Full text of CPI Detailed Report : December 1958

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Released January 23, 1959
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Washington 25, D. C.
CONSUMER HIICE INDEX FOR DECEMBER 1958
Consumer prices in United States cities declined 0.2 percent
between November and December 1958, according to the U.S. Department of Leber's Bureau
of Labor Statistics. Although lover food prices were largely responsible for the
decrease, prices were also lover for transportation, apparel, recreation, and personal
care. The December Consumer Price Index vas 123.7 percent of the 1947-49 average,
1.7 percent higher than a year earlier.
FOOD

Food prices were down 0.6 percent in December, their fifth consecutive monthly decrease, with reductions in prices of fresh
fruits, eggs, poultry, and coffee. The December food index, at 118.7, vas 2.2 percent
higher than a year ago but vas 2.5 percent below the July 1958 peak.

Egg prices continued their seasonal decline vith a 6.1 percent
drop. In addition, a fall of 2.5 percent marked the eleventh month of continuous
decline in coffee prices - a drop of 12.2 percent since January 1958.
Fruit and vegetable prices declined 0.8 percent—the net effect
of videly divergent movements,freshfruitprices were down 6*9 percent as supplies
increased. Prices of oranges fell 15*4 percent, grapefruit 9*1 percent, and bananas
3.0 percent. Apple prices were up 5*9 percent. Fresh vegetable prices rose 5*2 percent vith cabbage up 12.6 percent, lettuce 10.9 percent, tomatoes 9*2 percent, celery
4*6 percent, onions 3*4 percent, and potatoes 2.3 percent. Prices of processed fruits
and vegetables were slightly higher mainly because of an advance of 3*8 percent in
dried prune prices and smaller increases for most canned fruits.
Average prices of meats, poultry, and fish were down 0.4 percent
as a result of price reductions for poultry and pork. Frying chicken prices dropped
3*8 percent, pork chops 1.8 percent, and bacon 1.6 percent* However, prices of whole
ham increased 2.0 percent. Beef and veal prices rose slightly as prices of chuck
roast increased 1.1 percent, and hamburger 0.4 percent. Frankfurters advanced 0.5 percent.
Dairy products declined 0.2 percent largely due to a 0.3 percent
drop in prices of fresh milk.
frices of cereals and bakery products were unchanged on the
average.
Prices of restaurant meals were down 0.1 percent.
BOUSING

The housing index increased 0.2 percent as all of its component
subgroups advanced, Prices of fuel oil rose 2.2 percent, and
bituminous and anthracite coal prices and gas bills were slightly higher. Rent continued upward vith a rise of 0.2 percent. An increase of 0.2 percent in household
operation vas due largely to higher rates for domestic service in several cities.
Housefurnishings prices were 0.1 percent higher, as price Increases for bedroom
furniture, kitchenvare, carpeting, and household textiles more than offset lower prices
for some appliances. Home maintenance and repair costs were up 0.1 percent.




2
OTHER COMMODITIES
AMD SERVICES

Private transportation costs declined 0.2 percent, due largely
to lower prices for gasoline and new automobiles. Prices of
used cars advanced. Fare increases for additional eastern
railroads were principally responsible for an increase of 0.4 percent in public transportation costs.
Apparel prices were down 0.2 percent primarily because of seasonal reductions in prices of women's and girls1 wool coats and women's suits and
dresses.
Medical care costs continued to rise (0.2 percent) with higher
fees for services of physicians and dentists and for group hospitalization insurance;
prices of prescriptions declined slightly. Personal care was 0.1 percent lower, due
mainly to reduced prices for some toiletries.
Lower movie admission charges more than offset higher prices for
television sets and radios and brought the reading and recreation index down 0.1 percent.
TABLE At Consumer Price Index—United States city average: Special group
indexes, 1958 annual averages and percent changesfrom1957
(1947-49-100 unless otherwise specified)
1958 Average
Group
Index
All items
All items less food
—-———••.All items less shelter — — — — — — —
Coaaodities •
•
•••" • • ••»•—-—
Nondurables
•,„,••,•••„•.. „. •• Food
Nondurable8 less food
Apparel
Nondurables less food and apparel —
Durables
—
••————,..„..
New cars • • - —•——• -—
— —
Used cars (Jan. 1953-100)
Durables less cars — —
Commodities less food
••—
— —
Services
Rent —•••
Services less rent
Household operation, gas and electricity
Transportation —
Medical care
Other services
—
— — —
Purchasing power of the consumer dollar
(1947-49-$!.00)




123.5
125.5

121.2
116.3
118.6
120.3
116.9
106.9
125.6
110.5
133.9

84.0

103.4
113.4
142.4
137.7
143.8
131.4
174.1
149.2
129.6
$0,810

Percent change
from 1957
2.7
2.2
2.9
2.4
2.7
4.2
.7
0

1.1

1.6
3.2
3.7
.7

1.0
3.4

1.8
3.8
3.1

6.2
4.9
2.9

-2.6

TABLE 1i ConsularftrioeIndex—United States city i m t g i
Ma^or group, snbgrovp, and special £roup indexes, December 1958
and percent changes from selected dates

