Full text of CPI Detailed Report : December 1974

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CPI Detailed Report
For December 1974
Consumer Price Index U.S. and City Averages

Contents

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
John T, Dunlop, Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Julius Shiskin, Commissioner
OFFICE OF PRICES AND LIVING CONDITIONS
W. John Layng, Assistant Commissioner

The CPI Detailed Report is a monthly
report on consumer price movements
including statistical tables and
technical notes.

This publication may be ordered from
the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402. Price:
$11.55 for yearly subscription, $1
for single copies and an additional
$2.90 for foreign subscriptions.

April 1975

library of Congress
Catalog number 74-647019




Page

Price movements
Chart 1. All items index and its rate of change, 1965-74
Chart 2. Commodities less food index and its rate of change,
1965-74
Chart 3. Total food index and its rate of change, 1965-74
Chart 4. Services index and its rate of change, 1965-74

1
11
12
13
14

For urban wage earners and clerical workers
Table 1. CPI—United States city average, by commodity and service
groups, and expenditure classes
Table 1-A. CPI—United States city average, 1974 annual
average index
Table 2. CPI—United States city average, by commodity and
service groups, and expenditure classes
Table 3. CPI—United States and selected areas, all items most
recent index and percent changes from selected dates
Table 4. CPI—United States and selected areas, major groups,
percent change from November 1974 to December 1974
Table 5. CPI—United States and selected areas, commodity groups,
December 1974, and percent changes from September 1974
Table 5-A. CPI—United States and selected areas, commodity
groups, 1974 annual average indexes and percent changes,
1973-74
Table 6. CPI—United States and selected areas, food and its
subgroups, December 1974, and percent changes from
November 1974
Table 7. CPI—United States city average, food items, December
1974 indexes, and percent changes from selected dates
Table 7-A. CPI—United States city average, food items, annual
average 1974 indexes, and percent changes from 1973 to 1974 . .
Table 8. CPI—United States city average, indexes for selected items
and groups, December 1974, and percent changes from
selected dates
Table 8-A. CPI—United States city average, 1974 annual average
indexes for selected items and groups, and percent changes
from previous year
Table 9. CPI—United States city average and selected areas, indexes
for regular and premium gasoline
Table 10. CPI—United States city average and selected areas,
average prices for regular and premium gasoline
Table 11. CPI—United States average and areas grouped by size of
population, all items and major groups, December 1974, and
percent changes from selected dates
Table 11-A. CPI—United States average and areas grouped by size of
population, all items and major groups, year 1974, and percent
changes from selected dates
Table 12. CPI—United States average and areas grouped by region,
all items and major groups, December 1974, and percent changes
from selected dates
Table 12-A. CPI—United States average and areas grouped by region,
all items and major groups, year 1974, and percent changes
from selected dates

15
16
17
18
18
19

21

23
24
26

28

32
36
36

37

38

39

40

Price Movements
December 1974
Analysis of 1974 change

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.7 percent in December to 155.4 percent of its 1967 base. Higher prices for
sugar and most other types of food, housekeeping
supplies, gas and electricity, and public transportation
were responsible for a large part of the December rise.
The effect of these increases was partially offset by declines in prices for beef, fresh fruits and vegetables,
clothing, and used cars.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the rise in the December CPI was 0.7 percent; this compares with 0.9 percent
in each of the 2 preceding months. The food index
rose 0.7 percent after seasonal adjustment in December,
the smallest increase in 5 months. The December increase of 0.4 percent for the nonfood commodities index
was the smallest monthly rise in 1974. The services index
rose 0.9 percent, about the same as in October and
November. (See table A.)

For the calendar quarter that ended in December,
the CPI rose at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 10.1
percent. Seasonally adjusted annual rates of increase in
the first 3 quarters of the year were 14.2 percent, 10.3
percent, and 14.2 percent, respectively. For calendar
year 1974, the CPI rose 12.2 percent.
About two-fifths of the annual increase in the CPI
was due to a 13.2-percent rise in prices of nonfood commodities. The nonfood commodities index rose at a
rapid rate in the first 3 quarters—at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 15.3 percent. In the final 3 months
of 1974, the index rose at a 7.3-percent rate, as price
increases for many consumer goods were smaller than
earlier in the year and gasoline prices declined. (See
table B.)

Table A. Percent changes in CPI and components, selected periods
Changes in all items
Compound
annual rate

Changes from preceding month

Month
All items

Unadjusted

1973:
December.
1974:
January...
February..
March
April
May
June
July
August . . .
September.
October . .
November.
December .




Seasonally Unadadjusted justed

Services

From
3 months
ago

Seasonally Unadadjusted justed

Seasonally
adjusted

Commodities
less food

Food

Seasonally Unadadjusted justed

From
12 months
ago

Unadjusted

0.7

0.6

0.9

0.5

0.6

0.6

0.6

9.2

8.8

.9

1.1
1.2
1.1
.5
1.1

1.6
2.5
1.0
-.3
.7
.4
.1
1.4
1.4
.7
1.0
1.1

1.7
2.2
.6
-.4

.6
1.0
1.5
1.1
1.4
1.3
1.0
1.3
1.1

1.3
1.1
1.4

.7
.7
.8
.6
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.1
1.1

10.2
12.2
14.2
11.7
11.0
10.3
11.1
12.4
14.2
15.0
13.0
10.1

9.4
10.0
10.2
10.1
10.6
11.0
11.5
11.0
12.0
12.0
12.1
12.2

1.3
1.1

.6
1.1
1.0
.7
1.3
1.2

1.3
1.3

.9
.8
.7

.9
.9
.7

.9
.7

.9
.3
-.4
1.4
1.9
1.3
1.4
.7

.9
.8
.4

.9
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.5
1.0
.6
.8
.4

.9
.8
.9

Table B. Changes in Wholesale and Consumer Price Indexes, 1972-74
(Compound annual rates, seasonally adjusted (except services)
December
1972
to
December
1973

Index

December
1973
to
December
1974

3 months ending
1973
March

June

September

December

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

6.2

12.2
12.2
13.2
11.3

8.4
26.7
4.0
3.6

7.5
16.8
4.7
4.5

10.2
26.7
3.6
7.4

9.2
11.0
7.6
9.4

15.4

20.9

19.5

20.9

13.2

8.7

26.7
31.7

11.0
1.3

46.8
60.0

44.8
49.5

33.5
74.7

-8.7
-27.4

30.0
22.5

58.2
13.0

31.1
39.8

23.1
15.4

48.6
30.0

19.3
8.0

10.7
31.4
11.9
5.3
7.4

25.6
23.0
28.5
22.6
20.5

10.1
14.4
12.1
4.4
7.2

11.1
32.3
12.4
6.4
6.3

6.0
27.7
6.1
4.3
4.1

16.0
54,4
17.7
6.2
12.2

8.8
20.1
5.0

All items
Food
Commodities less food
Services

WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX
All commodities
Farm products and processed foods and
feeds
Crude food and feeds
Intermediate materials for food
manufacturing
Consumer foods
Industrial commodities
Crude materials except foods
Intermediate materials except foods
Producers' finished goods . .
Consumer finished goods except foods . .

1974
March

June

September

December

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
All items
Food
Commodities less food
Services

14.2
19.4
16.0
9.2

10.3
3.1
13.7
11.0

14.2
13.2
16.3
13.9

10.1
14.6
7.3
10.9

24.5

12.2

35.2

13.4

108
5.6

-29.3
-53.5

59.2
94.9

21.9
10.3

61.5
17.3

13.6
-16.7

81.9
29.4

88.1
29.1

32.3
88.7
32.6
13.2
28.3

35.7
10.4
43.7
27.2
25.3

28.1
29.1
32.2
31.8
18.5

8.2
-14.8
8.2
18.7
10.6

WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX
All commodities
Farm products and processed foods and
feeds
:
Crude food and feeds
Intermediate materials for food
manufacturing
Consumer foods
Industrial commodities
Crude materials except foods
Intermediate materials except foods
Producers' finished goods
Consumer finished goods except foods

...

Does not include plant and animal fibers, which are
included in farm products index.




Does not include manufactured animal feeds, which are
included in processed foods and feeds index.

An increase in the food index of 12.2 percent for the
calendar year ended in December 1974 accounted for a
fourth of the rise in the CPI. The food index rose
sharply in the first quarter, slowed substantially in the
second, and accelerated again in the third. Food prices
continued to rise at a rapid rate in the fourth quarter—
advancing at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 14.6
percent. Prices were higher for sugar and products which
contain sugar and for most other types of food except
beef.
About a third of the rise in the CPI in 1974 was due
to an increase of 11.3 percent in the services index. The
rise in the services index moderated somewhat in the
fourth quarter—to an annual rate of 10.9 percent from
13.9 percent in the third quarter. Charges for many types
of services increased at a slower pace in the fourth
quarter than the third quarter. However, charges for services such as gas and electricity and most types of public
transportation continued to rise at a rapid rate.
Price increases for energy items—which include gasoline, motor oil, fuel oil, coal, and residential natural
gas and electricity—were responsible for over a tenth
of the increase in the overall CPI in 1974.
In early 1974, the behavior of prices continued to be
influenced by food, fuel, and industrial material shortages resulting from the worldwide economic boom and
reduced harvests in 1972 and 1973 and from the Middle
East crisis in late 1973 and early 1974. In the spring, the
rise in food prices slowed as agricultural supplies increased and fuel prices slackened somewhat after the
Arab oil embargo was lifted in mid-March. On the other
hand, the termination of price and wage controls in late
April was followed by an acceleration in price increases
for many commodities and services. Tight money and
the rise in the minimum wage also contributed to the
acceleration in prices.
As the year progressed, the pace of economic activity
in the United States and in other industrial nations began
to slow. Demand was further dampened by rising oil
prices which caused some oil consuming nations to restrict imports of other commodities. The slowdown in
demand which earlier had centered in the housing and
automobile industries spread to other areas by mid-year.
Consequently, retailers and manufacturers started to cut
orders and reduce inventories.
The demand and supply situation, therefore, was
markedly different at year-end from that in 1973 and
early 1974. The change was reflected first in the wholesale price index for industrial crude materials, which
slowed its rise greatly after the first quarter of the year
and declined in the final 3 months of 1974 for the first
time since mid-1970. (See table B.) Except for fuels,
prices declined for most crude materials such as ferrous




and nonferrous scrap, wastepaper, raw cotton, and hides
and skins. The rise in the index for industrial materials
at the intermediate stages of production began to moderate late in the third quarter and continued to decelerate in the fourth as a result of declines in prices of
lumber, textiles, leather, copper, and aluminum, and a
slower rise for most other products including steel and
paper products. Although price increases moderated for
both crude and intermediate materials, these indexes
were still considerably higher in December 1974 than
in December 1973. (See table B.)
The slowdown in demand had little effect on prices
of finished goods at either the wholesale or retail levels
until late in the fourth quarter. In late 1974, price increases for many finished goods other than food and for
some services showed signs of moderating as economic
activity continued to recede. Sales of new cars continued to fall sharply, causing widespread layoffs in
automobile and related industries. Capital goods orders
were cut and housing starts remained down. As consumer demand continued to decline, retailers resorted to
unusual pre-Christmas sales. In contrast, prices of farm
and food products rebounded after mid-year as poor
weather, in particular, reduced grain and sugar crops.
At the end of the year, food prices were rising at
a rapid rate.
Food. Wholesale and retail food prices, which increased
more than 20 percent in 1973, rose 13.0 percent and
12.2 percent respectively in 1974. (See table C.) Food
prices at the farm level increased 1.3 percent, substantially less than the 31.7 percent in the preceding 12
months. For the first time since 1970, the increase was
smaller at the farm level than at the processor and retail levels. Over a long period of time, increases in retail
food prices tend to be smaller than at wholesale when
wholesale prices are increasing at a rapid rate. But when
wholesale prices are declining, retail prices either continue to rise or to decline less than at wholesale.
Although the magnitude of the change differed, food
prices at all levels moved in the same direction in the
first 3 quarters of 1974. (See table B.) The behavior
of the food indexes was influenced primarily by prices
of cattle, hogs, poultry, and eggs at the farm level, which
started to decline in late 1973 as a result of increased
output and slowing demand. Except for a sharp but temporary rise early in 1974 caused by the fuel shortage,
they trended down through mid-year. As prices of other
farm products such as grains and milk also fell sharply in
the second quarter, food prices declined at the wholesale level and the rise at the retail level slowed.
Food prices rebounded sharply at all levels in the
third quarter. Cattle and beef prices rose as marketings

Table C. Changes in food prices, 1972-74
(Compound annual rates, seasonally adjusted except as indicated)

Index

Commodity

Consumer foods
Beef and veal
Pork
Poultry
Cereal and bakery products

..

