5, 7 or 8mm
are available, record each separately as a substitute. Do not price
gold filled. Use: Store Brand.
Gold Ball Earrings (Jewelry Store). One pair 6mm, 14K hollow,
gold ball earrings for pierced ears. If not available, but 4, 5, 7
or 8mm are available, record each separately as a substitute. Do not
price gold filled. Use: store brand.
Golf. 18 holes of golf on weekend w/cart. No par 3 courses or
early-bird/off-hours prices. If only 9 holes available, double
price. If only daily rate available (unlimited number of holes),
report the Sat/Sun rate. If at resort, price RESIDENT FEE only. Use:
golf.
Ham, Cured, not canned. Price per pound a boneless cured ham. Do
not price honey glazed. Use: Store Brand.
Hamburger Buns. 8-count package of sliced enriched white
hamburger buns. Do not price store brand, lite, whole wheat, or
sesame seed buns. Use: Wonder, Sunbeam, Holsum.
Hammer (Graphite Fiber Handle). Smooth head, 16 oz nail hammer,
curved or straight claw, with graphite handle. Use: Stanley 51-505.
Hammer (wood handle). 16-oz curved claw, high carbon steel head,
black finish, wood handle. Overall length 13 \1/4\. This
is a typical homeowner's hammer. Do not price hammers with non-
wooden handles or those typically used by carpenters or cabinet
makers. Use: Stanley 51616, Stanley 51416.
Health club membership. 1 year regular individual membership for
EXISTING MEMBER. No special offers. If no yearly rate, price month
and prorate. Service must include free weights, cardiovascular
equip., and aerobic classes. Note if pool, tennis, racquet ball, or
other service included. Use: Health club.
Honda Civic. Purchase price of a 2002 Honda Civic Sedan DX, 4
door, 1.7 liter, 4 cylinder, automatic transmission. Please note the
price of any special option packages. Use Worksheet. Use: Honda
Civic DX.
Honda License, Reg, & Taxes. License, registration, and periodic
taxes (e.g., road or personal property tax, but NOT one-time taxes
such as sales tax) on a 2002 Honda Civic Sedan DX, 4 door, 1.7
liter, 4 cylinder, automatic transmission. Use: HONDA MISC TAXES &
REGISTRATION.
Hospital Room (Private). Daily charge for a PRIVATE ROOM ONLY.
Include food and routine care. Exclude cost of operating room,
surgery, medicine, lab fees, etc. Do not price specialty rooms,
e.g., those in cardiac care units. Use: Private Room.
Hospital Room (Semi-Private). Daily charge for a SEMI-PRIVATE
ROOM ONLY. Include food and routine care. Exclude cost of operating
room, surgery, medicine, lab fees, etc. Do not price specialty
rooms, e.g., those in cardiac care units, medicine, lab fees, etc.
Use: Semi-Private Room.
[[Page 6044]]
Hot Dogs. 16 oz package, all beef, USDA graded. Do not price
chicken, turkey, extra lean, or fat free frankfurters. Use: Oscar
Mayer.
Housekeeping (hourly wage). Local hourly wage for a housekeeper
or janitor. Use: Local Government wage data.
Housekeeping Service (Hourly). Hourly rate for one person to
clean a private residence on a periodic basis. If hourly rate not
available, price job rate, number of people, and total hours
required to clean house twice a month. House has 2000 sq. ft., 3
bedrooms, living room, den, kitchen, 2 full baths. Family has 2
adults, 2 children, no pets. Use: Housekeeping Hourly.
Ice Cream (Name brand). \1/2\ gallon (2 QT) vanilla flavored.
Not ice milk, fat free, sugar free, or frozen yogurt. Use: Breyer's.
Ice Cream (Store brand). \1/2\ gallon (2 QT) vanilla flavored.
Not ice milk, fat free, sugar free, or frozen yogurt. Record brand
in comments. Use: Store Brand, Local brand.
Ice Cream Cone. Regular (one scoop) vanilla ice cream cone. Not
frozen yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. Use: Ice Cream Cone.
Ice Cream Cone (gourmet). Regular (one scoop) vanilla ice cream
cone. Not frozen yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. Use: Ice Cream
Cone.
Infant's Sleeper. One-piece sleeping garment with legs, covering
the body including the feet. Can be packaged or hanging. Use:
Gerber, Playskool, Sesame Street, Store brand.
Insurance, Ford Min. DC AND VI ONLY. Annual minimum premium for
Ford. 35-year old married male, currently insured, no accidents/
violations. Commuting 15 miles one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 25/
30 PD 25, Med 5 or PIP 25, UM 25/30. Comp 250 deductible. Col 500
deductible. If this level of coverage is not available, price the
policy with the closest coverage. Use: FORD INSURANCE MIN.
Insurance, Ford Reg. DC AND PR ONLY. Annual premium for Ford.
35-year old married male, currently insured, no accidents/
violations. Commuting 15 miles one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI
100/300, PD 25, Med 15 or PIP 50, UM 100/300. Comp 100 deductible.
Col 250 deductible. If this level of coverage is not available,
price the policy with the closest coverage. Use: Ford insurance.
Insurance, Honda Min. DC AND VI ONLY. Annual minimum premium for
Honda. 35-year old married male, currently insured, no accidents/
violations. Commuting 15 miles one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 25/
30 PD 25, Med 5 or PIP 25, UM 25/30. Comp 250 deductible. Col 500
deductible. If this level of coverage is not available, price the
policy with the closest coverage. Use: HONDA INSURANCE MIN.
Insurance, Honda Reg. DC AND PR ONLY. Annual premium for Honda.
35-year old married male, currently insured, no accidents/
violations. Commuting 15 miles one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI
100/300, PD 25, Med 15 or PIP 50, UM 100/300. Comp 100 deductible.
Col 250 deductible. If this level of coverage is not available,
price the policy with the closest coverage. Use: Honda insurance.
Insurance, Toyota Min. DC AND VI ONLY. Annual minimum premium
for Toyota. 35-year old married male, currently insured, no
accidents/violations. Commuting 15 miles one-way/day, annual 15,000
mi. BI 25/30 PD 25, Med 5 or PIP 25, UM 25/30. Comp 250 deductible.
Col 500 deductible. If this level of coverage is not available,
price the policy with the closest coverage. Use: Insurance, Toyota
Min.
Insurance, Toyota Reg. DC AND PR ONLY. Annual premium for
Toyota. 35-year old married male, currently insured, no accidents/
violations. Commuting 15 miles one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI
100/300, PD 25, Med 15 or PIP 50, UM 100/300. Comp 100 deductible.
Col 250 deductible. If this level of coverage is not available,
price the policy with the closest coverage. Use: Toyota Insurance
Reg.
Internet Service. Monthly charge for unlimited Internet access
via standard telephone modem connection. Use: Local provider, AOL,
MSN.
Jelly. 18 oz jar of grape jelly. Use: Welch's.
Jet Ski. 2002 Yamaha jet ski XLT800, 120 hp, 2 cylinder, 3
seater. (If only SeaDo GTX is available, record as a substitute).
Use: Yamaha (XLT800).
Ketchup. 24 oz plastic squeeze bottle. Use: Heinz.
Kitchen Range (Electric). 30 inch wide electric range. Features
upswept cook top, removable coils elements, electronic clock w/
timer, oven light, delay, start cook controls, storage drawer, glass
front with see through window, self cleaning oven w/2 oven racks and
a porcelain enamel broiler pan. Black door and black panel. Don't
use white door. Use: GE Spectra (JBP24BBWH), Maytag Performa
(PER5505BAH).
Kitchen Range (Gas). 30 wide gas, self-cleaning
range. Features: upswept cook-top, electronic clock with timer, oven
light, large glass front with see-thru window, and a porcelain
enamel broiler pan. Color: White-on-white. Use: Whirlpool SF367LEKQ.