3

(1947-49=100 unless otherwise specified)

ftrcent change to December 1958 from —

Indexes
Group

D^cenber
19^5

Nove^er
195ft

November
1958

108.2

.6
.7
0
.h
.2
.8
1.7
.1

- 1.3
- 1.6
.1*
- 2.1.
.2
- .5
- 3.9
.2

2.2
2.2
1.7
6.6
- .3
5.1*
- 3.7
2.3

152.0
U8.0
13l*.3
171.6
129.5
159.1*
128.7
(1/)

.2
.2
.1
.9
.1
.2

.2
.1*
.2
1.3
0
.5

.9
1.5
3 .k
- .9
- 1.2
2.5

68.5
60.2
12.7
11*2.9
9l*.0
91*.?

.2
.1
.h
.1
0

.1*
.1
.6
.2
.3

- .1
- 1.0
.1
1.0
0

101*. 8
113.1*
83.9
159.2
127.3

.1
.2
.h

2.1
2.2
1.1

3.9
3.7
5.2

105.6
103.5
135.9

.2

.8

1*.6

1C2.9

1.6

116.1.

- 0.2

Food
Food at hcaeCareala and bakery productsMeats, poultry, and f i s h —
Dairy productaFruita and vegetablesOther foods at honeFood away from hone (Jan* 1953=100)

118.7
116.8
13k.0
113.0
llii.3
120.1
110.7
113.6

119.1117.6
13k.0
113.5
1U.5
121.1
112.6
113.7

-

Houaing g/Rent
Gas and • le ctri c i t y —
Solid fuels and fuel oilHousefurnishingsHousehold operation—

128.2
139.7
118.2
137.0
103.6
132.8

128.0
138.1*
11^. 1
135.8
103.5
132.6

•pparelMen'a and b o y s ' —
Vaaen's and girls'
Footwear———
Other apparel-

107.5
108.
ICO. 2
130.1)
92.3

107.7
108.5
100.6
130.3
92.3

-

TransportationPrivate
.
Public-

11*1* .3
133.3
191.8

Hill.5
133.6
191.1

-

Medical care-

117.3

U7.0

Personal careReading and re creation- - •

—

Other goods and servioes—

-

Tear
1939

1.7

123.9

-

December
1957

0

123.7

•II itens-

September
1958

129.0

129.1

-

.1

.2

116.9

117.0

-

.1

.3

2.0

85.6

127.3

1?7.3

0

.2

.1*

80.3

126.5

126.5

0

0.6

1.6

83.1

1.9

119.3

Special groups:
All itens less food
111 iteas less shelter-

121.5

121.7

-

.2

0

ConoditiesNondurablesFoodNondurables less foodApparelNondurablaa less food and apparel—
DurablesHew oars
Used ears (Jan. 1953=100)Durables less c a r s — —

116.3
117.8
118.7
117.0
107.5
125.1*
112.9
11*3.6
89.6
103.2

116.6
118.2
H9.ii
117.1
107.7
125.5
112.8
1WJ.2
88.8
103.1

-

.3
.3
.6
.1
.2
.1
.1
.1*
.9
.1

- .1
- .8
- 1.3
- .2
.a
- .5
2.L
10.1*
1.1*
.1

1.1*
1.2
2.2
- .3
- .1
- .3
2.1*
6.2
8.9
0

125.ii
129.2
152.0
99.3
106.3
90.3
97.0
151.9

CoHioditles less food-

lll*.i*

111*.5

-

.1

.8

.7

92.6

Services————
RentServioes less rentHousehold operation eervioes, gaa,
and electricityTransportation services- • ••
Medical care s e r v i o e s — — —
Other services 3 / . • •.-

U3.5
138.7
11*5.0

11*3.1.
138.1.
lhli.8

.1
.2
.1

.3
.1*
.1*

2.5
1.5
2.8

78.5
60.2
97.3

133.0
176.2
152.14
129.8

132.8
176.0
152.0
129.8

.2
.1
.3
0

.5
.8
.3

£

2.9
5.1
5.1
1.2

52.9
120.0
116.2
122.6

$0,808

$0,807

.1

0

- 1.7

-52.0

Purchasing power of the consunar dollar
(1947-49=11.00)

-

n
il
8U.1

1/ Hot available.
Z/ Includes house purchase, interest, taxes, insurance, and upkeep, not shown separately.
V Includes house purchase, interest, taxes, insuranoe, and upkeep eervioes; shoe repairs, television repairs, barber
and beauty shop servioes, and aovies.