Dairy products
Fresh fruits and vegetables . . . .
Processed fruits and
vegetables
Eggs
Sugar and sweets

December
1972
to
December
1973

December
1973
to
December
1974

3 months ending
1973
March

26.7
39.8

CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI

20.1
22.5
21.1
10.9
32.5
19.8
32.4
28.6
28,2
33.3
22.5
15.7
10.3
27.5

12.2
13.0
-3.4
-8.7
-1.8
8.3
6.2
11.2
22.4
13.6
7.2
3.1

60.1
66.5
54.7
74.6
187.6
128.9
10.4
4.1
10.5
12.6

3.9
-4.6

22.9
66.3

CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI

20.3
10.5
42.7
32.5
14.0

7.7
7.3
61.2
110.9
7.8

WPI

16.3

21.4
23.4
-5.5
-5.0
101.6
182.7

9.5

June

16.8
15.4
11.6
5.0

17.7
-29.9
-2.4
45.3
15.3
16.1

9.9
4.8
33.2
75.5

September

December

26.7
30.0
36.2
58.7
125.0
84.3
130.0
81.5
33.0
89.4
22.3
35.2
-24.1
-21.1

11.0
8.0
-10.7
-45.3
-24.1
-8.3
-51.8
-53.3
60.0
38.1
51.9
11.8
19.4
16.0

10.8
11.1
32.0
-6.0
6.8
20.0

59.5
21.7
-10.6
-20.7
31.2
17.4

10.0
2.5
125.2

99.6
12.5
18.0
1974

Index
March
Consumer foods
Beef and veal
Pork
Poultry
Cereal and bakery products
Dairy products
Fresh fruits and vegetables . .
Processed fruits and
vegetables
Eggs
Sugar and sweets 2

Not seasonally adjusted in the WPI.

were curtailed to strengthen prices. Prices for hogs ana
pork, poultry, and eggs rose in response to smaller supplies resulting from cutbacks in production in 1973 and
early 1974 when prices were declining and costs were
rising. At the farm level, prices for corn and oilseeds




June

September

CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI

19.4
17.3
13.2
-3.5
-19.4
-20.1
-4.4
-26.5
28.4
34.1
18.2
27.6
29.6
94.1

3.1
-16.7
-26.7
-43.5
-45.0
-64.8
-38.0
-44.6
19.5
-13.8
7.6
-18.3
39.5
-35.4

12.3
29.4
22.8
97.1
64.0
239.9
41.0
107.0
11.6

CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI

50.8
13.1
4.5
-1.7
84.7
215.6

26.3
18.3
-52.3
•48.8
67.3
156.5

12.1
61.8
23.3
54.9
76.9
135.6

9.2
-6.6
6.3
-36.7
-1.1

December
14.6
29.1
-14.5
-35.2
28.0
43.7
52.0
81.1
31.0
32.0
11.3
1.9
1.8
-33.3
1.6
7.4

29.8
4.5
202.0
234.9

In the WPI, this title is sugar and confectionery.

(used in manufacturing feeds) also turned up after midyear as estimates of 1974-75 crop production were reduced because of adverse weather conditions in grainproducing States in the late spring and summer, followed
by a sharp rise in prices of animal feeds.

Chart A. Changes in wholesale and retail food prices
(Percent change from December to December, 1965-74)

RRITH
3CRLE

30
CRUDE rOODS R NO FEEC ISTUFFS

25
/

\

20
15
10

\

DEC
/

\

5

\

1.3 >

/

\

0

/

-5
RRITH
SCRLE
30

-10

25
WPI . C 3NSUMER FOOD

20

x

15
DEC
13.0

10
5

\
\

0

\

-5

-10




flRITH
SCRLE

30

r
CPI . TOTflL 1 ooo

25
20
15
DEC
12.2
^

^

\

^

10

/

^

5

^

0
-5

-10
1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

In the fourth quarter, the rise in food prices moderated at the farm level but continued rapidly at processed and retail levels. The slower rise at the farm level
primarily reflected declines in cattle prices caused by a
heavy slaughter of cows and nonfed "baby beef in
response to rising feed prices. Although cattlemen were
no longer expanding their herds, the Agricultural Deptment estimated in late 1974 that the number of cattle in
the nation on January 1, 1975, would total a record 135
million, up from the previous record of 127.5 million
a year earlier and appreciably higher than previous forecasts of about 132 million. Furthermore, the number of
cattle in the feedlots—although less than in 1974—was
estimated to be larger than predicted earlier in the year.
Beef prices at wholesale and retail levels continued to
decline through the year-end, but prices of pork, poultry,
and most other types of food increased in the fourth
quarter. A substantial part of the rise in the food indexes at wholesale and retail levels was due to higher
prices for sugar and products which contain sugar. Sugar
is not included among farm foods in the WPI.
For the year ending in December 1974 wholesale
prices for refined granulated cane sugar in 5-pound bags
rose 309 percent and raw cane sugar rose 321.5 percent.
At retail, sugar prices rose 275 percent. Much of the rise
in prices for nonalcoholic beverages and cereal and
bakery products and some of the increase for dairy products and food eaten away from home were due to
higher sugar prices. Higher sugar prices were caused by
factors such as adverse weather conditions during summer
and fall which affected harvests of European sugar beets
and damaged Philippine sugar cane crops, rising demand in
newly developed countries, willingness of industrial countries to pay high prices, and uncertainty concerning U.S.
purchasing policies because of the end of the U.S. sugar
act. However, as price increases became larger and more
frequent late in the third and early in the fourth
quarters, the demand for sugar weakened and prices
started to decline at the wholesale level in late 1974.
Prices also rose sharply in 1974 for other processed
foods such as canned and frozen fruits and vegetables,
fats and oil products, and partially prepared foods,
because of rising raw material costs and sharply higher
costs for containers, utilities, transportation, and other
nonagricultural inputs.
Commodities other than foods. In 1974, the nonfood
commodities component of the Wholesale Price Index
rose 20.5 percent, compared with 13.2 percent in the
CPI—the second consecutive year that the increase was
larger in the WPI than in the CPI. From 1956 to 1973,
increases in the CPI have almost always been larger than
those in the WPI. Larger increases in the WPI in the past




2 years have been primarily due to much greater increases
in gasoline and fuel oil prices although prices of other
nonfood commodities also increased at a somewhat faster
rate at the wholesale level than at retail in both years.
(See table D.)
In 1974, as in 1973, the largest increases among nonfood commodities were for petroleum products. Retail
prices for gasoline rose 20.6 percent for the 12-months
ending in December 1974, about the same as in the preceding 12-month period. Fuel oil prices rose 30.3 percent
in 1974, following an increase of 46.8 percent in 1973.
Prices for gasoline and fuel oil started to rise rapidly in
early 1973 when shortages appeared in some areas and
accelerated sharply during the Middle East crisis in late
1973 and early 1974. Subsequently, gasoline prices declined slightly during the second half of 1974, because
of large inventories and the rise in fuel oil prices moderated somewhat. However, for the year ending in
December 1974, increases in these prices which remained
substantial continued to reflect higher crude oil costs.
Although about two-thirds of total domestic crude
oil production remained under control after general
price controls were terminated in April, prices of uncontrolled domestic oil and imported oil rose substantially. A ceiling of $5.25 a barrel was placed on domestic
crude oil produced from existing wells in amounts below 1972 output levels. Domestic crude oil production
above the 1972 level and from new wells was uncontrolled. After the Arab oil embargo was lifted in midMarch, major oil producing countries established the
world price of crude petroleum at about four times the
previous level. At year-end, imported oil—which represents about 38 percent of total U.S. oil consumption
of 17 million barrels a day—and uncontrolled domestic
crude oil were selling at more than twice the price of controlled domestic crude oil.
Prices of consumer goods other than food and fuels
rose considerably more in 1974 than in 1973 at both
wholesale and retail levels. Prices at the manufacturing
level were influenced by higher costs for materials and
rising labor and nonlabor costs. Prices of many basic
materials which are traded in international markets rose
sharply through 1972 and 1973 when price controls
were in effect. Prices of some materials were decontrolled during 1973 and early 1974 as shortages developed. The problem of shortages was exacerbated by
the Middle East crisis in late 1973 and early 1974. The
rise in crude oil prices affected not only prices of refined petroleum products but prices of petroleum-based
products such as textile fibers, chemicals, building
materials, snythetic rubber, and plastic materials which,
in turn, had an impact on prices of a wide range of consumer goods. After wage and price controls ended, prices

Table D. Changes in prices of consumer goods other than food, 1972-74
(Compound annual rate, seasonally adjusted)

Item

Commodities less food
Nondu rabies less food
Apparel less footwear
Footwear
Gasoline
Durables
New cars
Furniture
Appliances, including radio
and TV

December
1972
to
December
1973

Index

December
1973
to
December
1974

3 months ending
1973
March

June

September

December

CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI

5.0
7.4
6.8
9.9
4.1
5.3
4.2
3.0
18.6
30.3
2.4
3.7
1.3
2.1
5.2
7.3

13.2
20.5
13.6
23.9
8.6
9.4
7.2
9.3
20.2
44.8
12.7
17.4
11.5
12.9
10.7
13.8

4.0
7.2
4.4
10.5
3.6
3.8
4.8
4.1
8.2
29.5
2.0
3.2
1.8
2.5
2.0
2.7

4.7
6.3
6.7
6.6
5.6
6.3
3.8
-3.0
25.0
19.0
3.0
5.7
4.8
3.2
7.7
11.5

3.6
4.1
1.6
3.7
3.5
1.7
4.4
4.1
-7.5
13.3
3.7
3.5
4.8
2.4
6.2
5.0

7.6
12.2
14.8
19.4
3.8
9.7
3.7
6.9
57.4
64.9
1.0
2.1
-5.6
-..3
4.8
9.6

CPI
WPI

-.1
.6

9.0
12.7

-.8
0

-.4
-1.2

.4
2.8

.4
.8

1974
Index
March

Commodities less food . . .
Nondu rabies less food
Apparel less footwear
Footwear
Gasoline
Durables
New cars

.

Furniture
Appliances, including radio
and TV

Includes items not shown separately.

for most materials, particularly metals and metal products, and labor costs accelerated. Increases in metal
prices influenced prices for all types of durable goods,
such as appliances, which had experienced relatively




June

September

December

CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI
CPI
WPI

16.0
28.3
23.1
40.4
10.0
10.5
7.4
7.1
106.8
160.7
6.0
11.3
3.7
6.7
9.3
8.1

13.7
25.3
13.9
30.9
9.7
15.2
7.3
13.7
23.4
67.3
14.1
15.0
18.3
10.2
13.4
17.0

16.2
18.5
11.8
19.1
12.7
9.9
11.5
14.8
-8.2
26.5
19.9
15.6
19.8
15.0
11.7
15.6

7.3
10.6
6.2
7.7
2.3
2.4
2.9
2.0
-10.8
-20.2
11.1
17.4
5.3
20.6
8.3
14.4

CPI
WPI

3.8
6.8

6.5
10.8

14.4
13.4

11.5
20.3

CPI includes motor oil.

small increases until 1974, automobiles, and recreational
goods. Large increases in paper prices pushed up prices
of housekeeping supplies, toilet goods, and reading
materials.