Laptop (Compaq). Compaq Presario 720US, 56K, 14.1
screen, DVD, 64KB, 256MB, (Radio Shack catalog number 25-985). Use:
Compaq Presario (720US).
Laptop Computer. Processor: Intel Pentium 4; 2.0 GHz; memory:
512MD DDR SDRAM; storage: 20 GB hard drive; drives: 3.5 floppy
diskette drive, 16x/10x/24x CDRW/8x DVD combo; graphics:
14.1 XGA Monitor. Full sized keyboard and EZ Pad pointing
device; operating system: Microsoft[reg] Windows XP; software:
Microsoft[reg] Works Suite 2002. Use: Gateway Laptop.
Laundry Soap. 100 fl oz of liquid household laundry detergent.
Do not price detergent with bleach or whiteners. Use: Wisk, Tide.
Lawn Care (hourly wage). Local hourly wage for gardener/grounds
keeper. Use: Local Government.
Lawn Care Service (hourly). Hourly rate for one person to cut
and edge lawn. If hourly rate not available, price job rate, number
of people, and total hours required to cut and edge a \1/4\ acre
lawn. Do not include any other services, e.g., fertilizing, raking,
watering, weeding. Use: Hour of lawn care service.
Lawn trimmer. Gas powered 31cc two-cycle engine, dual feed line,
16-17 wide cut. Straight or curved shaft okay.
No brush blade. Bump or semi-automatic line feed. Use: Ryobi 766R or
765R, Weedeater 17 25cc trimmer, Homelite UT20811
(17).
Lawnmower (push). Gas powered 6.5 hp 20 push (NOT
self propelled), mulching lawn mover. Use: Yard Man 106C.
Lawnmower (self-propelled). 21-22 self-
propelled, 6.5 hp gas lawnmower. Use: Toro/Lawnboy (M20013),
Craftsman (37844).
LD Call Chicago. Cost of a 10 min call using regional carrier,
recd on a weekday in Chicago at 8:00 p.m. (Chicago time); direct
dial. Include any Federal, State, local or excise tax that is
applicable. Use: AT&T.
LD Call Los Angeles. Cost of a 10 min call using regional
carrier, recd on a weekday in LA at 8:00 p.m. (LA time); direct
dial. Include any Federal, State, local or excise tax that is
applicable. Use: AT&T.
LD Call New York. Cost of a 10 min call using regional carrier,
recd on a weekday in NY at 8:00 p.m. (NY time); direct dial. Include
any Federal, State, local or excise tax that is applicable. Use:
AT&T.
Lettuce. Price per head of iceberg lettuce. (Note weight of an
average head. Note quality.) Use: Available Brand.
Lipstick. One tube. Use: Revlon Super Lustrous, Revlon
Moondrops.
Living Room Chair (Catalog). Flexsteel rocker/recliner. Large
scale pad-over-chaise, side-handle for reclining. High arms and wide
seat. Polypropylene/polyester upholstery. Include shipping and
handling. Use: Action Lane.
Living Room Chair (Furniture Store). Flexsteel rocker/recliner.
Large scale pad-over-chaise, side-handle for reclining. High arms
and wide seat. Polypropylene/polyester upholstery. Use: Living Room
Chair.
Lunch full-service (Casual). Cheeseburger platter with fries and
small soft drink. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Record
burger weight in comments. Use: Cheeseburger Platter.
Lunch full-service (Pancake House type). Cheeseburger platter
with fries and small soft drink. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in
price. Record burger weight in comments. Use: Cheeseburger Platter.
Lunch Meat. 8 oz pkg. Do not price all beef variety. Use: Oscar
Mayer Bologna, Oscar Mayer Cotto Salami.
Magazine subscription. 1-year home delivery price of a magazine.
Use: Newsweek, Time.
Magazine, Newsstand-Bookstore. Store price (not publisher's list
price unless that is the store price) for a single copy. Use: Time,
Newsweek.
Man's athletic shoe (DEPT). Soft leather upper. Full-length
Phylon midsole with low-pressure Air-Sole units in heel and
forefoot. Composition rubber outsole. Use: Nike Air Essential III,
Nike Resolve Plus, Nike Air Jokul, Reebok Classic.
Man's athletic shoe (Shoe Store). Soft leather upper. Full-
length Phylon midsole with low-pressure Air-Sole units in heel and
forefoot. Composition rubber outsole. Use: Nike Air Essential III,
Nike Resolve Plus, Nike Air Jokul, Reebok Classic.
Man's Dress Shirt. White or solid color long sleeve button cuff
plain collar dress shirt. Approximately 35%cotton/65%polyester. Use:
Arrow, Van Heusen.
Man's Dress Shoe (Leather DEPT). 100% leather uppers, wing tips
or plain toe. Leather
[[Page 6045]]
sole. Use: Bostonian, Steeplegate, Clark, Rockport, Florsheim.
Man's Dress Shoe (Leather SHOE). 100% leather uppers, wing tips
or plain toe. Leather sole. Use: Bostonian, Steeplegate, Clark,
Rockport, Florsheim.
Man's Dress Shoe (Rubber Sole CTLG). Men's rubber sole dress
shoe, wing tip, Rockport Share. Include shipping and handling. Use:
Rockport Share.
Man's Dress Shoe (Rubber Sole SHOE). Men's rubber sole dress
shoe, wing tip, Rockport Share. Use: Rockport Share.
Man's Dress Shoe (Rubber Sole) DEPT. 100% leather uppers, wing
tips or plain toe. Remaining parts are man-made materials.
Lightweight with rubber/EVA sole. Do not price leather sole. Use:
Bostonian, Rockport.
Man's Haircut. Typical haircut. Do not include wash. Use: Man's
Haircut.
Man's Jeans. Regular loose fit non designer jeans. Do not price
bleached or stone washed. Use: Rustler, Wrangler.
Man's khaki pants. Man's casual khakis, any color, flat front or
pleated. Cotton twill. Use: Dockers flat front, Dockers pleated.
Man's Khaki Pants (Catalog). Man's khaki pants from a catalog.
Flat front or pleated, machine wash. Include shipping and handling.
Use: Docker's flat front, Docker's pleated.
Man's Lightweight Jacket (Catalog). Lightweight, breathable,
cotton jacket. Front pockets, fully lined, long sleeves, made of
cotton and nylon, front zipper, elastic waist. (Use regular sizes,
not tall). Include shipping and handling. Use: Lightweight Jacket.
Man's Sport Watch (Discount Store). Quartz movement, water
resistant, digital watch with 2 or 3 alarms, lap counter, timer,
INDIGLO night-light, leather, plastic, and/or fabric band. Use:
Timex Expedition T73601, 107350.
Man's Suit-Catalog. Double-breasted worsted wool, ventless back.
Black, regular suit. Inside pocket and full acetate lining. Include
shipping and handling. Use: Catalog brand.
Man's Suit-Dept Store. Double-breasted worsted wool, ventless
back. Black, regular suit. Inside pocket and full acetate lining.
Use: Store brand.
Man's Undershirt. 1 package (of 3) Men's t-shirts. V-neck. White
100% cotton undershirts with short sleeves. Use: Hanes, Fruit of the
Loom.
Man's watch (Dept Store). Sweep second hand and date window. Has
Eco-Drive mechanism, which charges in sunlight or indoors and
maintains a 180 day power reserve. Use: Citizen ECO-drive (BM0310-
54L), Citizen ECO-drive (BM8080-59M).
Man's watch (Jewelry Store). Sweep second hand and date window.
Has Eco-Drive mechanism, which charges in sunlight or indoors and
maintains a 180 day power reserve. Use: Citizen ECO-drive (BM0310-
54L), Citizen ECO-drive (BM8080-59M).