4

TASK 2 s Consumer Prioe Index—111 items indexes end peroent ohanges, selected dates
U.S. oity average and 20 large cities

Peroent change to
current month from <

Indexes (1947-49=100)
City
December September December
1958
1958
1957
United States oity average-

lear
1939

Year
1939

September December
1958
1957

123.7

123.7

121.6

59.4

0

1.7

108.2

127.0
123.3
126.2
121.3
123.5

127.li
123.8
125.6
121. k
123. k

125.6
123.3
122.9
118.7
122a

58.6
59.0
60.4
60.1
59.2

- 0.3
- .It
.5
- .1
.1

1.1
0
2.7
2.2
1.1

116.7
109.0
108.9
101.8
108,6

Cities priced monthly j/
Chicago • •
Detroit
Los AngelesBev TorkFhiladelphia-

December September December
1958
1958
1957

Cities priced in March, June,
September, Decentoer 2/
Atlanta
Baltimore-—-—
Cincinnati—
St. LouisSan Francisco-—

—

Cities prioed in February, May,
August, November 2/
ClevelandHous t o n - — — —
Sc rant o n —
Seattle—
Washington, D . C.

November
1953

132 J4
122.1
120.8
1?2.5
12U.8

August
1958

November
1957

125.1
1214.0
120 J4
126.3
121.2

12i*.5
12Jt.2
120.7
126.0
121.5

- —
—

October
1958

Cities prioed in January, April,
July, October
2/
Boston-————
Kanaas CityMinneapol ia
Pittsburgh--— —
Portland , Oregon-

m.6
121^.8
122.5
125.3
120 J*

12li.lt
125.5
122 Ja
125.7
127.9

July
1958
125 J,
12h. 8
m.9
12lt.7
12U.7

12$.h
12U.9
12 n.5
19h.$
12U.5

— - — —
—

123.3
122 J4
117.8
123.9
119.14
October
1957
122.0
121.3
122.2
121.1
121.9

Year
1939

September December
1959
1957
-

58.3
57.9
58 Ji
59.3
53.6

-

Year
1939

1.6
2.8
1.3
2.6
2.5

.2
.6
.1
.3
J*

August
1958

59.2
59.5
53.5
59.2
6b.li

-

Year
1939
61.0
61.7
60.7
58.1
58.3

-

113Ji
116.8
109.6
112.0
113.3
Year
1939

November
1957

.5
,2
.2
.2
.2

July
1958

Year
1939

110.3
108.7
106.3
112.8
101.2

1.0
1.5
2.5
1.7
1.8
October
1957

0
.1
.3
.2
.2

Year
1939

2.8
2.5
1.9
2.8
2.1

105.6
102 J4
105.1
1U.3
113.6

2/ Rests prioed bimonthly.
2/ Foods, fuels, and a few other items prioed monthly; rents and other oomodities and services prioed quarterly*

TABUS 31 Consumer Price Index—Peroent changes from November 1958 to December 1958
U.S. city average and five cities priced monthly
All items and canodity groups

City

Doited States city average—*
Detroit- —• — Los Angeles*
•»Hew York
Philadelphia




— -

All
item

Food

- 0.2

- 0.6

-

- 1.0
- .9
- .3
- 1.6
- .h

-

.3
.1
.1
.3
0

Housing
0.2
-

.1
.1
.h
.2
.2

Apparel
- 0.2
-

,9
.2
.2
.1
.2

Transportation

Resrtlng
Medical Personal
and
care
care
recreation

- 0.1

0.2

.9
1.0
.2
.7
.3

0
.1
0
0
.3

Other
goods *
services

- 0.1

- 0.1

0

0
.2
0
.1
.3

0
.8
.1
.2
.1

- 0.1
- .1
0
.2
.1

-

-

TABLE U* Consumer Price Index—All Items and ccnnoAity groups
December 1958 indexes and percent changes, September 1958 to December 1958
U.S. city average and 10 cities priced in December 1958
U.S.
City
Atlanta
Average

Group

Balti- Chicago
more

Cincin- Detroit
Los
nati
Angeles

5

New
York

Philadelphia

St.
Louis

San
Francisco

Indexes (19*7-49-100)
123.7

12l4.ii

125.5

127.0

122.1*

123.3

126.2

121.3

123.5

125.7

127.9

food
Food at hone
Cereals and bakery products —
Meats, poultry, and fish — - Dairy products —
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at hem —

118.7
116.8
X3U.0
113.0
11U.3
120.1
110.7

115.7
m.6
125.0
115.6
113.6
120.7
103.9

118.8
115.9
128.7
112.8
117 .1*
II6.I1
109.9

115.1
112.1*
123.2
105.0
112.8
116.1*
115.5

119.1*
117.0
131.8
112.7
116.2
119.7
113.9

118.5
116.2
125.3
109.7
111.7
126.6
110.3

123.9
120.0
11*5.8
111.7
110.1*
133.8
111.9

119.1
116.9
11*2.1*
113.5
117.9
113.8
109.0

121.8
119.1*
139.5
113.8
121.3
123.1
108.2

119.9
115.1*
12l*.8
110.3
105.5
121*.6
117.5

122.8
121.1
11*7.3
116.5
116.8
127.9
111.2

128.2
138.7
118.2
137.0
103.6
132.8

131.5
138.6
126.2
13ii.l
110.2
139.0

125.9
135.8
108. 1*
13$.h
98.7
131.5

138.7

126.6
11*5.3
117.1
125.7
108.8
120.1

103.1*
13U.9
108.6
133.7

126.8
11*7.1
106.2
159.2
10l*.2
137.0

130.1
11*7.0
11*5.2

101.8
123.1

125.0
128.5
115.6
Ujl.li
103.2
132.1*

121.5

128.7
11*1.7
101.2
136.3

12l*.l»
11*2.8
122.3
151.9
96.1
131* .9

135.8

Bent
Gas and electricity
—
Solid fuels and fuel oil
—Eousefurnishings — - - — - — - —
Household operation — — - — — —