At the retail level, prices for consumer goods rose
rapidly in the first 3 quarters of 1974, reflecting earlier
increases in manufacturers' prices and rising retail operating costs. However, as the sales pace, which was
steadily slowing during the year, worsened in late 1974,
price increases became smaller.
The auto industry began to experience declining sales
in the spring of 1973 as a result of gasoline shortages in
some areas. Sales worsened during the Middle East crisis.
In addition, auto prices were raised in late 1973 and intermittently in early 1974. Demand for 1974 model cars
rose just before the 1975 models were introduced as car
buyers anticipated the higher prices. After the 1975
models were introduced, new car sales dropped sharply.
The 1975 model cars were introduced in the CPI and
WPI during the fourth quarter—the three major domestic
manufacturers in October; American Motors and some
imports later in the year. The CPI and the WPI reflect
prices of new cars after adjustments are made for
quality changes. Most of the quality adjustments on
1975 model cars reflected changes to meet standards set
by the Environmental Protection Agency in response to
the Federal dean Air Act. A small adjustment was also
made to reflect voluntary safety features not now required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The fourth quarter rise in the new car index in the WPI
was due to price increases for 1975 models. The new car
index in the CPI was influenced by changes in both the
1974 and the 1975 models.
In contrast to the poor sales of new cars, used car
sales were strong during 1974. Consequently, prices of
used cars, which declined from mid-1973 through the
first quarter of 1974, rose until late in the year;
prices in December were considerably higher than a year
earlier.
Retail sales of household durables also weakened
during the year. The dollar value of sales in furniture
and appliances stores was up about 7 percent in 1974
from 1973; but volume declined. Although price increases for household durables moderated somewhat in
the fourth quarter at the retail level, prices at the manufacturers' level, particularly for appliances, continued to
rise rapidly throughout the year. Among factors which
contributed to the rise in appliance prices were a rise in
labor costs, and sharply higher prices for materials such
as sheet steel, plastics, copper, tin, and electric cord.
Increased costs coinciding with deteriorating consumer
demand resulted in higher per unit costs and led manufacturers to increase prices frequently in the second half
of 1974. Thus, after years of stability, appliance prices
(excluding electronic equipment) rose 11.1 percent at the
retail level and 17.2 percent at the wholesale level in
1974.




Furniture prices began to rise at a rapid rate in late
1973 and accelerated during the first half of 1974. Rising
wages, higher costs for materials such as hardwood lumber and textile products, and a large backlog of orders
exerted upward pressure on prices. However, as the year
progressed, demand weakened and price increases at the
retail level moderated. As retailers started to cutback,
orders received by manufacturers in October were down
23 percent from October 1973 and unfilled orders decreased sharply because of a substantial volume of cancellations. Thus, prices at the manufacturers' level also
showed signs of moderating at year-end. Prices of all
types of floor coverings also rose sharply in 1974.
Largest increases occured in prices of vinyl floor coverings which reflected higher prices for petrochemicals
from which vinyl is made.
Most of the rise in apparel prices in 1974 occurred in
the first 3 quarters. Increases early in the year were influenced by rising costs of textile fibers. Prices for manmade textile products rose as tight supplies of petrochemical feedstocks caused shortages of nylon and polyester yarns and higher costs and shortages of woodpulp
affected rayon yarn prices. Raw cotton prices—which
rose sharply in 1973 as a result of bad weather, flooding,
and strong export demand—reached an all-time peak
in January 1974. These increases were reflected in prices
of cotton yarns and fabrics. In the second half of 1974,
however, prices of all types of textile products declined
due to a slowdown in export demand and reduced demand from domestic users. Apparel sales—which are
highly sensitive to changes in the economy—weakened
during the year, rising only about 3 percent in 1974 over
1973. Declines in materials prices and in physical sales
volume contributed to a marked slowdown in the rise in
apparel prices at retail and wholesale levels in the
fourth quarter of 1974.
Footwear prices followed the same trend as apparel.
The sharp rise in the first 3 quarters of 1974 reflected higher prices for synthetic substitutes for leather,
which are increasingly being used in footwear. The rising costs of petroleum-feedstocks were passed on in
prices of rubber products such as rubber heels and
tennis shoes, and in plastic materials. On the other hand,
increased use of synthetic substitutes and a decline in
exports of hides and skins had a depressing influence on
leather prices. The rise in footwear prices at wholesale
and retail slowed noticeably in the fourth quarter as
demand slackened.
Services. The services index, which began to rise at a
rapid rate in the second half of 1973, continued to
accelerate through the third quarter of 1974 before moderating slightly in the fourth quarter. For the 12 months
8

ending in December 1974, the services index rose 11.3
percent, compared with 6.2 percent in 1973. Even after
excluding mortgage interest costs—which rose sharply
in both years—the rise in the services index was 10.0
percent in 1974, twice as large as in 1973. Contributing to the rise in service charges in 1974 were the fuel
crisis, the termination of wage and price controls in late
April, the increase in the minimum wage, and the extended coverage of the Fair Labor Standards Act which
were effective on May 1. Indexes for all major categories
of services increased more in 1974 than in 1973. (See
table E.)

In the household services category, the index for
mortgage interest rates rose 10.5 percent from December
1973 to December 1974, following an increase of 14.7
percent in the preceding 12-month period. After climbing sharply in the second half of 1973, mortgage interest
rates remained fairly stable in the early months of 1974
because supplies of funds available for mortgages built
up while demand for such funds had slackened. By
spring, however, demand for funds outstripped supply.
Lending institutions reported a decline in net new savings as consumers reduced savings and consumed a
higher proportion of income. Interest rates on conven-

Table E. Changes in prices of consumer services, 1972-74
(Compound annual rates, seasonally adjusted except as indicated)

Services

December
1972
to
December

1973
Services
Rent*
Household services less rent
Mortgage interest rates
Housekeeping and home
maintenance services
Gas and electricity
Medical care
Transportation
Auto repairs and maintenance
Public transportation
Other services
Personal care services
Recreational services

6.2
4.9
8.7
14.7
7.7
6.9
5.8
1.2
6.7
1.4
6.0
8.1
3.7

December
1973
to
December
1974

3 months ending
1973
March

June

September

December

9.4

11.3
5.2
15.0
10.5

3.6
6.1
4.9
1.0

4.5
4.0
6.0
3.1

11.5
33.5

4.9
12.6
24.6

18.2
19.6
13.3
5.7
14.5
3.8

6.7
6.7
3.2
-2.6
10.0
-1.4
5.1
7.9
3.4

6.8
3.6
4.6
3.0
5.8
2.0
6.0
9.7
7.2

8.1
6.5
4.2
2.7
4.9
2.8
6.2
6.3
1.5

9.1
11.1
11.5
2.6
6.0
2.2
6.5
8.4
2.7

9.2
9.2
8.7

7.4
4.6

1974
March

Services 1
Rent*
Household services less rent
....
Mortgage interest rates 1
Housekeeping and home
maintenance services
Gas and electricity
Medical care
Transportation
Auto repairs and maintenance
Public transportation
Other services
Personal care services
Recreational services

Not seasonally adjusted.




9.2
4.8
13.7
-2.4
18.9
28.4

9.4
1.4
12.6
-1.1
7.3

6.4
4.9

June

September

December

11.0
4.4
15.1
8.6

13.9
5.0
18.1
24.5

10.9
6.5
13.5
13.1

24.1
16.1
14.9
6.5
11.1
6.5

22.0
20.2
17.7
7.6
23.3

8.5
14.2
11.4
7.4
11.3
8.0

9.9
10.3
14.3

1.6
10.6
10.3
7.0

Includes items not shown separately.

8.9
9.8
9.0

tional mortgage loans rose sharply and the legal ceiling
rate for FHA and VA loans was raised during the summer and early fall. High rates and lack of funds after midyear prevented many borrowers from securing mortgages and reduced home construction and sale of existing homes. By late 1974, funds moving into savings
and loan institutions increased, interest rates on conventional mortgages rose at a slower rate, and the legal
ceiling rate for FHA and VA loans was reduced.
Among other household services, gas and electricity
charges rose 19.6 percent in 1974. Although the sharpest
advances occurred in the first quarter during the Middle
East crisis, increases in the next 3 quarters were still
substantial as utility companies passed on higher costs
for all types of fuel. In addition, requests by utility companies for higher rates were granted because of rising operating costs and the need to raise capital to finance
new construction. Higher charges for housekeeping services primarily reflected the change in the minimum wage
legislation, and increases in home maintenance services
were due to higher costs for materials and labor. The
rise in charges for housekeeping and home maintenance
services slowed markedly in the fourth quarter reflecting
the effects of the slowdown in the economy. Property
taxes, which increased slightly in 1973, declined until
mid-1974, but turned up thereafter; large increases
occurred in the final quarter.
The rise in the CPI for apartment and home rentals in
1974 was relatively moderate compared with the rise
in most other household services; nevertheless, a steady
acceleration was evident during the year. Increases for
fuel and utilities, taxes, and repair and maintenance
costs prompted landlords to raise rents. In addition,
the growth in the number of rental units has slowed because of the low level of new apartment construction
and the increasing trend toward conversion of rental
units to condominiums. At the same time, the demand




for rental units has increased because of the low level of
housing starts, high interest rates, and the difficulty of
obtaining mortgages.
Charges for medical care services rose 13.3 percent
in 1974, more than twice as much as in 1973. Following moderate increases early in 1974, physicians* fees
and hospital service charges accelerated after the end
of the Economic Stabilization Program, which had controlled the health industry since August 1971. The rise in
physicians' fees and hospital room charges slowed
slightly in the fourth quarter, but charges for other hospital services such as physical therapy, electrocardiograms, and X-rays, continued to increase at a rapid rate.
The index for transportation services increased 5.7
percent in 1974 compared with 1.2 percent in 1973.
Except for local transit fares, which declined almost
steadily in 1974, fares for other types of public transportation—taxicabs, railroads, airplanes, and intercity
buses—rose sharply. Among auto-related services, repair and maintenance charges advanced steadily in response to higher costs for labor and for materials used
in replacement and repair. Also, demand for auto repairs increased as purchases of new cars were postponed.
Auto insurance premiums, which had declined in 1973,
rose slightly in 1974 as inflation significantly increased
accident claims despite a reduction in the severity and
number of accidents.
Charges for other services such as drycleaning, shirt
laundering, men's haircuts, and beauty shops accelerated
noticeably in 1973 and continued to rise rapidly in the
first 3 quarters of 1974 before slowing somewhat in the
fourth quarter. Increases in 1974, as in 1973, were
due to higher costs for labor and materials and for other
overhead expenses such as utility charges. The slower
rise for these services in the fourth quarter stems in part
from reduced demand which is influenced by changes in
disposable income.

10

Chart 1. All items index and its rate of change, 1965-74
(1967=100)

1

KB 165
CPI RLL ITEMS INDEX
(NOT SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTEO)

150
135
120
105

90

L

-

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
(SERSONflLLY RDJUSTEO)

-0.2

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)

RRITH.

6
4
2

DEC
12.2

0

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

DEC
12.2

RRITH.
SCflLE8
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN 1 /

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1 / Computed from the unadjusted s e r i e s .
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




11

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

Chart 2. Commodities less food index and its rate of change,
1965-74
(1967-100)

165
150

DEC
143.5

CPI COMMODITIES LESS FOOD INDEX
[SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTEO)

135
120
105
90

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
(SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

BHH;
4
2
0
-2

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(flNNURL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN 1/

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

17 Computed from t h e unadjusted s e r i e s .
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




12

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

Chart 3. Total food index and its rate of change, 1965-74
(1967*100)

KB 1 -

CPI TOTflL F000 INDEX
(SEflSQNflLLY flDJUSTEO)

3.2
2.8
2.4
2.0
1.6
1.2
0.8
0.4
0.0
-0.4
-0.8

175

PERCENT CHRNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
(SEflSONflLLY RDJUSTEO)

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTEO)

6
12
8
4
0

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN

-4

-J

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1 / Computed from t h e unadjusted s e r i e s .
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




13

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

0

Chart 4. Services index and its rate of change, 1965-74
(1967=100)

SEMILOG
165

CPI SERVICES INOEX
(NOT SEflSONflLLY RDJUSTEO)

150
135
120

105

IBtfB; 1

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
NOT SEflSQNflLLY'flfllJUSTED)

90

1-0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.0
-0.1

RRITH.
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. NOT SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)

SCRU
10
8
6
4
2
0

WITH.
3CflLE
10

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
[flNNUflL RflTE. NOT SEflSONftCbY flDJUSTEO)

DEC
11 .3
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1 2 -

8
6
4
2

>t..I.