Man's Wed Band Non-Cmfrt-Jewelry. Men's 14K gold 4mm plain
wedding band, size 10 or less, non-comfort fit. Do not price gold-
filled rings. Use: man's noncomfort fit ring.
Man's Wed Band Non-Cmft-Dept. Men's 14K gold 4mm plain wedding
band, size 10 or less, non-comfort fit. Do not price gold-filled
rings. Use: Store brand.
Man's Wedding Band-Cmfrt fit-Dept. Men's 14K solid gold, 4mm
wide, plain wedding band, size 10 or less, comfort fit. Do not price
gold-filled rings. Use: Store Brand.
Man's Wedding Band-Cmfrt fit-Jewel. Men's 14K solid gold, 4mm
wide, plain wedding band, size 10 or less, comfort fit. Do not price
gold-filled rings. Use: store brand.
Margarine. 1 pound (4 sticks) regular margarine. Do not price
reduced fat variety. Use: Parkay, Fleishman's.
Mattress and Foundation (Catalog). Queen-size mattress and
foundation. Quilted cotton/polyester blend layers. Thick layers of
convoluted polyfoam. Innerspring system. Mattress thickness, 9\1/
4\, 448 coils. Wood reinforced foundation. Include
shipping and handling. Use: Sealy Posture Premier Generation.
Mattress and Foundation (Furn). Queen-size mattress and
foundation. Quilted cotton/polyester blend layers. Thick layers of
convoluted polyfoam. Innerspring system. Mattress thickness, 9\1/
4\, 448 coils. Wood reinforced foundation. Use: Sealy
Posture Premier Generation
Mayonnaise. 32 oz jar of mayonnaise. Use: Kraft, Hellmann's.
Meat, Chuck Roast. Price per pound of an average size USDA
graded package. Do not price family-pack, value-pack, super-saver
pack or equivalent. Do not price frozen roast. Use: Chuck roast with
bone.
Meat, Ground Beef (90% lean). Price per pound, fresh (not frozen
or previously frozen) USDA graded lean ground beef (approximately 10
percent fat). Use average size package. Not family-pack, value-pack,
super-saver pack, or equivalent. Use: Lean Ground Beef (10% fat).
Meat, Ground Beef (95% lean). Price per pound of 95% lean. (5%
fat) ground beef. Do not price choice. Use Select. Use average size
package. Not family-pack, value-pack, super-saver pack, or
equivalent. Use: Ground beef.
Meat, Ground Chuck or 20% Ground Beef. Price per pound, fresh
(not frozen or previously frozen) USDA graded ground chuck or
approximately 20% fat ground beef. Use average size package. Not
family-pack, value-pack, super-saver pack, or equivalent. Use:
Ground chuck or 20% ground beef.
Meat, Pork Chops bone-in. Price per pound of an average size
USDA graded package of loin chop with bone. Do not price family-
pack, value-pack, super-saver pack or equivalent. Do not price
frozen chops. Use: Loin chop with bone.
Meat, Pork Chops boneless. Price per pound of an average size
USDA graded (select not choice) package of center cut rib chop
without bone. Do not price family-pack, value-pack, super-saver pack
or equivalent. Do not price frozen chops. Use: Center cut, rib chop.
Meat, Round Roast. Price per pound of fresh (not frozen or
previously frozen) USDA graded, average size package. Not family-
pack, value-pack, super-saver pack, or equivalent. Use: Eye round
roast, boneless.
Meat, Round Steak. Price per pound, fresh (not frozen or
previously frozen) USDA graded average size package. Not family-
pack, value-pack, super-saver pack or equivalent. Use: Boneless Top
Round.
Meat, Sirloin Steak. Price per pound of fresh (not frozen or
previously frozen) USDA graded, average size package. Not family-
pack, value-pack, super-saver pack, or equivalent. Use: Boneless
sirloin.
Meat, Sliced Bacon. 16 oz package USDA grade, regular slice. Not
Canadian bacon, extra thick sliced, or extra lean. Use: Hormel,
Armour.
Milk, 2%. One gallon (128 fl oz), 2%. Record brand in comments.
Use: Store Brand 2% Milk, Local Brand.
Milk, Whole. One gallon (128 fl oz), whole milk. Record brand in
comments. Use: Store brand, Local brand.
Mover driver (hourly wage). Local Government hourly rate for
truck driver light. Use: mover driver Local Government.
Moving (hourly wage). Local hourly wage for a mover. If none
available, use material handler. Use: Local Government wage data.
Moving Service (Hourly). Hourly rate for a within city move, two
men with an enclosed van. Include any van rental fees if charged
separately. Do not include extra insurance or special packaging
options. If company requires more than two men, report the number of
men in comments. Use: Moving Service.
Newspaper, Home Delivery. 1 year of home delivery of the largest
selling daily regional paper (including Sunday edition) distributed
in the area. Do not include tip. Use: Newspaper.
Newspaper, newsstand. Price of newspaper at a newsstand (in
box). Use: Newspaper Newsstand.
Non-Aspirin Pain Reliever. 60 tablets of extra-strength
acetaminophen. Not caplets or gel caps. If number of tablets
differs, note and prorate. Use: Tylenol, Excedrin-Free.
Oranges. Price per pound of loose oranges. If only bagged
oranges are available, also report the weight of the bag. Note
quality. Use: Valencia.
Outboard Motor. 15 hp, 2 cycle, standard shaft, rope start,
outboard motor suitable for use on an inflatable dinghy. Use:
Mercury.
Parcel Post to Chicago. Cost to mail a 5 pound package to
Chicago using regular mail delivery service. Use: Parcel Post to
Chicago.
Parcel Post to Los Angeles. Cost to mail a 5 pound package to
Los Angeles using regular mail delivery service. Use: Parcel Post to
Los Angeles.
Parcel Post to New York. Cost to mail a 5 pound package to New
York using regular mail delivery service. Use: Parcel Post to New
York.
Pearl Earrings (Dept Store). Pair 6 mm cultured or fresh water
pearl earrings with gold post. If not available, but 4, 5, 7, or 8
mm are available, record each separately as a substitute. Use: Store
Brand.
Pearl Earrings (Jewelry Store). Pair 6 mm cultured or fresh
water pearl earrings with gold post. If not available, but 4, 5, 7,
or 8 mm are available, record each separately as a substitute. Use:
Store Brand.
Pen. 10 pack round stick medium point pen. Not Crystal or clear
type. Use: Bic Round Stic, Paper Mate.
Pet food. 5.5 oz can of cat food. Use: Purina, 9 Lives,
Friskies, Whiskas.
Piano lesson. One-half hour beginner private lesson. Price
through a music studio if possible. Use: Piano Lesson.
Plant Food. 24 oz container of granulated indoor plant food.
Use: Miracle Grow.
[[Page 6046]]
Potato Chips. 5.5-6 oz bag of regular potato chips. Use: Ruffles
Potato Chips, Lay's Potato Chips.
Potatoes. Price per pound of loose potatoes. If only bag
potatoes available, report smallest size as substitute and note
weight. Use: Russet baking, White.
Prescription Drug 1. 20 mg of 30 capsules of non-generic
Prilosec. Use: Prilosec.
Prescription Drug 2. 250 mg of 30 capsules of generic Amoxicil
(survey Amoxicillin). Use: Amoxicillin.
Printer. Color inkjet printer, 2400 X 1200 dpi, up to 9 ppm b/w;
7.5 ppm color. Use: HP DeskJet 920c.
Printer, Color. 2880 x 720 dpi print resolution, 12ppm black &
white; 5.5ppm color, USB cable included (a $10 value), Microsoft
Windows 98 / Me / 2000 / XP. Use: Printer, Color (Gateway).
Printer, Color (HP). Color DeskJet printer, 2400 X 1200 dpi, up
to 12 ppm b/w; 10 ppm color. Use: Epson Stylus C42UX (Gateway), HP
DeskJet 940c.