113.8
116.2
105.5
138.3
93. 1*

106.3
106.3
100.8
128.7
92.9

109.9
113.7
99.6
13l*.l
95.9

107.1
107.7
99.3
136.5
90.1

10ii.8
108.9
95.2
126.1
86.5

108.3
111.2
100.0
132.2
81*.6

106.6
108.2
97.9
131.7
96.1

107.1
108.2
99.8
129.6
93.7

106.5
107.9
99.8
126.7
92.6

106.1
109.3
100.0
136.5
90.3

All items

-

-

130.6
-

-

106.1
122.0

Apparel
lien's and hoys'
Women's and girls'
Footwear
—
Other apparel

—

107.5
108. 1*
100.2
130.1*
92.3

Transportation — —
Private
Public

—

1M.3
133.3
191.8

ll*l*.5
136.6
188.3

159.5
138.1
215.1*

155.2
137.1
196.9

139.8
127.9
191.1*

136.3
132.1
157.3

138.8
131*.7
162.1

11*1*. 7
125.8
191.1*

150 c 3
130.7
m.9

159.9
136.'5
237.1

158.2
11*5.2
182.6

11*7.3
129-0
116.9
127.3

138.0
131.0
118.7
132.7

156.3
12U.5
128.9
138.6

151.5
129.6
123.7
121.3

152.3
130.7
109.7
123.6

153.1
133.7
lll*.5
135.6

138.9
133.1
102.5
121*.0

135.3
122.1
119.5
127.O

11*9.1
331*.8
113.6
128.6

166.5
129.0
96.2
132.2

151.9
1#.5
116.6
121*. 2

Medical care - —
Personal care — — — — —
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services

—

Percent change from September 1958 t o December 1958
All ltoas
rood
Food at hosM
— — — — —
Cereals and bakery products
Msats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products — — — — — —
Fruits and vegetables
—
Otter foods at hostt
Housing
Sent — — — — — — — —
Gas and electricity
Solid fuels and fuel oil
lousefurnlshlngs — — — — —
Household operation
—
—

—
~
—
—
—
—

0

-

.2

0.6

- 0.3

- 0.1

- 0.1*

- 1.3
- 1.6
.1*
- 2.)*
.2
- .5
- 3.9

-

2.3
2.9
1.2
2.2
2.5
1*.2
1*.0

- 1.2
- l.li
.h
- 1.5
- .3
.U
- 3.7

- 2.2
- 2.8
- .1*
- 3.7
.2
- 2.6
- 1*.8

- 2.8
- 3.3
0
- 1*.7
0
- i*.9
- l*.l*

- 1.5
- 2.0
- 2.5
- .1*
.7
- 5.6

.6
.6
0
7.1*
.1
.5

1.0
.8
.2
1*.6
- .3
.3

.2
.3
.6
.5
.1

.2
.1
.6
l*.o
- .2
0

- .8
- .7*
- .6
- .2
- .h
- 1.6

-

-

.2

—
—

.2
.1*
.2
1.3
0
.5

Apparel
lien's and boys' — — — — — —
Voeen's and girls' —
Footwear
—
—
—
Otter apparel
— — — — —

.1*
.1
.6
.2
.3

.2
.2
- .2
- 1.0
- .2

- 1.6
0
- 3.5
.2
.5

- .8
- .7
- 1.1*
0
- .7

—

2.1
2.2
1.1

3.3
3.9
0

It .8
2.7
ll*.6

3.1*
l*.l
.7

5.0
5.9
.6

1.2
1.2
1.1

—
—
—
—

.8
.2
.3
.2

.9
.5
.8
0

li.7
.2
.2
.1

.5

2.3
- .1
.1
.1

.5

transportation —
ftrivate-—————
Public

—

—

Nodical care
Personal care
— — —
Reading and recreation
Otter e»ods aad services

*

—

—
—

—

—
—

-

Change from October 1958 to December 1958.