0

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

37 Computed from the unadjusted s e r i e s .
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS




14

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

Table 1. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
by commodity and service groups, and expenditure classes
Relative
importance

Group

December
1973

Unadjusted
Unadjusted indexes
Seasonally adjusted
percent change to
1967= 100 unless
percent change from—
December 1974 from—
otherwise noted
November December December I November September lOctober to I November
1974
1974 1 1973 |
1974 [to October | November |to December
Commodity and service groups

All items
All items (1957-59= 100)
Commoditie s
Food ~ — «———————.
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Fruits and vegetables
•Other foods at home
Food away from home
Commodities less food
Nondurables less food
Apparel commodities '
Women' s and girls'
Footwea r
Nondurables less food and apparel
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Fuel oil and coal
Other nondurables
Durable commodities
Household durables

••

Other durables
p_en_
Qa^viPAfl

lass

154.3
179. 5
152.0

155.4
180.8
153.0

167.8
168. 3
177. 6
164.0
152.7
164.3
183.9
166.2

169.7
170.3
181. 7
163.5
155.3
161.3
191.8
167.6

38.644

143. 3

22.978
8.569
2.661
3.815
1.504
14.409
3. 162
1.993
2.349
.872
6.033

13.2
13.6
8.3
10.4
6.2
7.2
16.7
20.2

15.666
4.566
1.917
1.849
7.334

147.2
142. 3
142. 6
141. 5
142.8
150.2
158.5
149.0
138.0
229.2
142. 9
138.0
135.4
124.5
141. 6
142. 9

143.9
147.7
141.6
142.5
140.0
142.2
151.3
158.6
150.9
138.5
228.8
144. 6
138.8
136.0
124.9
138.4
145.0

12.7
12.4
11.5
22.9
10.5

-2.3
1.5

36.546
4.873
31.673
15.463
5.090
5.423
5.698

158.6
132.8
163.3
175.7
144.9
167.0
146. 7

160. 0
133.5
164.8
177.5
146.0
168.5
147. 7

11. 3
5.2
12.2
15.0
5.7
13.3
9.2

.9
.5
.9
1. 0
.8
.9
. 7

75. 190
47.778
7.064
31. 123
9.707
5. 318
4.457
1.489

150.4
157. 2
142.2
157. 3
172.4
146.2
187.0
114.5

151.3
158.3
141.5
158.7
174.5
148.0
187.7
115.2

12.2
12.8
8.6
10.9
11.4
10.6
18.2

.6
.7
-.5
.9
1.2
1.2
.4
.6

63.454
24.810
19.633
2.644
6.988
3.023
3. 146
3.832
5. 177

?.0T^4*

Household services less rent
Transportation services
Medical care services
Other services '•
Special indexes:
All items less food
Nondurable commodities
Apparel commodities less footwear
Services less medical care services
Insurance and finance
Utilities and public transportation
Housekeeping and home maintenance service
Appliances (including radio and T. V. )

:—

12.7
12.2
12.4
22.4
-1.4
7.2
11.0
35.8
11.2

9.0

10.5
32.4
17.5

9.0

.7

1. 1
1.2
2.3
-.3
1. 7
-1.8
4.3

0.9

0.9

.9

.9
1.4
1.4
1.9
1.9
.7
.1
2.8
.9
.8

1.3
1.6
2.6

-1.0
.3
2.3
3.5
.9
.6

.3
-.5
-. 1
-1. 1
-.4
.7
.1
1.3
.4
-.2
1.2
.6
.4
. 3

.4
.1
.3
-. 1
.2
.5
-2.3
*.6
• 1.0
1.3
1. 7
1.0
.8
1. 1
*2. 6
*.9
*.6

*1. 0
1.2
.4
1. 1

.7
.6
.6
.5
. 7
.9

-. l
*1. 1
*. 7
1.5
1.3
1. 0
.2
*1.6
.6
*.8
*.5
*.9
.9
. 7
.7

. 7
.7
.8
2.3
.8

1.7
-2. 1
3.3
1.0
.4
-. 1
.1
-.6
-.2
.7
-.4
*1.3
*.4
-.3
1. 1
.8
.5
-. 1
*-2.3
1.4
*.9
*.5
*.9

1.0
.7
.9

.6
.6
.9

.1
*.9

1.4
.7
1.0
*1.0

.6

.9
.9
.6
*.8
.8
.5
.9

*.9

*1.2

*.6

.6

-. 1
1.2
1.0
.2

Expenditure classes

Food
Housing
Shelter 2
Rent ~ — -——Homeowner ship 3
Fuel and utilities *
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep Transportation Private Public
Health and recreation Medical care Personal care
Reading and recreation —.—
Other goods and services —
Special indexes;
All items less shelter
All items less medical careAll items less mortgage interest costs •
CPI— domestically produced farm foods5
CPI— selected beef cuts 6 —
Purchasing power of consumer dollar;
1967=$ 1. 00
1957-59=$ 1.00-

-

-

-

00. 000
24.810

154.3
167.8

155.4
.169.7

12.2
12.2

33.321
21,459
4.873
16.184
4. 820
2. 390
7.042
9.945

158.3
161.2
132. 8
171.7
157. 1
154.0
151.0
142.4
143.4
142. 7
149.5

159.9
163.0
133.5
174. 0
158.4
156.7
152.3

13.7
11.3
5.2
13.3
16.6
19.6
19. 0
8.7
13.3
14.4
3.8

12.602
11.233
1.369
18.946
6.229
2.513
5.346
4.859
78.541
93.771
95.951
17.583
2.290

_

146. 3
157.5
144. 2
138.8
142.7

141.9
143.5
142. 5
152. 0
147.5
159.0
145.3
139.8
143.9

152.5
154.2
152.2
166.4
161.9

153.5
155.3
153. 3
167.8
158.0

12.5
12.2
11.8
9.9
-3. 1

$0,648
.557

$0,644
.553

-10.9
_

Also includes infants' wear, sewing materials, and jewelry
not shown separately.
2
Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
3
Includes home purchase, mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repairs.
4
Also includes residential telephones, fuel oil, coal, water,
and sewerage services not shown separately.
5
Calculated from the CPI food at home component by exclud-




10.9
12.4
12.5
9.6
9.6

0. 7
1. 1
1.0
1. 1
.5
1.3
.8
1.8
.9

-.4
.1
-. 1
1.7
.8
1.0

0.9
1. 3
1.2
1. 1
*.6
1.2
.9
1.0
1.6

.7
*. 5

-.3
-.2
.3

.3
.3
.7

.9

.7
1. 3

*.8
.9

1.2
.6

.7
. 7
.7

0.9
1.4

.9
.9
*.2
*-3.8

.9
.7
1. 1
1.0
.9
.9
*1. 1
*-1.9

1.1
*.5
1.3
.8
1.6
1. 0

-. 1
.9
*. 8
1.0
.7
.9
.9
. 7
.7
. 7

ing fish, nonalcoholic beverages, bananas, chocolate candy bars,
chocolate syrup and about half of the index weight for sugar.
6
Calculated from the CPI beef and veal component by eexcluding veal cutlets and beef liver.
* Not seasonally adjusted.
NOTE: Index applies to month as a whole, not to any specific

15

Table 1-A. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
1974 annual average index
(Unadjusted, unless otherwise indicated)
Group
All items
All items (1957-59= 100)
Commodities
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at home
Food away from home
Commodities less food
Nondurables less food 1
Apparel commodities
Men' s and
boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwea r
Nondurables less food and apparel —
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Fuel oil and coal
Other nondurables
Durable commodities —
Household durables New cars
Used cars Other durables
Services
Services less rent
Household services less rent •
Transportation services
Medical care services —
Other services
Special indexes;
All items less food Nondurable commodities Apparel commodities less footwear
Services less medical care services
Insurance and finance
Utilities and public transportation
Housekeeping and home maintenance service Appliances (including radio and T. V. )

1973
average

Indexe s
(1967= 100)

1974
average

Percent change to 1974
from—
1973
average

121.9
118.8
111. 1
117.6
128.5
139. 1
124.3
141.8
146.8
136.9
144.3
131.6

147.7
171.8
145.5
161.7
162.4
166. 1
163.9
151.9
165.8
162.8
159.4
136.6
140.9
136. 1
136.4
134.9
138. 1
143.8
158.9
143.8
131.8
214.6
133.7
130.6
128.9
117.5
122.6
138.0
152.0
130.2
156.0
166.0
141.9
159. 1
141.7

12.0
14.4
14.9
30. 1
2.2
18.8
16.4
24.9
12.7
10.6
12.9
7. 1
7.9
6.0
6. 1
16.5
33.8
5.0
7.6
57.8
10.8
7. 1
8.5
5.8
4.3
7.4
9.3
4.7
10.0
13. 1
3.7
10.3
7.7

130.7
132.8
126.5
138.3
149.3
130.0
152.9
105.5

143.6
151.0
135.7
151.0
164.2
141.6
175.4
109.7

9.9
13.7
7.3
9.2
10.0
8.9
14.7
4.0

133. 1
154.7
129.9
141.4
141.4
127.7
160.4
127.9
142.5
130.3
141.4
123.5
124.8
127. 1
126.4
127.3
130.2
123.4
118.8
137.0
122.5
136.0
120. 7

Expenditure classes
All items
Housing 2
Shelter
Rent
Homeownership 3
Fuel and utilities*
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Private Public
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care Reading and recreation
Other goods and services
Special indexes:
All items less shelter
All items less medical care
All items less mortgage interest costs —
CPI— domestically produced farm foods C P I - selected beef cuts
Purchasing power of consumer dollar:
1967= $ 1. 00
1957-59=$ 1.00

141.4
135. 0
140.7
124.3
146.7
126.9
126.4
124.9
126.8
123.8
121.5
144.8
130.2
137.7
125.2
125.9
129.0

161.7
150.6
154.3
130.2
163.2
150.2
145.8
140.5
136.2
137.7
136.6
148.0
140.3
150.5
137.3
133.8
137.2

11.0
14.4
11.6
9.7
4.7
11.2
18.4
15.3
12.5
7.4
11.2
12.4
2.2
7.8
9.3
9.7
6.3
6.4

131. 1
132.9
132. 1
142.3
162.4

146. 1
147.7
146. 1
161.9
166.6

11.4
11. 1
10.6
13.8
2.6

$0,752
.647

1
Also includes infants' wear, sewing materials, and jewelry
not shown
separately.
2
Also
includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
3
Includes home purchase, mortgage interest, taxes, insurance,
and maintenance
and repairs.
4
Also includes residential telephone, fuel oil, coal, water, and




$0,678
.583

-9.8

sewerage
service not shown separately.
5
Calculated from the CPI food at home component by excluding
fish, nonalcoholic beverages, bananas, chocolate candy bars, chocolate
syrup 6and about half of the index weight for sugar.
Calculated from the CPI beef and veal component by excluding
veal cutlets and beef liver.