Red Roses. One dozen long stemmed, fresh cut red roses wrapped
in floral paper. Purchased not delivered. Not boxed or arranged in
vase. Use: Dozen red roses.
Refrigerator. No frost top mount 20.5--21.5 cu ft refrigerator
with reversible doors, glass shelves, moisture controlled crisper
drawers, and meat drawer. Door contains 1 or more covered
compartments, and adjustable bins. Freezer has adjustable wire
shelves, door bins, but no ice maker. Use: Whirlpool Top Mount
ET1MTKXKQ.
Refrigerator with ice maker. No frost top mount 20.5--21.5 cu ft
refrigerator with reversible doors, glass shelves, moisture
controlled crisper drawers, and meat drawer. Door contains 1 or more
covered compartments, and adjustable bins. Freezer has adjustable
wire shelves, door bins, with ice maker. Use: Whirlpool (ET1MTKXKQ),
Whirlpool (ET1MTMXKQ).
Rental Data. Rental averages from Hedonic Regressions. Use:
Rental Data (OPM).
Renter Insurance 1. HO-4 renters insurance coverage for $25,000
of contents. Policy must cover hurricane, earthquake, and other
catastrophic damage. Use: Renter's Insurance Low.
Renter Insurance 2. HO-4 renters insurance coverage for $30,000
of contents. Policy must cover hurricane, earthquake, and other
catastrophic damage. Use: Renter's Insurance Middle.
Renter Insurance 3. HO-4 renters insurance coverage for $35,000
of contents. Policy must cover hurricane, earthquake, and other
catastrophic damage. Use: Renter's Insurance Upper.
Rice--Long Grain. 5 pound bag of long grain enriched white rice.
Do not price converted or minute rice. Record brand in comments.
Use: Uncle Ben's.
Rice--Medium Grain. 3 pound bag of medium grain white rice--NOT
converted or parboiled. Use: Sello Rojo, Goya.
Salt. 26 oz box of iodized salt. Not sea-salt, kosher-style,
etc. Record brand in comments. Use: Morton.
Shampoo. 15 oz bottle for normal hair. Use: Suave, VO5, White
Rain.
Sheets. 230-250 thread count cotton or cotton polyester blend.
QUEEN size fitted or flat sheet, Not a set. Use: Martha Stewart,
Store Brand.
Shop Rate, Ford. Hourly shop rate for a mechanic at a Ford
dealership. Use: Hourly Shop Rate, Ford.
Shop Rate, Honda. Hourly shop rate for a mechanic at a Honda
dealership. Use: Hourly shop rate, Honda.
Shop Rate, Toyota. Hourly shop rate for a mechanic at a Toyota
dealership. Use: Hourly shop rate, Toyota.
Snack cake. 1 box (8 or 10 to a box) cream-filled type cake
desserts. Not fresh baked desserts, individual servings, or larger
family-style containers. Use: Hostess Twinkies, Hostess Cupcakes.
Soft Drink. 2 liter plastic bottle. Use: Coca-Cola, Pepsi.
Soy Milk. One quart soy milk--plain, not flavored. Use: Vitasoy,
Silk Soy.
Spaghetti, Dry. 16 oz box or bag. Do not price store brand. Use:
San Giorgio, Mueller's, Ronzoni.
Stamp. Cost of mailing a one ounce letter first class. Use:
First Class Stamp.
Sugar. 5 pound bag of granulated cane or beet sugar. Do not
price superfine or generic. Record brand in comments. Use: Store
Brand, Local Brand.
Tax Preparation. Flat rate for preparing individual tax Federal
1040 (long form), Schedule A, plus State or local equivalents.
(Note: Some areas only have local income taxes.) Note number of
forms in comments. Assume typical itemized deductions. If only
hourly rate available, obtain estimate of the time necessary to
prepare forms, prorate, and report as a substitute. Not a CPA. Use:
Tax Preparation.
Taxi Fare. 5 miles cab fare, one way, from major airport.
Include fare for only 1 passenger with 2 suitcases. (In DC, use
Dulles, BWI and National.) Include applicable taxes and record in
comments. Not tourist zone. Use: Taxi Fare.
Telephone Service. Monthly cost for unmeasured touchtone
service. Include tax. Exclude options such as call waiting, call
forwarding or fees for equipment rental. Use: Local phone service.
Television 20. 20 color TV w/front AV
inputs, remote, and approximately 181 channel tuning. NOT stereo and
NOT flat screen. Note: Model numbers may vary by dealer. If 20'' not
available, price 19'' as a substitute. Use: RCA F20648, JVC 2310.
Television 27. 27 color television with
remote control, auto channel, sleep timer, on-screen menus, auto
tuning. Use: Panasonic (CT27G7D).
Tennis Balls. One can, 3 heavy-duty yellow felt. Not special
gas-filled or premium type. Use: Wilson, Penn.
Tennis club membership. 1 yr reg. individual membership for
EXISTING MEMBER. No special offers. If no yearly rate, price month &
prorate. Service must be limited to use of courts and tennis
clubhouse (if existent). Use: Tennis Club.
Tires, Ford Reg. One black sidewall tire for the Ford Explorer
XLT, size (P235/70R x16SL OWL A/S), ``original equipment'' quality.
Do not include mounting, balancing, or road hazard warranty. Use:
Goodyear, Michelin, Goodrich.
Tires, Honda Reg. One black sidewall tire for the Honda Civic
DX, size (P185/70 R14 87S), ``original equipment'' quality. Do not
include mounting, balancing, or road hazard warranty. Use: Michelin,
BF Goodrich, Goodyear.
Tires, Toyota Reg. One black side wall tire for the Toyota Camry
LE, size (P205/65 R15), ``original equipment'' quality. Do not
include mounting, balancing, or road hazard warranty. Use: Goodyear,
Michelin, BF Goodrich.
Toilet Tissue. 12-roll pack. Use: Charmin.
Tomatoes. Price per pound of medium-size tomatoes. If only
available in celo pack, note price and weight of average size
package. Not organic, `hydro', plum, or extra fancy tomatoes. Note
quality. Use: Available Brand.
Toyota Camry. Purchase price of a 2002 Toyota Camry LE, 4 door,
2.4 liter, 4 cylinder, automatic transmission. Please note the price
of any special option packages. Use Worksheet. Use: Toyota Camry LE.
Toyota License, Reg, & Taxes. License, registration, and
periodic taxes (e.g., road or personal property tax, but NOT one-
time taxes such as sales tax) on a 2002 Toyota Camry LE, 4 door, 2.4
liter, 4 cylinder, automatic transmission. Use: Toyota Misc Taxes &
Registration.
Two-Slice Toaster. Two-slice toaster, cool-touch body (not
chrome), wide slot (for bagels), pastry defrost setting. Use:
Proctor Silex 22425, Proctor Silex 22420, Proctor Silex 22415,
Proctor Silex 22447.
Veterinary Services. Routine annual exam for a small dog
(approx. 25 to 30 pounds.) No booster shots, medication, or other
extras such as nail clipping, ear cleaning, etc. Use: Vet services.
Video Recorder. 4-head Hi-Fi Stereo, on-screen programming,
front A/V jacks, and universal remote. NOT Super VHS. Note: Model
numbers may vary by dealer. Use: Sony (SLV-N55), JVC HRJ691U, RCA
VR637HF.
Video Rental. One video tape, 1-day or minimum rental rate for
Saturday night. Non-member fee. Do not price new releases, oldies or
classics where price is different from a regular rental. Use: Video
Rental.
Wash, Single Load. One load, regular size, top loading washing
machine. Exclude drying. Use: Coin laundry.
Washing machine. Features 12 cycle super capacity washer with 3
water temps. 3.0-3.2 cubic ft. with fabric softener and bleach
dispenser. 2 or more speed combination. Use: GE WBSE3120B.