-

-

-

.1
.1
.1

.2
.6
0 . - .1
- .1
1.1*
.2
1.3
.2
.2

-

.2
1.5
.1

0.5

- 0.1

0.1

0.3

- 0.1*

.5
.3
3.3
- 2.7
- .1*
6.5
- 2.7

- 1.8
- 2.2
.1*
- 2.7
.1
- 1.8
- 5.2

- 1.2
- 1.2
3.6
- 1.6
2.1
- 2.7
- 5.6

- 2.0
- 2.6
.1
- 2.6
- 1.7
- 2.1*
- 1*.8

- .9
- 1.1
.1
- 1.9
.3
1.5
- l*.o

.7

.1*
.9
0

.1*

.5
.5*
.3
2.2
.2
.2

0
3.1
- .8
•2

.5
.1
2.3
2.8
.1
.2

.1
.3
.3
.2
.2

- .5
- .1
- l.l
.1*
- .3

0
.1
J2
.1
- 1.8

0
0
- .3
1.0
0

1.1
1.2
0

3.3
1*.2
.6

2.5
3.1
oh

2*.3
5.2

- 1.6
- 1.8
0

.9
.5
.6
.1

.2
.2
.3
.1*

.3
.3
.2
.1

-

-

.5
-

-

1.2
2.7
-

,2
.8
.1
.2
.2

-

-

.5

-

1*.7
.3
.5
2.1*

-

-

.1
.3

.1*
.1
.7
.1

TABI2 5 t Consumer Price Index — Food and Its subgroups
December 1953 indexes and percent changes, November 1953 to December 1953
U.S. city average and 20 large cities
£19^7-49.100]
Total
food at home

Total food
City
Percent
change

Index

U.S. city average
Atlanta —
Baltimore
Boston
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Detroit
•ouston
Kansas City
Los Angeles

—

— —

.......
—
—

—

—

Minneapolis
lev Tork
Philadelphia —
Pittsburgh
Portland, Oreg.
St. Louis — — — —
Scranton
Seattle
Washington, D.C.

Index

Percent
change

Index

Percent
change

Meats, poultry,
and fish
Index

Percent
change

Dairy
products
Index

Percent
change

Fruits and
vegetables

Other
foods at home

Index

Percent
change

Index

Percent
change

118.7

-0.6

116.8

-0.7

X3h.o

0

133.0

-o.U

U1J.3

-0.2

120.1

-0.8

110.7

-1,.7

115.7
118.8
118.9
115 J
119.1.
115.3
118.5
116.7
113.2
123.9

- .7
- .6
- .3
-1.0
- .7
- .7
- .9
.2
- .5
- .3

m.6
115.9
116. ii
112.li
117.0
113.0
116.2
115.2
111.0
120.0

-1.0
- .6
- .3
-1.3
- .9
- .8
-1.1
.3
- .5
- .3

125.0
128.7
132.8
123.2
131.8
129.2
12^.3
126.2
127.6
115.8

- .li
.2
.2
- .2
- .1
.2
.1
0
.1
- .1

11^.6
112.8
11 li.5
105.0
112.7
1C8.1
109.7
110.7
108. li
111.7

-

- .1
- .1
2.6
.1
0
0
- .2
.1
0
- .3

120.7
116.1.
117.0
116 .h
"•19.7
111.5
126.6
12iu7
113.7
133.8

-1.9
.2
-1.1

.1
- .7
.7
- .6
- .h

113.6
117.1«
118,2
112.8
116.2
110.2
111.7
111.8
103.0
110.li

-2.3
-1.0
-1.6
2.2
1.5
.7

103.9
109.9
ICli.l
13 5.^
113.9
112.7
13 0.3
1C9.3
K3.9
131.9

-1,,5
-2 .7
-2 .h
-2 .5
-1 .6
-2 A
-2 .8
-1 .1.
-2 .1;
-1 .3

117.8
119.1
121.8
119.6
121.5
119.9
122.8
116.1
121.2
119.3

.1
-1.6
- .8
.6
- .2
- .8
- .9
.3

115.0
116.9
119.1'
118.2
119.9
115. li
121.1
115.6
120.1

107.9
113.5
113-8
113.h
117.2
110.3
116.5
11 It.7
llli.7

0
-1.2
- .8
.3
- .1?
- .1
- .1.
- .h
.3

10 It .8
137.9
121.3
116.9
117.5
105.5
116.8
113.It
115.5

- .1
-1.1
- .1
- .2
.2
.1
.1
.2
0
- .k

123.8
113.8
123.1
U6.U
119.6
1214.6
127.9
11?.3
127.3
13 5.3

- .6
-3 06
1.5
-2.0
1.2
- .3
-h.o
-1.6
.9

116.3
109.0
108.2
116J.
Ul.3
117.5
111.2
106.8
110.5

-3 .2
-2,.7
-3,.0
.1
1 .2
-1 .0
_ .6
,0

117.1

13 iu»-'
112.1139.5
132.2
H0.3
12li.8
U7.3
135.6
11,6.8
132.3

- .1
0
.1- .7

- .14

- .9
-1.8
- .5
-1.0
.h
- .3
-1.1
-1.0
.3
- .5

- .ii

TABLE 6»