16

Table 2. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
by commodity and service groups, and expenditure classes
Seasonally adjusted indexes
(1967= 100)
Group

September
1974

1974

Seasonally adjusted annual rate
percent change for
3 months ending in
6 months ending in
1974
I December
March
June
June
SeptemberlDecember
1974
1974
1974
1974 I 1974 I 1974
Commodity and service groups

All items

10. 3
149. 3
164. 7
165. 0
170. 2
164. 8
151.4
165.7
173. 2
162.8

Commoditie s
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at home
Food away from home
Commodities less food

r

Nondurables less food
Apparel commodities *
Men1 s and boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Nondurables less food and apparel
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco products (not seasonally
adjusted)
Alcoholic beverages (not
seasonally adjusted)
Fuel oil and coal
Other nondurables
Durable commodities
Household durables
New cars
Used cars (not seasonally adjusted) —
Other durables

r

Services (not seasonally adjusted)
Rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Services less rent (not seasonally
a Hiii s t e d )

---— —

— - -—*

-—-

-

-—

Household services less rent
Transportation services
Medical care services
Other services
Special indexes:
All items less food
Nondurable commodities
Apparel commodities less footwear
Services less medical care services
(not seasonally adjusted)
Insurance and finance
Utilities and public transportation
Housekeeping and home maintenance service
Appliances (including radio and T. V. )
(not seasonally adjusted)

150.7
166.9
167.7
174.7
163.2
151.9
169.5
179.2
164.2

152.0
169.2
170. 0
178.0
166.3
152.9
169.6
184.3
165.7

153.0
170.4
171. 3
182. 1
167.7
155.5
166. 1
190.3
167.4

142.9
146.5
140.5
141.3
138. 7
142.4
150.2
158.7

143.5

16.0

144. 9
139.4
140. 0
138. I
141. I
148. 2
162.7

141.8
145.5
139.6
140.4
138.0
141.4
148.9
158.9

3. 1
1. 0
19.5
-30.8
7.6
33.8
20. 0
12.5
13. 7

147. 1
140.3
141.5
137.9
142. 1
151.3
158. 1

23. 1
9.6
13. 1
6.9
7.4
30.8
106.8

13.9
9.4
12.7
5.6
7. 3
17.5
23.4

146. 5

147.4

149.0

150.9

2.6

135.6
223.6
138.7

137.0
226.6
141. 1

138.0
230. 1
143. 0

138.5
229.5
144. 6

5.9
74.9
12.6

136.5
134. 1
123.6
139.4
141. 8

137.6
135.4
123.9
141.6
142.6

138.7
136. 1
123.8
138.4
144. 6

155. 9
131.4

157.3
132. 2

158.6
132. 8

160. 3
171.5
144. 0
164. 3
144. 6

161.9
173.6
144.6
166. 1
145.4

10. 1

12.3
13.4

12.2
12. 1
13.4
14. 1
20.9
17.4
2.0
-9.9
47. 1
11. 1
11.7

14.0
12.3
12.0
11.6
28.5
-6.6
-19.6
48.5
10.5

10.3
14.6
16.2
31.0
7.2
11.3
1.0
45. 7
11.8

16.2

7.3

11.8
12.0
11.6
13. 1
11.5
11.3
-8.2

6.2
2.6
4.4
-.6
2.9
8.6
-10.8

14.9
18.4
9.5
12.9
6.3
7.4
24.0
59.7

10. 1

10.8

12.6

6.3

9.4
34.9
18.2

18.4
17.4
21.2

11.0
18. 1

7.6
53.6
15.3

13.5
14.2
19.6

6.0
9.2
3.7
-32. 1
13.5

14. 1
13.6
18.3
104.4
6.7

11. 1
9.7
5.3
7.6
11.6

10.0
11.4
10.7
17.8
10.0

15.4
13.4
12.3
28.3
11. 1

160.0
133.5

9.2
4.8

11.0
4.4

19.9
17. 3
19.8
53.0
10.6
13.9
5.0

10.9
6.5

10. 1
4.6

12.4
5.8

163.3
175.2
145.6
167. 3
146.6

164.8
177.0
146.6
168.8
147.7

9.9
13.7
1.4
9.4
7.3

11.9
15. 1
6.5
14.9
9.9

15.3
18. 1
7.6
17.5
10.6

11.7
13.5
7.4
11.4
8.9

10.9
14.4
3.9
12.2
8.6

13.5
15.8
7.5
14.4
9.7

148.8
156.0
139.4

150. 1
157.4
140.2

151. 0
158.3
140.0

12.4
20.8
10.0

13.0
8.7
9.7

15. 1
12.2
12.7

8.7
9.9
2.3

12.7
14.6
9.9

11.8
11. 1
7.4

154. 6
168. 0
144. 7
183.7

156.0
170. 3
145.7
185.5

157. 3
171.7
146.5
187.2

158.7
173.8
148.0
187.5

9.0
7. 1
11.9
18.9

10.2
8.6
10.3
24. 1

13.4
15.4
10.9
22.0

11.0
14.5
9.4
8.5

9.6
7.8
11. 1
21.5

12.2
15.0
10.2
15. 1

112. 0

113. 1

114. 5

115.2

3. 1

6.9

14.4

11.9

5.0

13. 1

l4l.O

l35. I
133.0
122.2
139.5
140. 7

147.9
154. 6
139.2

r

r

r

16.9
19.4
21.5
28.4
-.9
18.2
39.9
31. 1
10.2

10.0

10.9
10.8
23.9
-17.2
12.8
36.8
25.4
11. 3

9.0
7.2
7.9
6. 1
7. 1
9.9
-9.5

Expenditure classes

164.7
154.9
157. 9
131.4
167.6
154.6
151.4
146.6

Housing
Shelter 2 ~Rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Homeowner ship 3
Fuel and utilities 4
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep Transportation -—
Private
Public
Health and recreation (not seasonally
adjusted)
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services
Special indexes:
All items less s he It e r
All items less medical care
All items less mortgage interest costs —
CPI — domestically produced farm foods
(not seasonally adjusted)
CPI— selected beef cuts (not seasonally
a /4iuef

U J U J 9 1 C U y a/t\
«—-•—»•.—.«—»»-.—.»——.———«--»—»••—••••

tm

—

r
r

r
r
r

166.9
156.7
159.6
132.2
169.6
156.0
152. 9
149.0

139.6

140.0

143.3
142.5
148.9

^142.9
142. 2
149.4

10.3

14.2

10. 1

169.2
158. 0
160.7
132.8
171. 0
157.3
154.0
151.0

170.4
159.4
162. 5
133.5
173. 3
158.6
156. 5
152.5

19.4
14.4
9.9
4.8
12.3
26.4
28.2
15.2

3. 1
12. 7
10.0
4.4
10. 6
16.2
16. 1
19.7

12.3
15.9
13. 1
5.0
16.0
13.7
20.2
24.4

14.6
12. 1
12. 2
6.5
14.3
10.8
14.2
17. 1

10.9
13.6
10. 0
4.6
11.4
21.2
22.0
17. 4

13.4
14.0
12. 7
5. 8
15. 1
12.2
17. 1
20.7

140.9
143.4
142. 6
150.4

140.8

9.6
20.0
23.0
-1. 1

9.7
18.0
18.9
6.5

12.3

3. 5

15.9
17.4
1.6

.3
-.3
8.0

9.6
19.0
20.9
2.6

7.8

143.4
142.44
151.8

7.8
8.2
4.8

144.0
155.2
141.3
136.9
140. 1

145.2
156.6
143.0
137.7
141. 1

146.3
15,7.8
144.3
138.7
142.6

147.5
159. 3
145.3
139.9
143.9

7.4
8.7
8.3
7. 1
5.0

12.4
13.3
14. 7
10.6
9.3

13.9
16.8
15.2
11.6
12.9

10. 1
11.0
11. 8
9. 1
11.3

9.9
11.0
11.5
8.8
7. 1

12.0
13.8
13.5
10. 3
12. 1

150.0
151.5
149.8

'151.2
r
152.8
r
151. 1

152.7
154.2
152.4

153.7
155.3
153.5

15. 1
14.6
13.8

10.6
10. 1
9.9

14.2
13. 7
13.6

10.2
10.4
10. 3

12.8
12.4
11.8

12.2
12. 1
11.9

164.3

164.6

166.4

165. 1

161.9

1
Also includes infants' wear, sewing materials, and jewelry not
shown separately.
2
Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
3
Includes home purchase, mortgage interest, taxes, insurance,
and maintenance and repairs.
4
Also includes residential telephone, fuel oil, coal, water, and




158.0

25.7

-3.7

10.6

10. 1

38. 1

-29.7

26.5

-1.5

sewerage service not shown separately.
r-Revised from previously published figure to correct for an error
in the used car component.
NOTE: Index applies to month as a whole,

17

not to any specific

Table 3. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
all items most recent index and percent changes from selected dates
Pricing
schedule 2

1967= 100

U. S. city average
Chicago —
Detroit
Los Angeles-Long Beach
N. Y.-Northeastern N. J Philadelphia

M
M
M
M
M

1957-59= 100

Percent change from:

Other
bases
1973

155.4

180.8

12.2

2.4

0.7

153.2
156.2
150.0
161.7
159.2

174.0
179.5
176.4
192.5
185.9

12.0
11.6
11.9
10.8
12.6

2.8
2.4
2.0
1.9
2.2

.9
.6
.9
.5
.4

r
l83. 3
r
176.4
r
178.4
r

r

153. 0
154.2
153.9
r
152. 3
r

r

10.3
13.2
12.9
11.5

175. 1

3

155. 1
153.0
151.3
150.0
153.5
147.9
156. 1

170. 5

172. 7

3

163.6

169.3

4

161.3

173.8
181.9

155.9
160.0
153.8
148.2
152.7
148.6
152. 1

179.2
185.8
174.5

1973

5

2.4
2.0
2.6
3.0
2.4
3.4
2.2

eptemb«
1974
2.2
1.7
2.3
2.0
3. 1
1.9
2. 7

12.2
13.7
12.6
11.6
13.6
11. 1
12.5

159.8

181.3
173.6
181. 1

1
Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding
Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) except for New York and
Chicago where the more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas are used.
Area definitions are those established for the I960 census and do not
include2 revisions made since I960.
Foods, fuels, and several other items priced every month in all
cities; most other goods and services priced as indicated:
M - Every month.
1 - January, April, July, and October.
2 - February, May, August, and November.
3 - March, June, September, and December.

August
1974

11.9
11.3
11.6
10.5
12.5
12.6
12.0

December 1974
Atlanta
Baltimore
•
Cincinnati
Honolulu
Kansas City
St. Louis
San Francisco-Oakland

2.2
4.2
3.5
2.7

November
1973

November 1974
Buffalo
Cleveland
Dallas
Milwaukee
San Diego
Seattle
Washington

July
1974

October
1973

October 1974
Boston
Houston
Minneapolis—St. Paul
Pittsburgh
-

Septembi
1974

December 1974

3
4
5

November 1963= 100.
February 1965= 100.
December 1963= 100.
r-Revised from previously published figure to correct for an error
in the used car component.
NOTE: The Consumer Price Index cannot be used for measuring
differences in living costs among areas; it indicates price change within areas. Estimates of differences in living costs among areas are found
in the family budgets.

Table 4. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas 1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
major groups, percent change from November 1974 to December 1974
Group

U. S.
city
average

Chicago

1. 1
1. 0
-.4
. 1
.8
1. 0
.8
.7

1. 3
1.0
0
-. 1
1. 1
1. 1
(2)
1.0
.5

Los AngelesLong Beach

All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation —
Other goods and services

0.6

2

See footnote 1, table 3.




2.3
. 1
-.8
. 1
.3
.2
(2)
.4

18

Not available.