Washing machine (8 cycle). Features 8 cycle super capacity
washer (3.0-3.2 cu. ft), 3 water temps, 3 water levels, w/fabric
softener and bleach dispenser. Color: White-on-white. Use: Whirlpool
LSR8433KQ.
Water Bill. Rate schedule for water and sewer including any
related charges, taxes, customer service charges, etc. Obtain sample
local water bill, if possible. Use: worksheet.
Will Preparation. HOURLY RATE to prepare a simple will. Not
paralegal. If large firm, not partner. Use: Legal service: will or
trust.
Window Mini-blind. Approximately 36 wide by
64 long. Room darkening vinyl, medium weight. Color:
White. Use: Main Fine USA model MD3664W.
Window Shade. Room darkening, medium weight, pull-down shade.
Approx. 37 wide
[[Page 6047]]
x 66 long (usually free to cut smaller). Use: Store
brand.
Wine at Home 1. 750 ml of Chardonnay wine. Vintage 2000. Use:
Fetzer.
Wine at Home 2. 750 ml of Chardonnay wine, any vintage (Note
vintage in comments). Use: Turning Leaf.
Wine Away-(CH type). One glass of house white wine at Chart
House type restaurant where meal is also priced. Use: House Wine.
Wine Away-(RC type). One glass of house white wine at Ruth's
Chris type restaurant where meal is also priced. Use: House Wine.
Wine Away-Casual. One glass of house white wine at casual
restaurant where meal is also priced. Use: House brand.
Woman's Athletic Shoes-Dept. Walking shoe for women. Soft
leather upper. Full-length Phylon midsole with low-pressure Air-Sole
units in heel and forefoot. Composition rubber outsole. Use: New
Balance 554 or 608, Nike Air Essential III, Reebok classic.
Woman's Athletic Shoes-Shoe Store. Walking shoe for women. Soft
leather upper. Full-length Phylon midsole with low-pressure Air-Sole
units in heel and forefoot. Use: New Balance 554 or 608, Nike
Essential III, Reebok Classic.
Woman's Blouse (Linen)-Catalog. 100% linen shirt, button cuffs,
side vents, machine washable. Include shipping and handling. Use:
Linen shirt.
Woman's Blouse (Linen)-Dept. 100% washable linen, short sleeve
or sleeveless, button front blouse with minimum trim. Use: Laura
Scott, Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant, Liz Baker, Notations.
Woman's Blouse (Polyester)-Dept. 100% polyester short sleeve,
button front blouse with minimum trim. Washable. Use: Laura Scott,
Liz Baker, Notations, Impressions.
Woman's blue jeans. Blue jeans. Machine washable, 5 pocket with
zipper fly, loose fit, straight leg or tapered. Use: Levi's red tab
550's relaxed, Levi's 577 jeans.
Woman's Casual Khakis. Woman's casual khakis, any color, flat
front or pleated pant, machine washable. Use: Dockers Flat Front,
Dockers Pleated.
Woman's cut and style. Wash, cut, and styled blow dry. Exclude
curling iron if extra. Price hair salons in major department stores
and malls. Use: Woman's Haircut.
Woman's Dress (Jersey, Catalog). Jersey dress, \3/4\ length
sleeves, 100% polyester, machine washable. Include shipping and
handling. Use: Jersey Dress.
Woman's Dress (Lined Dept Store). Sheath style, fully lined
dress appropriate for office. 100% washable linen. Princess seams
and padded shoulders. Back zip and walking vent. Washable. Short
sleeve, or sleeveless. Use: Store brand, Sag Harbor.
Woman's Dress (unlined Catalog). Tank Dress, straight,
sleeveless with side slits, linen/cotton blend. By Liz Baker.
Include shipping and handling. Use: Linen/cotton Tank dress.
Woman's Dress (Unlined Dept Store). Sheath style, unlined. 100%
cotton or polyester blend. Princess seams and padded shoulders. Back
zip and walking vent. Washable. Short sleeve, or sleeveless. Use:
Sag Harbor.
Woman's jacket (Catalog). Microfiber jacket, button off hood.
Front pockets, convertible collar, polyester/nylon lining, washable.
Include shipping and handling. Use: Available catalog brand.
Woman's jeans (CK type). Designer jeans, machine washable, 5
pocket with zip fly. Loose fit, straight leg or tapered. Use: Calvin
Klein Easy Straight Leg, Calvin Klein Classic.
Woman's Pump (Catalog). Woman's pump, 2\1/4\ inch heel. (A.
Oprah) from JCPenney catalog. Include shipping and handling. Use:
Oprah.
Woman's Pump Shoes-Dept. Plain pump (not open toed or open back
style), tapered approx. 2'' heel matches shoe (not stacked/wooden
type), leather uppers, the remaining parts are man-made materials.
No extra ornamentation, extra thick heels, and wedge-type heel. Do
not price leather sole shoe. Use: JCPenney's Worthington, Sears
Apostrophe, Easy Spirit, Shoebox Store Brand.
Woman's Sweater (Catalog). Cardigan long-sleeve sweater, cotton/
nylon/spandex blend, machine washable. Include shipping and
handling. Use: Cardigan.
Woman's Sweater (Dept). Long sleeve button down v neck cardigan
sweater. 100% cotton or cotton blend. Use: Carolyn Taylor, Designer
Original, Apostrophe, Karen Scott, Laura Scott.
Woman's Wallet. Clutch/checkbook style wallet. Split-grain,
cowhide leather. Not eel skin, snake skin or other varieties. Use:
Buxton, Mundi, Princess Gardner.
Woman's Wallet (fashion brand). Clutch/checkbook style wallet.
Split-grain, cowhide leather. Do not price eel skin, snake skin or
other varieties. Use: Liz Claiborne, Kenneth Cole.
Appendix 4--COLA Rental Survey Data Collection Elements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data element Description of data
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparable identification code*... Unique identification code that can
be associated with photographs.
Comparable's address*............. Complete location address of the
comparable, including ZIP code, NOT
Post Office Box.
How initially identified*......... Internet, broker, drive-by,
newspaper, published rental listing
(e.g., as often found in
supermarkets), other.
Person providing information, if Name and title of person providing
applicable. information about the comparable.
Examples of title: agent, landlord,
tenant.
Address, etc. of person providing Complete mailing address, phone
information. number(s), and e-mail address, as
appropriate, of person providing
information about the comparable.
Community name, if applicable..... Name of community in which
comparable is located.
Year built........................ Year built or year of last
remodeling affecting 50% or more of
the structure.
Finished space*................... Total square feet of finished space
(i.e., living-area).
Basement*......................... Yes/no.
Bedrooms*......................... Number of bedrooms.
Bathrooms*........................ Number of bathrooms (\1/2\ bath is
toilet and sink; full bath is
toilet, sink, shower, and/or tub).
Balcony*.......................... Covered, uncovered, none. Covered,
uncovered, none.
Patio*............................ Covered, uncovered, none.
External condition*............... Excellent, good, poor. Excellent
condition means the unit is new or
like new condition (e.g., recently
remodeled, refurbished, or
restored). Good condition means the
unit shows signs of age but is in
good repair (e.g., the paint is not
peeling, there are no broken
windows, sagging fences, or missing
gutters; the yard is maintained;
and there are no disabled cars,
appliances, or other trash around
the property). Poor condition means
the unit is habitable but needs
repair and the property needs
maintenance and/or trash removal.
Neighborhood condition*........... Desirable, average, undesirable. A
desirable neighborhood generally
has homes in excellent or good
condition. Commercial services are
separate (e.g., clustered in strip
malls or business parks). There are
many parks and/or open public
spaces. Roads and parks are well-
maintained and clean. Other public
services, including schools, are
believed to be good; and the crime
rate is perceived to be low. An
average neighborhood generally has
homes in good condition with a
balance of homes in excellent and
poor condition. Commercial services
are separate. Roads and parks are
in good condition but may need
cleaning or maintenance. Other
public services are perceived to be
acceptable but not exceptional. An
undesirable neighborhood generally
has homes in poor condition.