Cereals and bakery products;
Flour, vheat
— - — —
5 lb.
Biscuit mix — — — — — — —
20 oz.
Corn meal — — — — — — —
ib.
Rice —
—
—
—
—
—
—
ib.
Rolled oats — — — — —
150z.
Corn flakes — — — — —
12 oz.
Bread, white — — — — — —
ib.
Soda crackers — — — — — — — ib.
7 oz.
Vanilla cookies — — — — — —
Heats, poultry, and fish:
Round steak —
—
—
—
—
ib.
Chuck roast — — — — — —
ib.
Rib roast — — — — — — —
ib.
Hamburger
— — ib.
Veal cutlets — — — — — —
ib.
Pork chops, center cut — — —
ib.
Bacon, sliced — — — — — — — ib.
Baa, whole — — — — — —
ib.
Lamb, leg — — — — — — — — ib.
Frankfurters — — — — — — — ib.
Luncheon neat, canned — — — — 12 oz.
Frying chickens, ready-to*cook — ib.
Ocean perch, fillet, frozen — — ib.
Haddock, fillet, frozen — — — — lb.
Salmon, pink, canned — — —
ie oz.
Tuna fish, canned — — —
6 to eh oz.
Dairy products;
Milk, fresh, (grocery) — — —
qt.
Milk, fresh, (delivered)
qt.
Ice cream — — — — — —
pt.
Butter — — — — — — — —
ib.
Cheese, American process —
—
ib.
Milk, evaporated — — — i4i-oz. can
Fruits and vegetables:
Frozen:
Strawberries — — — — — —
10 oz.
Orange juice concentrate - — - 6 oz.
Peas, green — — — — — —
10 oz.
Beans, green — — — — —
o 0z.
Fresh:
Apples — — — — — — — — ib.
Bananas — — — — — — —
ib.
Oranges, size 200 — — — —
doz.
Lemons — — — — — — — — ib.
Grapefruit *
* Priced only in season.
1/Not available.

"

.1

-

0
.1
.1
.1

0

113.0

.7
.i
.2
.8

-

-

0

117.9

.3

112.3

-2!.1

Consumer Price Index — Average retail prices of selected foods
U.S. city average

Food and unit




Cereals and
bakery products

Dec.
1958

Nov.
1958

Cents

Cents
51j.3

51.9
26.8
12.9

18.6

20. i;

25.7
19.6
29.3
2k.h.
10lj.9
63.h

81.2

5ii.7
135.9
89.1

72.8

67.7
77.3

66.1
53.3

hz.o

k6.6

58.1.

61.6
33.8

2lu2
25. h
29.6
Ih.h
57.9
15.3

26.6
28.9

20.0

23.0

12.1*

17.8
69.9
18.8

12.6

26.8

12.9
18.5

20.1.
25.6

19.6
29.2
2I*.5
IOI4.9

62.6

81.1
$k.h
135,3
90.7
73.9
66 J77.6

65.8

53.1
k3.0
16.3
57.8
61,8
33.7
2h.2
25.5
29.7

7U*
57.9
15.1
26.ii
29.0
19.9
23.1
11.7

18. h
82.6
18.5
13.9

Food and unit
Fre s h — C ontinued
Peaches * — — — — — — — — ib.
Strawberries • — — — — - pt.
Grapes, seedless * — — —
ib,
Watermelons * — — — — — — — r>>.
Potatoes — — — — — — — jo ib.
Sweetpotatoes — — — —
ib.
Onions —
—
—
—
—
rtu
Carrots —
—
—
ib.
Lettuce
head
Celery
—
ib.
Cabbage
ib.
Tomatoes —
—
—
—
—
ib.
Beans, green — — — — — —
ib.
Canned:
Orange juice — — — — 46-oz. can
Peaches —
—
#2* can
Pineapple — — — — — —
#2 can
Fruit cocktail —
#303 can
Corn, cream style —
—
#303 can
Peas, green — — — — —
#303 can
Tomatoes
#303 can
Baby foods — — — — —
44 to 5 oz.
Dried:
Prunes — — — — — — — — ib.
Beans — — — — — — —
ib.
Other foods at home:
Tomato SOUp —
to ll-oz. can
Beans with pork — — —
10-oz. can
Pickles, sweet — — — — —
74 oz.
Catsup, tomato — — — — —
14 oz.
Coffee —
—
—
—
—
lb. oan
Coffee — — — — — —
lb. bmg
Tea bags — — — — — — Pkg. of id
Cola drink, carton — — —
36 oz.
Shortening, hydrogenated —
3 ib.
Margarine, colored — — — — — — ib.
Salad dressing — — — — — — pt.
Peanut butter — — — — —
ib.
Sugar — — — — — — — — — — — — 5 ib.
Corn syrup — — — — —
24 oz.
Grape jelly — — — — —
i2 0z.
Chocolate bar — — — — —
1 oz.
Eggs, Grade A, large — — — — — doz.
Gelatin, flavored — — — 3 to 4 oz.