.9
1.3
-.7
.4
1.3
.5
(2)
1.7
1.6

New Y o r k Northeastern
New Jersey

Philadelphia

0.5

0.4

1.2
.7
-1. 7
.7
.5
.8

.5
-.8
.1
.7
.9
(2)
.2
.7

Table 5. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas 1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups, December 1974, and percent changes from September 1974
U. S.
city
average

Chicago

155.4

153.2

156.2

150.0

161.7

159.2

169. 7
170.3
181. 7
163.5
155.3
161. 3
191.8
167.6

170. 1
171.8
187. 2
165. 1
150. 2
167. 0
195.4
163. 3

172. 0
173.4
190. 0
167. 1
164.3
154.8
191. 1
166.3

164.2
167.0
180.3
161.0
152.3
159. 7
183. 1
156.4

174. 1
175.4
184.6
166.8
160.2
176.0
195.6
170. 7

172.7
172. 0
183.8
169.5
153.5
162.7
192. 1
175. 7

Housing
She It e r
Rent, residential
Home o wne r ship
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

159.9
163. 0
133.5
174.0
158.4
228.8
156.7
152.3

151.5
154.9
(2)
166.3
142. 1
209. 3
136.7
147.3

159.3
168.5
132.9
175.6
147.6
214. 9
152.3
139.0

153.4
155.4
(2)
163.2
150.4
170. 3
147.7

167.9
169.3
147.4
185.7
181.2
236. 7
188.3
156.5

Apparel and upkeep
Men' s and
boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwea r

141.9
142.5
140. 0
142.2

138. 2
134. 1
140.2
138.0

137. 1
142.4
127.4
146.0

135.4
129.2
135.0
140.5

141. 1
140. 7
139.8
133.8

166.6
176.7
(2)
186.2
162.7
222.7
164.4
150. 7
137.4
143.6
127. 0
143.0

Transportation

143.5
142.5
152.0

146.0
143. 0
165.0

142.9
141.5
158.8

143.9
145. 3
117.5

152.2
148. 1
168. 1

146.7
145.9
151.4

147.5
159.0
145.3
139.8
143.9

148. 8
158.7
146.8
140.5
148.3

153.0
171.4
(2)
142. 7
144.9

141.0
155.7
136.2
128.9
136.8

154.3
169.2 7
()
145.2
152.9

152.2
170.9
(2)
142. 1
148. 0

Group

Ail

:iprn»

_

_

Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home

Public
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation —
Other goods and services

Los Angeles- New York—
Long Beach Northeastern
New Jersey
Indexes (1967= 100)

Philadelphia

Percent changes September 1974 to December 1974
All items —

2.4

2.8

Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home

2.8
2.9
6.6

4.2
4.5
6.4
.1
3.4
4.9
11.5
2.6

4.2
4.5
7.3
1.0
8.4
-. 1
9.6
2.9

3.6
4.2

3.0
3.6
.8
3.8
.9
2.4
1.9
2.9

-1. 7
2.8
-1.0
10. 1
2.8

Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeownership
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

3.2
3. 1
1.6
3.6
2.9
2.7
4.3
3.9

Apparel and upkeep
Men' s and boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwear

1.4
1.8
.9

Transportation
Private
Public
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation -—
Other goods and services •

( )

5.5
.8
-1.5
1.5
3.4
1.3
2.0
0
1.8

3

2.2

-1. 3
10.6
2.2

2.3
2.6
6. 1
-.6
3.0
-4. 1
11.2
1.0

1.6
2.8

2.4
1.9
1.2
1.6
3.8
4.5
5.5
3.2

2.6
2.6
(2)
2.8
2.8
4.4
3. 1
2.8

-1.0
1. 7
-3. 1
-3.0

1. 1
1.7
.3
-. 1

-4.2

1. 5
3.8
8.5
3.0
2. 1
1.9
(2)2. 3
.9

8.6
-1.7
3.6

3

-.4

-.5
0
-2.3
1.2

.9
.8
2.2

.7
.6
1. 1

.4
.3
1.5

1.5
1.4
2.2

1.5
1.2
2.4

1.4
1. 1
2.9

2.4
2.4
2.9
2.0
2.5

2. 1
2.9
2.8
1.6
1.3

2.4
1.8
(2)
2.4
2.3

3. 1
2. 7
3.3
1.9
4. 5

1.7
1. 7
(2)
.4
3.0

2. 2
2.9
(2)

See footnotes at end of table.




3

1.9
2.7
2.9

2.7
2.6
8.0

19

-1. 7
-2. 1
-3.6

.5
2.6

Table 5. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected a r e a s 1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups, December 1974, and percent changes from September 1974—Continued
Group

Kansas
City

San
FranciscoOakland

St.
Louis

Indexes(1967= 100)
All items

155.9

160.0

153.8

148.2

152.7

152. 1

148.6

Food

176. 1
178.7
185.3
170.8
165.4
172. 1
196.9
167.4

171.4
171.7
177.3
167.3
151.3
161.6
196.4
170.0

172.8
175.8
188.4
165.5
170.7
165.0
199.7
161.4

169. 1
169. 1
188.4
159.6
161.0
160. 1
185.0
168.5

172.0
173.8
180.0
161.0
171. 3
163.2
196.9
166.4

164.2
168.5
177.6
162. 1
151.9
163.7
189.7
149. 1

167.6
167.7
189.6
155.8
156.9
162.9
184. 1
167. 1

Housing — —
__—_—_ —
—
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeowner ship Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

160.4
165.6
127.5
177. 1
147.2

151.4
151.8
117.4
167.7
163.2

142.7
145.2
147.7
143.7
133.5

153.9
158.3
117.0
174.5
141.3

158.0
162.5
141.3
173.3
143.6

153.6
155.6

171. 1
182. 0
124.0
206.6
157.4
219.0
158.2
155.3

155.2
143.7

147.6
139.6

152. 1
150.6

152.8
150.3

144.4
140.9
114.4
148.4
149.3
237.8
144.7
148.7

Apparel and upkeep
Men1 s and boys'
Women' s and girls'
Footwear

136.2
146.6
126.5
128.2

146.0
148.4
136.6
153.6

141.7
140.3
138.3
150.6

137.5
133.3
129.9
135.6

144.4
144.9
143.4

141.2
142.2
143. 0
136.9

133.6
131.0
130.9
142.0

Transportation Private •
Public

137.7
141.2
91.9

140.7
142. 1
130.8

138.4
142.9
104.3

140. 1
143.0
124.0

142.2
142.0
144.7

144.0
143.8
146.5

139.6
142.9
100.5

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

150.9
170.2
150.7
139.8
135.0

150.8
172.4
144.7
140.2
* 144.8

150.2
166.2
149. 1
131.8
151.8

141.4
154.3
148. 1
142.3
122.2

145.0
153.2
147.8
132.9
148.2

141.5
150.5
142.3
133.3
137.5

144.9
148.6
148.7
136.9
146.2

j O O u ctt xlOxxX6 »••—••»*»•••»»•»•••»—^•M—•*»•»»»

Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home

,-

Percent changes September 1974 to December 1974
All items Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables •
Other food at home
Food away from home
Housing —
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeowner ship
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep —
Men' s and boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwear
Transportation
Private
Public
Health and recreation —
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation —
Other goods and services

2.2

1.7

2.3

2.0

3. 1

2.7

1.9

3.6
4.0
6. 1
-2. 1
4.4
1.6
11.7
2.4

1.5
1.2

3.3
3.5
4.2
-1.0
4.3
.7
11.5
3.0

3.5
3.6
4.0

2.9
3.2
8.6

-1.5
3.3
3.2
13. 1
3. 1

3.7
4. 1
6.8
-1.7
.8
3.8
12.2
2.8

2.8
2.6
7.5
-1.8
1.9
-.6
8.2
3.6

3. 1
2.8
1. 1
3.5
5.9

. 3
1.4
-.5
1.2

5.6
6. 1
.9
7.6
2.7

3.7
4.5
1. 1
6.0
.4

2.8
2.9

1.7
.6
1. 1
.4
3.2
-1.2
7.6
4.2

7.4
2.3

1.9
2.3

4.2
6.2

.3
2.5

1.5
1.4
1.0
1.6
1.7
2. 1
2.5
1.8

-1. 1
. 1
-3.5
.5

1.4
-1.0
2.9
2.3

.4
-.6
1.0
-.3

.9
3.6
-2. 0
1.0

.2
1. 1
-1.5
.3

1.6
1. 1
2.5
. 1

.3
-2.6
.9
-. 1

. 1
. 1
.4

1. 1
.5
5.5

.1
0
1.3

1. 7
1.5
2.6

.9
.9
1.9

1.8
1.8
2.4

.4
.4
1.3

1. 1
1.4
1. 1
.7
1.4

2.7
1.4
3.5
2.6
2.9

1.7
2.3
1.9
.5
1.9

2.3
1.2
3.8
2.5
2.3

1.7
1. 1
4.2
.8
2. 1

1.9
2.0
2.2
.8
2.6

2.6
3.3
3.0
2.2
1.9

3.3
3.8
1.2
4.4
1.8

3.8
-2.2

2.0
-6. 6
10.5
2.4

3

See footnote 1, table 3.
Not available.




4

20

Change from October 1974.
Revised index: September 1974, 140.7.

-2.0

1.6
2.6
9.8
1.4

Table 5-A. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas l for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups, 1974 annual average indexes and percent changes, 1973-74
Group

U. S.
city
iverage

Los Angeles
Long Beach

Chicago

New York—
Northeastern
New Jersey

Philadelphia

Indexes (1967= 100)
All items
All items (1957-59= 100) —
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables Other food at home —
Food away from home

147.7
171. 8

146. 1
165.9

149. 1
171. 3

142.5
167. 6

154.7
184. 1

151.6
177.0

161. 7
162.4
166. 1
163.9
151.9
165.8
162.8
159.4

161.6
163.0
172. 1
162.9
148.2
168.2
164.8
156.2

164. 1
165.3
182. 1
167.4
154.9
158.9
164.2
159.2

156.3
158.7
162.6
164.5
146.7
157.7
157.8
149.4

166. 1
167.0
166.7
167.0
155.6
179.4
164.9
163.6

165.2
164. 5
167.2
168.0
151.2
169.2
163.6
168.2

Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeowner ship
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

150.6
154.3
130.2
163.2
150.2
214.6
145.8
140.5

143.7
147.4

144.3
146.5

162.4
136.9

160.6
163.8
143.6
179. 1
171.5
221.8
173.3
146. 1

156.8
166.2

156.5
138.2
205.8
131.2
136.0

151. 0
159.5
129.8
165.5
142.3
208.7
144.4
130.5

174. 1
154. 2
207. 1
154. 1
141.3

Apparel and upkeep
Men' s and
boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwear

136.2
136.4
134.9
138. 1

132.7
129.6
135.0
132. 1

132.4
135.7
123.2
144.6

132.0
125.8
133.8
136. 1

136.2
135.5
133.4
134.0

132. 1
137.3
122.9
138.6

Transportation Private
Public

137.7
136.6
148.0

140.7
137.0
163.5

138.7
137.2
156. 1

137.6

146.2
141.6
164.0

140.6
139.6
146.6

Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care •
Reading and recreation Other goods and servic

140.3
150.5
137.3
133.8
137.2

142.2
150. 1
138.8
135.2
143.2

145.5
162.8

133.9
147.7
128.2
123.8
129.3

147.2
160.7

145.2
162.4

139.7
145.7

137.7
140. 1

135.6
138.2

152.3
144.3

Percent changes 1973-74
All items

11.0

10.7

10.9

10.3

10.7

11.9

Food
Food at home •
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home

14.4
14.9
30. 1
2.2
18.8
16.4
24.9
12.7

13.2
13.5
29.9
1.2
15. 1
17.2
25. 1
12. 1

14.3
14.2
35.4
.5
21.5
17.2
23.9
14.7

14.5
15. 1
31.9
2.4
18.5
17.9
22.7
12.7

14.2
15.3
29.4
4.4
18.9
19.3
23.9
10.8

15.8
16. 1
29.8
5.0
18.4
19.2
25.7
14.4

Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeowner ship —
Fuel and utilities •
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

11.6
9.7
4.7

11.7
10.8

9.5
8.5

11.2

13.8
12.3

18.4
57.8
15.3
12.5

11.2

13.2
15.4
57.9
9.2
12. 1

9.9
8.2
4.5
8.8
17.4
61.4
17.3
11.3

9.6
10. 1

7.4
7.9
6.0
6. 1

5.7
7.0
3.5
6.4

11.2
12.4
2. 2
7.8
9.3
9.7
6.3
6.4

Apparel and upkeep
Men' s and
boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwea r
Transportation
Private —
Public -—
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services
See footnotes at end of table.




21

7.8

16.2
12.6

5. 1
9.4
27.3
55.9
29.0
12.0

13.9
21.9
59.9
17.0
12. 1

8.3
11.4
5.0
9.0

7.2
6.2
5.9
5.7

7.8
6.8
7.4
4. 7

5.9
10. 1
1. 1
6.2

10. 1
11.8
1.7

12.2
13. 1
3.5

11.8
12.4
-1.9

7.8
10.4
.2

8.4
9.6
10.3
6.4
8.3

8.7
9.6

7.4
9.5
7.6
5.9
5.8

8.6
10. 8

10.2
11.9
2. 1
8.0
9.0

7.8
6.3

6.9
7.9

6.7
10.6

Table 5-A. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas l for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups, 1974 annual average indexes and percent changes, 1973-74—Continued
Group

.