Commercial units may be
intermingled with residential
units. Roads are often crowded and/
or poorly maintained and have
litter. There are few parks and
those are also poorly maintained.
Other public services are believed
to be marginal; and crime rate is
perceived to be high.
[[Page 6048]]
Heating fuel*..................... Primary heating fuel (e.g.,
electricity, natural gas, propane,
fuel oil, wood, other).
Central air conditioning*......... Yes/no. Central air is a ducted
system designed to cool all or
essentially all of a house or
apartment.
Multi-room air conditioning*...... Yes/no. If yes and if available,
report number of multi-room units.
Multi-room air conditioning is a
non-window unit designed to cool
more than one room but not all of a
house or apartment.
Window air conditioning*.......... Yes/no. If yes and if available,
report number of window-type air
conditioning units.
Exterior construction*............ Exterior construction materials
(e.g., brick, stone, cement, block,
wood, metal or vinyl siding).
Garage*........................... Triple (or more), double, single,
none.
Carport*.......................... Yes/no.
Reserved parking.................. Yes/no.
Security*......................... Gated community, guard, alarm
system, none.
Type of unit*..................... Single family home, duplex, triplex,
townhouse/row house, apartment (3
floors or less), high rise
apartment (4 floors or more),
other.
Furnishings provided by landlord*. Yes/no.
Appliances provided by landlord*.. Yes/no. If yes and information is
available, report if refrigerator,
range, oven, dishwasher, clothes
washer, clothes dryer, and/or
freezer provided.
Services paid by landlord*........ Water, sewer (includes septic),
garbage collection, lawn care,
cable television, satellite dish,
electricity, heating fuel,
firewood, snow removal.
Water source...................... Public, well, cistern, none.
Sewer............................. Public, septic, none.
Fireplace......................... Yes/no.
Paved road*....................... Yes/no.
Sidewalks*........................ Yes/no.
Streetlights*..................... Yes/no.
Complementary recreation Yes/no. If yes, note complementary
facilities*. (i.e., free) swimming pools, club
houses, tennis courts, or other
significant recreational facilities
available.
Pets.............................. Yes/no. Yes, if dogs, cats, or both
allowed; else no.
Exceptional view*................. Yes/no. A view of a park, ocean,
mountain, valley, golf course,
etc., that is unusually beautiful
for the area and may increase the
rental value of the property.
[Note: Properties with direct
access to such an amenity are not
comparables and must not be
surveyed.]
Vacant............................ Yes/no. If vacant and if known,
report how long unit has been on
market.
Rent*............................. Rental or lease amount per month.
Date of listing*.................. Date associated with rental rate
reported above.
Other fees and charges*........... Additional periodic fees or charges
that the tenant pays, e.g., parking
fees, condo fees, pet fees. Do not
include deposits, first/last
month's rent, utilities, tenant's
insurance, or discretionary fees
(e.g., cable TV, community pool
membership).
Comment........................... Additional information that helps
clarify above data elements as they
apply to the comparable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Required.
Appendix 5--Hedonic Rental Data Equations and Results
Data TempFile;
StCroix=0; StTomJohn=0; PuertoRico=0; ExtConAvg=0; ExtConGood=0;
HighRise=0; Apartment=0; Neighbrhd=0; Unfurnished=0; NoPets=0;
PayParking=0; SqftxApartment=0; SqftxHighrise=0; SqftxHouse=0;
BathxApartment=0; BathxHighRise=0; BathxHouse=0; BedxHouse=0;
BedxNonhouse=0; AgexHouse=0; AgexNonhouse=0;
if island=`1-Croix' then StCroix=1;
if island=`2-JonTho' then StTomJohn=1;
if island=`3-P.Rico' then PuertoRico=1;
/* if island=`4-DC-Base' then dc=1;--Make DC base area*/
if extrcond=`A' then ExtConGood=1;
if extrcond=`B' then ExtConAvg=1;
/* if extrcond=`C' then poor=1;--Make poor base condition*/
if unit=`APART' then Apartment=1;
if unit=`HIGH' then HighRise=1;
/* if unit=`HOUSE' then house=1;--Make house base type unit*/
if neighbor=`DESIRABLE' THEN Neighbrhd=1;
IF FURNITURE=`N' THEN Unfurnished=1;
IF PETS=`N' THEN NoPets=1;
IF PARKING=`no' then PayParking=1;
if unit=`APART' then SqftxApartment=sqfootage;
if unit=`HIGH' then SqftxHighRise=sqfootage;
if unit=`HOUSE' then SqftxHouse=sqfootage;
if unit=`APART' then BathxApartment=baths;
if unit=`HIGH' then BathxHighRise=baths;
if unit=`HOUSE' then BathxHouse=baths;
if unit=`HOUSE' then BedxHouse=bedrooms;
if unit ne `HOUSE' then BedxNonhouse = bedrooms;
if unit=`HOUSE' then AgexHouse=age;
if unit ne `HOUSE' THEN AgexNonhouse = age;
PROC REG DATA=TempFile;
MODEL lrent = StCroix--AgexNonhouse;
TITLE `2002 Caribbean Rental Data--Federal Register Model'; Run;
2002 Caribbean Rental Data--Federal Register Model
[The REG procedure dependent variable: lrent]
[Analysis of variance]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pr F
squares square
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model.............................................. 21 338.1567 16.1027 318.95 <.0001
Error.............................................. 1585 80.0202 0.05049
------------------------
Corrected Total.................................... 1606 418.1769
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 6049]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Root MSE.................................... 0.22469 R-Square.......................... 0.8086
Dependent Mean.............................. 7.03641 Adj R-Sq.......................... 0.8061
Coeff Var................................... 3.19326
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parameter Estimates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parameter Pr
Variable DF estimate Standard error t value [verbar]t[verbar]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intercept............................. 1 6.33288 0.09064 69.87 <.0001
StCroix............................... 1 -0.40677 0.0275 -14.79 <.0001
StTomJohn............................. 1 -0.18449 0.02555 -7.22 <.0001
PuertoRico............................ 1 -0.4319 0.01824 -23.68 <.0001
ExtConAvg............................. 1 0.2285 0.08049 2.84 0.0046
ExtConGood............................ 1 0.34187 0.08118 4.21 <.0001
HighRise.............................. 1 -0.1148 0.06361 -1.8 0.0713
Apartment............................. 1 -0.38439 0.0507 -7.58 <.0001
Neighbrhd............................. 1 0.23193 0.01527 15.19 <.0001
Unfurnished........................... 1 -0.13775 0.02323 -5.93 <.0001
NoPets................................ 1 -0.03661 0.0121 -3.03 0.0025
PayParking............................ 1 -0.01242 0.01319 -0.94 0.3464
SqftxApartment........................ 1 0.000686 5.92E-05 11.58 <.0001
SqftxHighrise......................... 1 0.000453 8.11E-05 5.58 <.0001
SqftxHouse............................ 1 0.000272 2.1E-05 12.97 <.0001
BathxApartment........................ 1 0.09979 0.02694 3.7 0.0002
BathxHighRise......................... 1 0.16166 0.04187 3.86 0.0001
BathxHouse............................ 1 0.11183 0.01405 7.96 <.0001
BedxHouse............................. 1 0.04518 0.01415 3.19 0.0014
BedxNonhouse.......................... 1 0.02504 0.01498 1.67 0.0949
AgexHouse............................. 1 0.0013 0.000199 6.55 <.0001
AgexNonhouse.......................... 1 -0.00047 0.000422 -1.12 0.2610
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix 6--Final Living-Cost Results for Puerto Rico
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEG PEG
MEG PEG weight weight PEG index MEG index
(percent) (percent)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Food................................... ................................................................ 13.16 ......... ......... 101.83
Cereals and bakery products..................................... ......... 7.45 105.65 .........
Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs.................................. ......... 11.16 99.40 .........
Dairy products.................................................. ......... 4.94 124.86 .........
Fruits and vegetables........................................... ......... 5.56 107.05 .........
Processed foods................................................. ......... 11.68 106.42 .........
Other food at home.............................................. ......... 3.16 92.62 .........
Nonalcoholic beverages.......................................... ......... 3.74 133.21 .........
Food away from home............................................. ......... 45.04 91.91 .........
Alcoholic beverages............................................. ......... 7.28 123.96 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
2. Shelter and Utilities.................. ................................................................ 31.30 ......... ......... 80.44
Shelter......................................................... ......... 89.67 66.57 .........
Energy Utilities................................................ ......... 8.46 236.07 .........
Water and other public services................................. ......... 1.87 41.54 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
3. Household Furnishings and Supplies..... ................................................................ 6.06 ......... ......... 98.84
Household operations............................................ ......... 22.51 64.95 .........
Housekeeping supplies........................................... ......... 17.53 113.20 .........
Textiles and Area Rugs.......................................... ......... 4.16 93.40 .........
Furniture....................................................... ......... 17.39 95.70 .........
Major appliances................................................ ......... 6.03 116.32 .........
Small appliances, misc. hsewares................................ ......... 3.46 108.32 .........
Misc. household equipment....................................... ......... 28.91 114.40 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
4. Apparel and services................... ................................................................ 4.00 ......... ......... 112.80
Men and boys.................................................... ......... 18.69 107.05 .........
Women and girls................................................. ......... 41.66 114.32 .........
Children under 2................................................ ......... 4.55 103.86 .........
Footwear........................................................ ......... 17.48 88.96 .........
Other apparel products and svcs................................. ......... 17.63 141.24 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
5. Transportation......................... ................................................................ 16.93 ......... ......... 107.51
Motor Vehicle Costs............................................. ......... 53.67 109.17 .........
Gasoline and motor oil.......................................... ......... 16.02 84.24 .........
Maintenance and repairs......................................... ......... 10.72 94.31 .........
Vehicle insurance............................................... ......... 10.24 122.13 .........
[[Page 6050]]
Public transportation........................................... ......... 9.35 136.92 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
6. Medical................................ ................................................................ 4.44 ......... ......... 73.30
Health insurance................................................ ......... 46.97 59.73 .........
Medical services................................................ ......... 32.31 72.76 .........
Drugs and medical supplies...................................... ......... 20.72 104.88 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
7. Recreation............................. ................................................................ 6.23 ......... ......... 102.99
Fees and admissions............................................. ......... 23.38 95.96 .........
Television, radios, sound equip................................. ......... 12.38 115.85 .........
Pets, toys, and playground equip................................ ......... 18.48 98.43 .........
Other entertainment supplies, etc............................... ......... 15.57 106.71 .........
Personal care products.......................................... ......... 11.10 98.89 .........
Personal care services.......................................... ......... 11.29 105.17 .........
Reading......................................................... ......... 7.80 109.76 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
8. Education and Communication............ ................................................................ 4.09 ......... ......... 132.89
Education....................................................... ......... 5.06 216.35 .........
Communications.................................................. ......... 79.32 132.97 .........
Computers and computer services................................. ......... 15.62 105.41 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
9. Miscellaneous.......................... ................................................................ 13.79 ......... ......... 103.10
Tobacco products and supplies................................... ......... 3.51 87.91 .........
Miscellaneous................................................... ......... 15.12 123.28 .........
Personal insurance and pensions................................. ......... 81.37 100.00 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
Overall Price Index....................... MEG Total....................................................... 100.00 ......... ......... 96.60
Plus Adjustment Factor.................... ................................................................ ......... ......... ......... 7.00
Final Living-Cost Index................... ................................................................ ......... ......... ......... 103.60
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Appendix 7--Final Living-Cost Results for the U.S. Virgin Islands
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MEG PEG
MEG PEG weight weight PEG index MEG index
(percent) (percent)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 2002 Survey Results
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Food................................... ................................................................ 13.16 ......... ......... 116.05
Cereals and bakery products..................................... ......... 7.45 129.89 .........
Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs.................................. ......... 11.16 129.25 .........
Dairy products.................................................. ......... 4.94 155.69 .........
Fruits and vegetables........................................... ......... 5.56 108.80 .........
Processed Foods................................................. ......... 11.68 128.02 .........
Other food at home.............................................. ......... 3.16 108.01 .........
Nonalcoholic beverages.......................................... ......... 3.74 132.85 .........
Food away from home............................................. ......... 45.04 105.82 .........
Alcoholic beverages............................................. ......... 7.28 99.25 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
2. Shelter and Utilities.................. ................................................................ 31.30 ......... ......... 97.01
Shelter......................................................... ......... 89.67 70.99 .........
Energy Utilities................................................ ......... 8.46 343.31 .........
Water and other public services................................. ......... 1.87 230.60 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
3. Household Furnishings and Supplies..... ................................................................ 6.06 ......... ......... 126.20
Household operations............................................ ......... 22.51 58.68 .........
Housekeeping supplies........................................... ......... 17.53 138.03 .........
Textiles and Area Rugs.......................................... ......... 4.16 98.61 .........
Furniture....................................................... ......... 17.39 141.31 .........
Major appliances................................................ ......... 6.03 127.13 .........
Small appliances, misc. hsewares................................ ......... 3.46 101.87 .........
Misc. household equipment....................................... ......... 28.91 169.19 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
4. Apparel and services................... ................................................................ 4.00 ......... ......... 102.52
Men and boys.................................................... ......... 18.69 115.94 .........
Women and girls................................................. ......... 41.66 98.51 .........
Children under 2................................................ ......... 4.55 83.57 .........
Footwear........................................................ ......... 17.48 97.20 .........
Other apparel products and svcs................................. ......... 17.63 107.95 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
[[Page 6051]]
5. Transportation......................... ................................................................ 16.93 ......... ......... 111.02
Motor Vehicle Costs............................................. ......... 53.67 112.02 .........
Gasoline and motor oil.......................................... ......... 16.02 73.46 .........
Maintenance and repairs......................................... ......... 10.72 88.94 .........
Vehicle insurance............................................... 10.24 119.53 .........
Public transportation........................................... ......... 9.35 185.59 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
6. Medical................................ ................................................................ 4.44 ......... ......... 102.16
Health insurance................................................ ......... 46.97 110.99 .........
Medical services................................................ ......... 32.31 83.05 .........
Drugs and medical Supplies...................................... ......... 20.72 111.93 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
7. Recreation............................. ................................................................ 6.23 ......... ......... 107.72
Fees and admissions............................................. ......... 23.38 85.81 .........
Television, radios, sound equip................................. ......... 12.38 94.05 .........
Pets, toys, and playground equip................................ ......... 18.48 124.46 .........
Other entertainment supplies, etc............................... ......... 15.57 118.42 .........
Personal care products.......................................... ......... 11.10 120.92 .........
Personal care services.......................................... ......... 11.29 107.77 .........
Reading......................................................... ......... 7.80 115.28 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
8. Education and Communication............ ................................................................ 4.09 ......... ......... 173.59
Education....................................................... ......... 5.06 268.97 .........
Communications.................................................. ......... 79.32 180.93 .........
Computers and Computer Services................................. ......... 15.62 105.41 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
9. Miscellaneous.......................... ................................................................ 13.79 ......... ......... 105.08
Tobacco products and supplies................................... ......... 3.51 52.54 .........
Miscellaneous................................................... ......... 15.12 144.64 .........