Dec.
1958

Nov.
1956

a/)
51.6
13 .h

llt.O
18.1
15.1
7.7

30.6
22.1:

h6.2

50./.
12.9
9.1
13.7
16.3

6.8

28.0

22.2

1*6.0

3U.9
35.3
27.1
18.2
21.1

35.1
35.5
27. h
18.121.0
16.1
10 J

10.1

38.2
17.5

17.8

12,h
15.1
27.0
22.5
35.3
66.3
2h.l
28.3
93.0
29.1

22.6

37.9

56.6

56.9
26.3
27.9
5.2
58.8
9.1

16.2
36.8
12.U
15.2
27.0
22.h
36.8
68.9

24.0
28.1

92.8

29.0

22.9
37.9
56.7
56.9

26.2

27.8

5.2
62.7
9.0

Labor D.C. - BLS58-0332

TABLE B :

Consumer Prioe I n d e x — A l l items and ccnmodity groups

1958 annual average indexes and percent changes, 1957 to 1958
U.S. city average and 10 cities priced i n December 1958
U.S.
Atlanta
City
Average

Group

Baltimore

Chicago Cincin- Detroit
nati

Los
Angeles

Hew
York

Philadelphia

St.
Louis

San
Francisco

Indexes (19*7-49-100)

Food at home
—
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products — — — — —
Fruits and vegetables — —
Other foods at home —

Gas and electricity
Solid fuels and fuel oil
Housefurnishings

—
—
—
—
—

—

Apparel — — — — — —
Men's and boys'
—
Women's and girls'

Public

*

Personal care
— — —
Reading and recreation

—

—

—

123.5

124.5

124.5

127.0

122.3

123.9

125.2

121.1

123.1

124.7

127.5

120.3
118.8
133.1
115.1
113.5
127.1
112.4

118.0
117.5
126.3
117.9
114.4
129.3
105.9

120.9
118.2
128.3
114.2
117.5
124.5
112.3

117.3
115.1
124.1
107.9
112.1
124.1
117.4

122.1
120.5
132.0
116.7
116.5
129.2
116.1

121.1
119.3
125.6
111.9
111.3
136.9
113.7

123.3
119.8
142.1
114.7
110.0
129.7
112.7

120.9
119.1
139.2
115.6
115.8
123.5
111.6

123.1
120.9
135.4
115.9
118.9
129.9
111.4

121.2
117.4
125.2
112.2
103.9
130.9
119.8

123.1
121.7
144.4
118.5
115.5
130.3
111.7

127.7
137.7
117.0
134.9
103.9
131.4

130.7
137.5
124.0
129.2
110.0
137.3

124.1
134.5
105.4
129.4
99.5
130.3

137.7

127.9
147.1
116.9
127.1
108.9
120.7

134.9

103.4
133.4
109.3
132.8

126.4
146.1
104.2
153.6
104.6
135.5

129.1
144.7
142.9

100.6
120.7

124.3
127.0
115.2
139.2
103.8
131.2

121.2

121.9
138.7
102.0
135.2

124.3
142.0
122.1
143.5
96.4
134.2

106.6
121.2

107.0
108.6
99.1
129.8
92.0

114.0
116.1
105.8
138.8
93.5

107.5
106.2
103.0
128.1
95.2

109.8
115.3
98.5
133.4
96.0

106.1
107.4
97.8
134.9
89.6

103.5
108.9
93.0
124.9
85.5

108.1
112.5
99.1
130.9
84.8

106.2
108.0
97.3
131.6
95.9

105.1
108.2
96.1
128.6
92.6

106.3
108.1
99.0
126.5
95.0

108.2
109.3
100.6
134.6
90.5

140.5
129.7
188.0

140.4
132.1
188.3

151.6
133.2
192.5

150.5
132.2
195.6

133.9
122.1
186.3

133.1
128.6
155.6

135.4
131.0
160.9

140.3
121.0
190.3

145.5
125.5
188.2

151.1
129.8
218.9

157.6
144.6
182.6

144.4
128.6
116.7
127.2

136.5
130.9
119.9
132.6

149.2
123.9
128.8
136.9

150.8
129.4
124.7
121.5

149.5
130.5
109.5
123.8

151.7
133.8
114.0
135.9

136.8
132.8
103.7
123.9

132.0
121.9
118.8
126.5

146.0
134.1
119.1
128.6

159.7
129.2
96.8
128.5

148.3
123.6
116.9
124.3

—

—

131.6

Percent change from 1957 to 1958

All items
Food
Food at home — — — — — —
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish —
Dairy products — — — —
Fmits and vegetables
Other foods at home
Housing
— — — — — —
Rent — — — — — — — —
Qas and electricity — — —
Solid faels and fuel oil
Konsefornisklngs — — — —
leasehold operation

—
<
—
.

2.7

2.6

2.9

3.0

2.3

1.4

3.3

3.0

1.9

2.9

3.6

4.2

4.1
4.8
2.5
9.4

3.5
4.1
.9
7.9
3.8
7.9
-.5

3.9
4.0
.9
9.8

4.1
4.1
1.1
9.0
8.7
-1.4

4.5
4.6
3.8
7.3
2.9
9.0
-.3

5.1
5.4
3.3
9.1
3.7
9.9
-.6

3.9
3.8
2.2
7.7
1.9
6.7
-1.0

4.2
4.2
.3
10.1
1.0
5.8
-.3

4.5
4.7
3.1
9.1

5.5
-.8

3.2
3.3
.9
9.3
.4
4.3
-1.3

2.5
2.3
4.8
-7.0
-1.2
7.2

2.2

.6
1.6

-.4
-.3
3.8

3.4

.4
-2.2
-.5
3.8

1.5
2.5
.4
2.4
.3
3.1

3.0
3.7
4.5

.1

-1.2

-4.3
3.0
-1.2

1.2
.3
2.8
.4
-1.1

.7
.4

2.7
.2

3.0
3.9
.5

5.7
4.3

4.6
5.2

11.8

.1

3.2
3.4
.4
2.4

7.7
3.1
2.7
1.7

4.4
2.0
9.4
1.5
7.2
-.4

1.7
1.8
3.5
-1.8
-.7
3.1

.1

Apparel
— —
ten's and boys' — — — — — —
Women's and girls'
Footwear —
—
Other apparel — — — — — —