Kansas
City

San
Francisco—
Oakland

St.
Louis

Indexes (1967= 100)
148.5
170.8

152.4
176.9

146.3
166. 1

165.6
167.4
171.2
169.0
159. 1
171.9
165.4
159.4

164.4
165.0
164.5
167.5
151.2
169.7
166.5
162. 1

151.7
157. 1
125. 1
166.8
141.9

141.8
152.9

144.2
171. 1

144.4
171.8

142.2
166. 1

163.6
165.9
115.3
163.8
163.2
163.8
168.4
154.8

158.7
159.2
175.5
159.0
150.6
153.4
157.6
156.6

162.5
163.9
165.8
162. 1
170. 2
157.7
165.3
158.2

155.6
159.2
158.7
162.7
147.2
160.2
161.7
143.0

159.7
160.0
172.5
156.0
155.6
163.9
158.4
158.0

143. 1
145.5
115.4
159.4
146.6

138.6
142.4
142.9
142.2
127.7

141.6
145.8
115.3
157.7
132.3

148.8
153.2
138.7
160.6
136.6

145.3
144.9

161. 1
172. 1
121.3
193.6
149.6
213.9
144.0
143.4

137. 1
134.6

135.9
132. 1

137.9
136.9

145.4
140.4

137.9
136.0
112.7
142.5
141. 1
222.7
133.9
139.7

Apparel1 and upkeep
Men s and
boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwear

133.7
142.0
127.8
125.5

141.3
148.2
129.7
149.3

136.9
136.6
132.5
147. 1

133.3
127.5
130.7
132. 1

138.9
136.2
140.7
145.5

136. 1
137.3
136.9
133.3

129.8
129.7
127.5
139. 0

Transportation
Private
Public

132.0
135.3
89.1

134.6
136. 1
124.6

133.0
137. 1
102.4

135. 1
137.8
120. 3

136.5
136.0
143.9

136.5
136.2
141.9

134.5
137.6
98.3

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

145. 1
162.4
144.3
135.0
130.9

143.2
165. 1
136.9
133.5
136.5

143.5
158.8
142.9
128. 1
143.1

134.3
147.0
137.2
134.3
118.5

138.9
147.7
138.9
127.8
141.4

135.2
143.5
134.4
128.7
131.0

137.9
140.8
139.3
131.2
140.0

10.0

All items
All items (1957-59= 100) —
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products •
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products —
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home —

Rent, residential
Homeownership —
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation

2

Percent changes 1973-74

All items

11.0

13.0

10.7

10.5

10.7

9.8

Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other food at home
Food away from home

15.0
16. 1
31. 1
3.9
20.2
14.0
26.0
11.2

14.3
14.3
30. 1
3.2
16.8
13.8
25.4
14.4

14.5
15.0
34.4
1.7
22.3
12.5
26.6
12.2

17.4
19.0
48.9
8.5
17.8
13.9
24.0
12.7

14.9
15.6
27.5
1. 1
22. 1
17.7
26.5
13.0

12.8
14.0
32.3
3.3
18.9
16. 1
22.5
8.3

9.5
9.5
4.0
10.9
6.5

11.3
9.0
3.4
11.0
17.7

7.6
5.4
7.4
4.2
13.8

9.9
9.4
2.4
11.7
9.4

9.3
8.3
4. 1
10.3
8.0

10.5
11.2

17.2
17.6
4.5
21.7
21.6
64.3
19.0
13.4

14.3
14.2

27.0
12.6

15.2
12.6

13.4
13.0

12. 1
47.5
7. 7
13. 1

8.3
8.7
7.2
4. 1

8.3
7.4
6.2
6.5

7.0
7.4
4.8
7. 1

7.4
9.3
3.6
9.4

6.4
7.8
4.3
7.0

7.4
9.4
6.5
5.7

5.4
11. 1
1.5
4.2

Transportation
Private
Public

13.2
13.5
9.5

11.5
13.0
2.3

7.7
12.3
-24.3

9.0
9.8
4.7

11. 1
11.7
1.4

10.8
11.2
4.5

8.4
12. 1
-28.4

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

8.7
11.0
11.2
5.6
6.8

8.3
10.9
8.5
5.4
8.9

8.9
10.5
8.2
5.0
10.6

8.2
10.3
11.8

8.0
9.3
11.0
6.0
6.8

7.6
8.7
10.3
5.9
6.4

8.2
8.4
10.0
7.5
7.5

—

Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeownership Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep —
Men' s and
boys'
Women1 s and girls'
Footwea r

—

2

See footnote 1, table 3.




22

9.5

1.7

December 1963=100.

13.9
14.4
29.4
.9

19.5
14. 1
25.9
11.3
9.8
7.6
2.3
8.9

Table 6. Consumer Price Index-^-United States and selected areas for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food and its subgroups, December 1974, and percent changes from November 1974
Food at home
Area 1

Total
food

Total

Cereals
and
bakery
products

Meats,
poultry,
and fish

Dairy
products

Fruits
and
vegetables

Other
foods
at
home

Food
away
from
home

Indexes (1967= 100)
U. S. city average

169.7

170.3

181.7

163.5

155.3

161.3

191.8

167.6

Atlanta
Baltimore
Boston —
Buffalo
Chicago
Cincinnati —
Cleveland
Dallas
Detroit
Honolulu
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles—Long Beach
Milwaukee
Minneapolis—St. Paul
N. Y.-Northeastern N. J Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco-Oakland —
Seattle
- —
Washington

176. 1
171.4
169.8
166.4
170. 1
172.8
168.5
165.6
172.0
169. 1
175.7
172.0
164.2
166.9
171.8
174. 1
172.7
172.5
167.6
168.3
164.2
163. 1
174.3

178.7
171.7
170.3
165.8
171.8
175.8
169.6
164.0
173.4
169. 1
174. 1
173.8
167.0
167.9
171.5
175.4
172.0
171.7
167. 7
167.4
168.5
165.7
174. 3

185.3
177.3
182.0
183.9
187.2
188.4
184. 1
176.4
199.0
188.4
180.0
180.0
180.3
184. 1
188.3
184.6
183.8
187.9
189.6
175.2
177.6
182.3
187.9

170.8
167.3
165.6
162.6
165. 1
165.5
158.2
154.7
167. 1
159.6
165.7
161.0
161.0
158.0
165.4
166.8
169.5
165.0
155.8
164.8
162. 1
161.2
161.5

165.4
151.3
151.7
149.3
150.2
170.7
159.5
147. 6
164.3
161.0
166.4
171.3
152.3
155.7
156.2
160.2
153.5
151.5
156.9
152.0
151.9
153. 1
144. 7

172. 1
161.6
162. 1
151.0
167.0
165.0
165.7
153. 1
154.8
160. 1
166.0
163.2
159.7
158.5
159.6
176.0
162.7
162.5
162.9
163.3
163.7
151.5
166.1

196.9
196.4
192.0
184.3
195.4
199.7
188.4
186.7
191. 1
185.0
192.8
196.9
183. 1
189.2
190.4
195.6
192. 1
193.9
184. 1
181.0
189.7
184. 1
211.7

167.4
170.0
167.7
169.6
163.3
161.4
163. 1
171.4
166.3
168.5
181.4
166.4
156.4
(2)
173.3
170.7
175.7
177. 8
167. 1
(2)
149. 1
154.5
173.9

Percent changes November 1974 to December 1974
U.S. city average
Atlanta
Baltimore
Boston
Buffalo Chicago
Cincinnati —
Cleveland —
Dallas
Detroit
Honolulu
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles—Long Beach
Milwaukee
Minneapolis—St. Paul
N. Y.-Northeastern N. J Philadelphia
Pittsburgh -St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco—Oakland —
Seattle
— —
Washington
See footnote 1, table 3.




1.2
1.2
0
1.3
.4
1.5
1.3
2.2
.9
2. 7
1.4
2.6
2. 1
1.0
1.7
1. 1
1.6
.8.
.9
1.6
.8
1.9

1.3
.2
1.3
.5
1.3
1.2
1.9
.9
2.3
1.8
2. 2
1.8
.9
1.3
.9
1.2
1.8
.6
1.6
1.0
.5

.9
.2
2

1.6
-.6
3.0
1.3
1. 7
.4
3.3
2.9
3.6
-.6
4.5
2.4
2.7
3. 3
2.4
2.6
2.3
1.0
3.9
2.3
3. 7
3.2
4.3

Not available.

23

-0.3

1. 7

-1.8

4.3

0.8

-2. 1
-.8
-.4
-.6
.5
.2
-.7
-.4
1.4
-.2
.5
.5
-. 1
-.3
-.3
-.2
-.3
-1.3
-. 1
-.2
.3
-.3
-2.2

2.7
.9
. 1
-.6
2.0

-.3

5.4
3.6
5.6
4.7
4.8
3.7
3.0
4.2
4.7
4.9
5.8
5. 0
3.4
4.0
3.9
5.6
3.0
3.4
3.6
2.8
4.8
3.0
3.3

1.3
1.2
1.3
.5
.7
.9
.1
.7
.4
2.9
.7
.9
.5
(2)
.5
.4
.7
.6
2.5
(2)
.6
1.2
1.0

3. 1
5.8
. 1
5.8
1.7
2.6

1.4
.5
2.6
.6
3.2
.9
4.8
.6
.4
1.2
-.3
.6

-3.8

-.9
-3.0

-1.9
-. 7
2.6
-3.0
-.3
2.5
.1
.7
-1.6
-.6
-1. 7
-1.8
-1.3
-1.9
.9

-1.0
-.2
-.7
-3.7

Table 7. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food items, December 1974 indexes, and percent changes from selected dates
(1967= 100)

Item and group

Food
Food away from home
Restaurant meals
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products —
Flour
——
_.

Bread, white
Bread, whole wheat
C ooki e s
— Layer cakes
Cinnamon rolls
Meats, poultry, and fish
Meats
Beef and veal
Steak, round
Steak, sirloin
Steak, porterhouse —
Rump roast
Chuck roast
Hamburger
Beef liver
Veal cutlets
Pork
Chops
Loin roast
Pork sausage Ham, whole —
Pi cni c s
Other meats
Lamb chops
Frankfurters
Ham, canned
Bologna sausage
Salami sausage
Liverwurst
Poultry
Frying chicken
Chicken breasts —
Turkey
Fish Shrimp, frozen
Fish, fresh or frozen —
Tuna fish, canned —
Sardines, canned
Dairy products
Milk, fresh, grocery
Milk, fresh skim
Milk, evaporated
Ice cream
Cheese, American process -

December 1974
Unadjusted

Seasonally
adjusted

169.7
167.6
167.0
170.4
170.3
181.7
171. 1
212.3
164.0
221.3
166.9
173.4
180.8
184.0
192.0
163.5
161.7
160. 1
156.0
150.0
155.6
154.8
168.7
165.0
160. 1
151.8
195.4
167. 1
157.8
164.0
181.7
167.2
159.3
175.2
158.0
160. 1
155.6
158.6
162.8
156.6
154.4
154.9
160.0
150.3
135.7
194.8
162.6
216.8
175.2
223.7
155.3
154. 1
167.6
181.8
147.8
167.9
116.4

170.4
167.4
167.0
170.2
171.3
182. 1
170.4
213.6
164.0
221.5
166.9
173. 1
181.2
183.8
191.6
167.7
165.8
165.4
162.7
156.7
161.9
161.3
172.3
171.7
164.2
154.0
198.6
171.9
164.4
170.5
186.7
165.2
163.7
180.8
159.6
161.7
158.6
159. 1
165. 1
158.2
156. 1
161.9
169. 1
154.6
137.6
194.8
162.3
217.0
175.4
222.4
155.5
154.3
167.8
182.3
146.9
168. 1
115.7

See footnote at end of table.