Personal insurance and pensions................................. ......... 81.37 100.00 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
-------------------------------------------
St. Thomas/St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands 2002 Survey Results
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Food................................... ................................................................ 13.16 ......... ......... 116.71
Cereals and bakery products..................................... ......... 7.45 128.17 .........
Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs.................................. ......... 11.16 130.42 .........
Dairy products.................................................. ......... 4.94 159.21 .........
Fruits and vegetables........................................... ......... 5.56 118.71 .........
Processed Foods................................................. ......... 11.68 136.14 .........
Other food at home.............................................. ......... 3.16 111.80 .........
Nonalcoholic beverages.......................................... ......... 3.74 137.86 .........
Food away from home............................................. ......... 45.04 103.26 .........
Alcoholic beverages............................................. ......... 7.28 96.91 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
2. Shelter and Utilities.................. ................................................................ 31.30 ......... ......... 112.31
Shelter......................................................... ......... 89.67 88.05 .........
Energy Utilities................................................ ......... 8.46 343.31 .........
Water and other public services................................. ......... 1.87 230.60 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
3. Household Furnishings and Supplies..... ................................................................ 6.06 ......... ......... 126.43
Household operations............................................ ......... 22.51 63.82 .........
Housekeeping supplies........................................... ......... 17.53 137.67 .........
Textiles and Area Rugs.......................................... ......... 4.16 117.63 .........
Furniture....................................................... ......... 17.39 141.31 .........
Major appliances................................................ ......... 6.03 126.18 .........
Small appliances, misc. hsewares................................ ......... 3.46 102.41 .........
Misc. household equipment....................................... ......... 28.91 163.62 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
4. Apparel and services................... ................................................................ 4.00 ......... ......... 100.89
Men and boys.................................................... ......... 18.69 102.33 .........
Women and girls................................................. ......... 41.66 97.41 .........
Children under 2................................................ ......... 4.55 83.57 .........
Footwear........................................................ ......... 17.48 98.45 .........
Other apparel products and svcs................................. ......... 17.63 114.51 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
5. Transportation......................... ................................................................ 16.93 ......... ......... 119.50
Motor Vehicle Costs............................................. ......... 53.67 111.91 .........
Gasoline and motor oil.......................................... ......... 16.02 122.55 .........
Maintenance and repairs......................................... ......... 10.72 80.37 .........
[[Page 6052]]
Vehicle insurance............................................... ......... 10.24 119.53 .........
Public transportation........................................... ......... 9.35 202.62 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
6. Medical................................ ................................................................ 4.44 ......... ......... 114.17
Health insurance................................................ ......... 46.97 110.99 .........
Medical services................................................ ......... 32.31 121.45 .........
Drugs and medical Supplies...................................... ......... 20.72 110.03 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
7. Recreation............................. ................................................................ 6.23 ......... ......... 105.18
Fees and admissions............................................. ......... 23.38 58.55 .........
Television, radios, sound equip................................. ......... 12.38 103.95 .........
Pets, toys, and playground equip................................ ......... 18.48 126.45 .........
Other entertainment supplies, etc............................... ......... 15.57 130.73 .........
Personal care products.......................................... ......... 11.10 113.14 .........
Personal care services.......................................... ......... 11.29 116.88 .........
Reading......................................................... ......... 7.80 117.29 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
8. Education and Communication............ ................................................................ 4.09 ......... ......... 168.47
Education....................................................... ......... 5.06 188.50 .........
Communications.................................................. ......... 79.32 179.61 .........
Computers and Computer Services................................. ......... 15.62 105.41 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
9. Miscellaneous.......................... ................................................................ 13.79 ......... ......... 102.87
Tobacco products and supplies................................... ......... 3.51 60.63 .........
Miscellaneous................................................... ......... 15.12 128.10 .........
Personal insurance and pensions................................. ......... 81.37 100.00 .........
PEG Total....................................................... ......... 100.00 ......... .........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St.
St. Croix Thomas/ USVI GS
MEG PEG Index St. John Wtd.
Indexes Index
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall U.S. Virgin Islands 2002 Survey Results
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS Employment Weights.......................... ...................................................................... 44.02% 55.98% 100.00%
1. Food........................................ ...................................................................... 116.05 116.71 116.42
Cereals and bakery products........................................... 129.89 128.17 128.93
Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs........................................ 129.25 130.42 129.91
Dairy products........................................................ 155.69 159.21 157.66
Fruits and vegetables................................................. 108.80 118.71 114.35
Processed Foods....................................................... 128.02 136.14 132.57
Other food at home.................................................... 108.01 111.80 110.13
Nonalcoholic beverages................................................ 132.85 137.86 135.66
Food away from home................................................... 105.82 103.26 104.39
Alcoholic beverages................................................... 99.25 96.91 97.94
2. Shelter and Utilities....................... ...................................................................... 97.01 112.31 105.58
Shelter............................................................... 70.99 88.05 80.54
Energy Utilities...................................................... 343.31 343.31 343.31
Water and other public services....................................... 230.60 230.60 230.60
3. Household Furnishings and Supplies.......... ...................................................................... 126.20 126.43 126.33
Household operations.................................................. 58.68 63.82 61.56
Housekeeping supplies................................................. 138.03 137.67 137.83
Textiles and Area Rugs................................................ 98.61 117.63 109.25
Furniture............................................................. 141.31 141.31 141.31
Major appliances...................................................... 127.13 126.18 126.60
Small appliances, misc. hsewares...................................... 101.87 102.41 102.17
Misc. household equipment............................................. 169.19 163.62 166.07
4. Apparel and services........................ ...................................................................... 102.52 100.89 101.61
Men and boys.......................................................... 115.94 102.33 108.32
Women and girls....................................................... 98.51 97.41 97.89
Children under 2...................................................... 83.57 83.57 83.57
Footwear.............................................................. 97.20 98.45 97.90
Other apparel products and svcs....................................... 107.95 114.51 111.62
5. Transportation.............................. ...................................................................... 111.02 119.50 115.76
Motor Vehicle Costs................................................... 112.02 111.91 111.96
Gasoline and motor oil................................................ 73.46 122.55 100.94
Maintenance and repairs............................................... 88.94 80.37 84.14
Vehicle insurance..................................................... 119.53 119.53 119.53
Public transportation................................................. 185.59 202.62 195.12
[[Page 6053]]
6. Medical..................................... ...................................................................... 102.16 114.17 108.88
Health insurance...................................................... 110.99 110.99 110.99
Medical services...................................................... 83.05 121.45 104.55
Drugs and medical Supplies............................................ 111.93 110.03 110.87
7. Recreation.................................. ...................................................................... 107.72 105.18 106.30
Fees and admissions................................................... 85.81 58.55 70.55
Television, radios, sound equip....................................... 94.05 103.95 99.59
Pets, toys, and playground equip...................................... 124.46 126.45 125.57
Other entertainment supplies, etc..................................... 118.42 130.73 125.31
Personal care products................................................ 120.92 113.14 116.56
Personal care services................................................ 107.77 116.88 112.87
Reading............................................................... 115.28 117.29 116.41
8. Education and Communication................. ...................................................................... 173.59 168.47 170.72
Education............................................................. 268.97 188.50 223.93
Communications........................................................ 180.93 179.61 180.19
Computers and Computer Services....................................... 105.41 105.41 105.41
9. Miscellaneous............................... ...................................................................... 105.08 102.87 103.84
Tobacco products and supplies......................................... 52.54 60.63 57.07
Miscellaneous......................................................... 144.64 128.10 135.38
Personal insurance and pensions....................................... 100.00 100.00 100.00
Overall Price Index............................ ...................................................................... ......... ......... 112.44
Plus Adjustment Factor......................... ...................................................................... ......... ......... 9.00
Final Living-Cost Index........................ ...................................................................... ......... ......... 121.44
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[FR Doc. 04-2226 Filed 2-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325-39-P