-.4
-.1
1.5
-.1

transportation — — — — — — — —
Private
Public
Medical care
— — — — .
Fnrscnal care — — — — — — —
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services




1.8
8.7
.3

.8
1.0
3.9
2.9

.6

1.6

1.1

6 7l
-.6
-.3
2.7

1.0

-.3
2.1

-2.9
-5.2

2.1
2.9
3.8
-4.9
-.9
4.1

.1

-.7
-1.5
-.4

-.5
-.2
2.3
.3

2.2
4.4
-2.6
1.3

9.5

-1.6

-.3
2.7
.4

1.0
1.0
1.7
.9
-1.1

-.1
-.9
-.1
1.4

.1

.6

-1.7

.4
.9
-.6
1.9
.4

3.3
3.1
5.1

4.4
3.9
8.1

2.6
2.8

2.6

5.3
4.6

2.3
1.3
8.3

.3
-.5
4.4

2.3
3.9

4.6
3.4
4.0
1.4

3.2
2.2
6.3
1.7

3.1

4.8

.9

1.8

3.1

3.3
4.1
5.0

8.1

6.0
2.3
4.8
.7

.3
.3

.4

5.5

2.5
4.5

1.1

1.1

2.5
2.9
4.0

2.6

3.1
2.5
1.3

1.7

2.0
.7
2.2
4.9
3.8

.8

0

1.1

3.9
2.9

2.1
.9

2.0

7.5
.3

-.7
1.3

0

n

Brief EKpteral9f the

m

The Consumer Price Index (CFI) measures the average changes in prices of goods
and services typically bought by city families of wage earners and clerical workers. It
is based on prices of about 300 items which were selected so that their price changes
would represent the movement of prices of all goods and services purchased by wage and
clerical families; they include all of the important items in family spending. Prices
for these items are obtained in 46 cities which were chosen to represent all urban places
in the United States; they are collected from grocery and department stores, hospitals,
filling stations, and other types of stores and service establishments which wage-earner
and clerical-worker families patronize.
Prices of foods, fuels, and a few other items are obtained every month in all
46 cities. Prices of most other commodities and services are collected every month in
the 5 largest cities and every 3 months in other cities. Almost all prices are obtained
by personal visits of the Bureaufs trained representatives•
In calculating the index, price changes for the various items in each city are
averaged together with weights which represent their importance in family spending. City
data are then combined in the total index with weights based on the 1950 populations of
cities they represent. Index numbers are computed on the base 1947-49 = 100,
The national index (the United States city average) includes prices from the
20 large cities for which separate indexes are published in this report, as well as
from the following 26 medium-sized and small cities:
Anna, Illinois
Camden, Arkansas
Canton, Ohio
Charleston, W. Virginia
Evansville, Indiana
Garrett, Indiana
Glendale, Arizona
Grand Forks, N, Dakota
Grand Island, Nebraska

Huntington, W, Virginia
Laconia, New Hampshire
Lodi, California
Lynchburg, Virginia
Hadill, Oklahoma
Madison, Wisconsin
Middlesboro, Kentucky
Middletown, Connecticut
Newark, Ohio

Pulaski, Virginia
Ravenna, Ohio
Rawlins, Wyoming
San Jose, California
Sandpoint, Idaho
Shawnee, Oklahoma
Shenandoah, Iowa
Youngstown, Ohio

Comparisons of city indexes show only that prices in one city changed more or
less than in another. The city indexes cannot be used to measure differences in price
levels or in living costs between cities,
A description of the index is contained in BLS Bulletin 1140, "The Consumer
Price Index: A layman's Guide,n which may be purchased for 20 cents at any Bureau of
Labor Statistics regional office (addresses below) or from the Superintendent of Documents, U, S, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D, C. A more technical
description of the index appears in BLS Bulletin 1168, "Techniques of Preparing Major BLS
Statistical Series,M Reprints of chapter 9* pertaining to the CPI, are available on
request to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Washington or at any of its regional offices.
Historical series of index numbers for the United States city average and for
20 large cities are available upon request. These series include index numbers for All
Items, Food, Apparel, and Rent for periods from 1913 to date; and for other groups of
goods and services from 1947 to date,
BLS Regional Offices
New Iork

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Zone 9

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341 Ninth Ave.
1
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Chicago
San Francisco
Boston
105 West Adams St. 630 Sansome St. 18 Oliver St.
20116 3

20116 11

LABOR - D. C.

20116 1 0