Missouri had fourth-lowest cost of living in first quarter 2001

|tab|

A quarterly survey compiled by the American Chambers of Commerce Research Association places Missouri as the nation's fourth least expensive state in which to live.|ret||ret||tab|

According to a Missouri Department of Economic Development news release, the state's cost-of-living index decreased slightly to 92.6 from the previous quarter's 92.7 composite score. |ret||ret||tab|

Cities in 46 states and the District of Columbia reported cost-of-living expenses. Of the states reporting, only Mississippi and Arkansas had lower cost-of-living indices, while West Virginia tied with Missouri. Categories in which Missouri had the lowest-cost items during this time period were miscellaneous, utilities and health care.|ret||ret||tab|

"A low cost-of-living index complements Missouri's good business climate and enhances our quality of life," said Joseph L. Driskill, DED director. "A low cost-of-living complements Missouri's many natural amenities, making the state a good place to live, work, vacation and conduct business."|ret||ret||tab|

Missouri's larger metropolitan areas had cost-of-living indices that were close to the national average in the first quarter, but no city had an index exceeding 100. Missouri cities reported as follows: Columbia, 98.6; Joplin, 87.9; Kansas City, 98.7; Kennett, 88.7; Nevada, 86.8; Poplar Bluff, 90; Springfield, 92.1; St. Joseph, 94.2; and St. Louis, 96.6.|ret||ret||tab|

Alaska, New England, California and Nevada continue to be the most expensive areas to live, while the least expensive areas are the Midwestern and Southern states.|ret||ret||tab|

Chambers of commerce in cities across the nation participate in ACCRA's survey on a volunteer basis. No cities in Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey or Rhode Island participated in the survey.|ret||ret||tab|

ACCRA's Cost of Living Index has been published since 1968. The items in the index have been chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures, such as the cost for groceries, transportation, health care, housing, utilities and miscellaneous goods and services. Weights assigned to relative costs are based on government survey data regarding expenditure patterns for mid-management households. All items are priced in each place at a specified time and according to standardized specifications.|ret||ret||tab|

Additional information can be found at the Missouri Department of Economic Development Web site at www.missouridevelopment.org/research.[[In-content Ad]]