24

Percent change to December 1974
from—
December 1973
November 1974
Unadjusted
12.2
11.2
9.9
18. 1
12.4
22.4

4.8

34.9
45.9
-.8
14.0
16.6
48.9
31.8
33.6
-1.4
-3.5
-3.4
0
2.8
4.4
1.4
3.3
-1.8
-12.0
-11. 1
-.3
-1.8
3.7
,4
-6.8
-5. 1
-11.5
1.9
-6. 1
8.4
-11. 1
-7.8
-8.6
-6.9
-8.8
6.2
13.3
5.9
-21.2

9.4

-7.4
3.7
14.4
27.9
7.2
5.2
7.9
20. 1
19.5
5.9
-5. 1

djusted
1. 1
.8
.8
1.0
1.2
2.3
1.2
.8
4.7
1.7
1.5
1.2
6.0
4.6
4.0
-.3
-.8
2.2
3.8
2.7
2.0
2.5
-.9
1.3
2. 1
2.9
.2
.2
1.4
1.6
2.6
4.8
1.9
.2
1. 1
1.2
.4
3.0
1. 1
0
1.0
2.7
3.8
2. 1
3.0
.6
.4
0
.6
1.4
1.7
2. 1
2.0
.4
4.2
. 1
.6

Seasonally
adjusted
0.7
1.0
1.0
1.0
.8
2.3
.6
1.0
4.8
-1.9
1.3
1.4
5.6
4.5
4. 0
.8
.4
-1. 1
-2.2
-1.2
-.6
-.7
-1.5
-.9
-1.4
-2.0
1. 0
2.0
1.2
.9
5.5
2.5
-.5
2.3
1.9
1.6
2. 1
3.7
2.4
1.2
1.8
4.0
5. 0
2.8
-. 1
.4
. 1
-.2
.3
1.2
1.7
2.2
2.0
1.3
3.6
-. 1
.7

Table 7. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food items, December 1974 indexes, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
nge to
frorr
December 1974
Seasonally
adjusted

Item and group

Unadjusted
Food—Continued
Food at home—Continued
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables

161.3
149.6
143.1
147. 1
109.8
149. 1
144.2
139.2
!

Apples
Bananas
Oranges •
Orange juice, fresh —
Grapefruit Grapes
Strawberries
Watermelon Fresh vegetables —
Potatoes
Asparagus
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Peppers, green —
Spinach To mat o e s
Processed fruits and vegetables Fruit cocktail, canned
Pears, canned
Pineapple-grapefruit juice drink
Orange juice concentrate, frozen
Lemonade concentrate, frozen
Beets, canned
Peas, green, canned
Tomatoes, canned
Dried beans Broccoli, frozen
Other food at home
Eggs
Fats and oils:
Margarine
Salad dressing, Italian
Salad or cooking oil
Sugar and sweets
Sugar —
Grape jelly
Chocolate bar
Syrup, chocolate flavored
Nonalcoholic beverages
Coffee, can —
Carbonated drink, cola flavored
Carbonated drink, fruit flavored
Prepared and partially prepared foods
Bean soup, canned
Chicken soup, canned
Spaghetti, canned
Mashed potatoes, instant
Potatoes, french fried, frozen
Baby foods
Sweet pickle relish
Pretzels

R

154.9
162.7
124.8

n

—
---

146.0
174.8
146.9
120.6
160.8
132.6
172.4
172.2
178.7
177.6
164.2
162.6
146. 1
168.9
184. 1
155.9
169.6
283.9
150.2
191.8
172.6
252. 3
146.7
239.7
279.0
519.8
203. 1
219. 1
208.3
172.7
168.6
172.2
132.7
193. 1
198.9
160.8
186.3
135.4
161.7
156.3
170.2
155.6
164.5
155.6

Priced only in season.




25

166. 1
158.3
153.9
165.7
117.6
150.2
144. 1
160.0

161.0
174.6
132.3
158.4
175.3
147.3
121.8
146.8
137. 1
170.9
156.0
178.5
177.4
164.2
162.9
146.2
167.9
184.8
155.4
169.8
281.4
150.5
190.3
163.0
251.5
146.4
239.5
279.6
519.8
203.9
218.7
208.7
173.2
169.1
172.7
133. 1
193.5
199.5
161.0
186.5
135.3
161.5
156.9
170.7
155.8
164.2
155.9

December 1973
Unadjusted

11.0
3.9
5. 1
-.5
9.4
5.3
7.7
4.7

lil

2.9
-12.8
-15.8

n
-2. 1
28.5
16.7
4. 1
35. 1
-23.4
6.0
24.6
21.4
29.0
26.1
33.8
5.2
37. 1
26. 1
36.3
28.6
-.9
19.0
35.8
-5.5
57.0
23.8
50.0
101.6
274.5
43.3
56.6
56.4
27.5
18.6
27.0
17.0
42.4
45.8
28.6
45. 1
15.9
27.8
28.4
37.9
29.3
19.5
26.5

November 1974
Seasonally
adjusted

Unadjusted

-1.8
-3.3
-3.6
-1.2
-6.9
-6.3

I

-3. 1
-2.3
-6.3
(l)
2.5
16.0
-9.7
-.2

-15.2
-16.5
-1.5
14.6
0
.7
1.0

1. 1
-.5
4.5
1.4
2.2
1.9
-7.2
2.5
4.3
3.9

2. 1
2.5
-.2
13.8
33.7
2.2
2.8
3.8

1.5
-.5
.5
3. 1
2.6
4.8
1.4
.6
-.2
3. 1
1.3
-1.3
4.9
3.3
-.2

-2. 1
-2.9
-1.8
-4.6
-2.5
-.9
.2

5.0
()
-4.6
-2.6
-8. 1

n
1.3
11.8
-12.3
-12.4
-18.2
-24.5
-4.5
1.9
. 1
.8
1.6
1.4
-. 2
4.0
1.8
2.2
1.9
-7.4
2.7
3.3
-3.8
1.9
2.3
-.2
13.7
33.9
2.2
2.8
3.6
1.6

-. 1
.5
3.4
2.8
5.0

1.4

.6
-.3

3. 1
1.2
-1.0
4.9
3.3

-. 1

Table 7-A. Consumer Price Index—United States city average lor urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food items, annual average 1974 indexes, and percent changes/from 1973 to 1974
(1967= 100)
Item and group

Food
.
Food away from home —
Restaurant meals
Snacks
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Flour
Cracker meal
Corn flakes
Rice
Bread, white
Bread, whole wheat
Cookies —
Layer cakes
Cinnamon rolls
Meats, poultry, and fish
Meats •
Beef and veal
Steak, round Steak, sirloin
Steak, porterhouse —
Rump roast
Rib roast
Chuck roast —
Hamburger
Beef liver
Veal cutlets •
Pork —
Chops•
Loin roast Pork sausage •
Ham, whole —
Picnics
Bacon •
Other meats —
Lamb chops Frankfurters
Ham, canned
Bologna sausage Salami sausage Liverwurst
Poultry
Frying chicken ~
Chicken breasts
Turkey
Shrimp, frozen
Fish, fresh or frozen
Tuna fish, canned
Sardines, canned
Dairy products •
Milk, fresh, grocery
Milk, fresh, skim
—
Milk, evaporated •
Ice cream
Cheese, American process
Butter




1973
average

141.4
141.4
142. 1
138.0
141.4
127.7
127. 1
144.5
104.4
141.9
126.7
132.3
115.0
129.0
130.7
160.4
161. 1
163.8
158.9
150.3
152.0
154.9
162.0
171.7
173.7
157.5
188.7
161.7
154.7
162.6
179. 1
152.3
168.2
161. 1,
154.4
145.3
162.3
149. 1
162.8
154.5
152.8
154.8
158. 1
147.8
146.7
162.8
157.0
188.9
143.5
162.4
127.9
127.3
135.5
134.3
113. 1
138.5
110.7

26

Indexes
(1967=100)

197-4
average
161.7
159.4
159.7
158.2
162.4
166. 1
172.7
189. 1
134.5
237.7
158.4
162.7
145.8
158.3
163.7
163.9
164. 1
168.5
164.0
155.5
158.0
160.5
168.9
171.7
176.0
162.7
198.8
161.0
155.4
163. 1
177. 0
154.8
161.3
160.5
159.2
156.3
160.0
156.7
165. 1
159.4
157.7
146.9
148.2
144.5
143.2
187.7
169.4
215.8
168. 1
197.5
151.9
152.5
164.4
172.2
133.3
167.9
114. 1

Percent change t
from:
14.4
12.4
12.7
14.6
14.9
30. 1
35.9
30.9
28.8
67.5
25.0
23.0
26.8
22.7
25.2
2.2
1.9
2.9
3.2
3.5
3.9
3.6
4.3
0
1.3
3.3
5.4
-.4
.5
.3
-1.2
1.6
-4. 1
-.4
3. 1
7.6
-1.4
5. 1
1.4
3.2
3.2
-5. 1
-6.3
-2.2
-2.4
15.3
7.9
14.2
17. 1
21.6
18.8
19.8
21.3
28.2
17.9
21.2
3. 1

Table 7-A. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food items, annual average 1974 indexes, and percent changes from 1973 to 1974—Continued
= 100)
Indexes
(1967= 100)

Item and group

Food—Continued
Food at home—Continued
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables
X COil

XX U l l o

— ————————————.————-.————————

Apples
Orange juice, fresh
Grapefruit
S i " T * 3 , w f o c i * x*X6 S

————————————————————————

Watermelon
Fresh vegetables
A spa ragus
Cabbase
C ele ry
Cucumbers
Peppers, green
Spinach
x, O x i j L c t t o e s

———————————————-•———«—————————

Processed fruits and vegetables
Fruit cocktail, canned
t

c d

x Sf

CCLIJ.XJ.CM.

——————————————————————————

Pineapple-grapefruit juice drink
Orange juice concentrate, frozen
Lemonade' concentrate, frozen
Beets, canned
Peas, green, canned
Tomatoes, canned
£*r\ VvftO n G
— — —«
D ««4
x icu
ucauo
Broccoli, frozen
Other food at home

_ ——

Fats and oils:
JVXct IT g e t I * X I ± €

——————————«.•..——.•»•.-••—.

Salad dressing, Italian
Salad or cooking oil
Sugar and sweets
Grape jelly
Syrup, chocolate flavored
Nonalcoholic beverages
v ^ O I I CCj
v O I I 6 C |

ColXl

———————————————————————————————-

X i i STcLXlL

——————————————————————————

Tea
Carbonated drink, cola flavored
Carbonated drink, fruit flavored
Prepared and partially prepared foods
Bean soup, canned
Chicken soup, canned
Spaghetti, canned
Mashed potatoes, instant
Potatoes, french fried, frozen
Baby foods
Sweet pickle relish
Pretzels




Percent change to 1974
from:
1973
average

1973
average

1974
average

142. 5
150. 8
138.7
144.9
106.2
140. 5
132.6
147. 1
165.5
131.7
153.5
160.7
187.9
183.8
155.0
161.7
139.2
146. 1
136.9
152.9
149. 5
158.8
136.5
130.2
130.2
125. 1
119. 7
137.0
120.3
139. 1
110.6
125.2
171.8
122. 1
130.3
160.2

165.8
162.6
150. 8
162.4
119.2
148.4
139.3
147. 1
182.7
122.7
152.5
172.3
229.5
152.5
152. 1
146.7
146.6
145.7
136.7
154.9
152.0
173. 5
155.4
170.6
156.9
144.5
137. 8
142. 0
141.3
163.4
131.5
149. 5
372.8
136.3
162.8
160.8

16.4
7.8
8.7
12. 1
12.2
5.6
5. 1
0
10.4
-6.8
-. 7
7.2
22. 1
-17.0
-1.9

133.4
112. 1
133.4
128.3
124.9
134. 1
135. 6
117. 6
130.2
135.0
131.4
111. 1
131.7
131. 6
119.0
120.0
107. 7
123.9
117.6
115.4
114.5
132.2
118.3

204.9
130.3
202. 0
195.2
267.8
171. 5
189.8
161.9
155.6
160.5
157. 7
121. 1
163.0
163.9
144. 3
165.3
129.0
143.4
139.4
150.3
138.0
146.5
142.2

53.6
6.7
'51.4
52. 1
114.4
27.9
40.0
37.7
19.5
18.9
20. 0
9.0
23.8
24.5
21.3
37.8
19.8
15.7
18.5
30.2
20.5
10.8
20.2

27

-9.3

5. 3
-. 3

-. 1
1.3
1.7
9.3

13.8
31.0
20.5
15.5
15. 1
3.7
17.5
17.5
18.9
19.4
117.0
11.6
24.9
.4

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, December 1974, and percent changes from selected dates

Other
index

Item and group

base
Housing —
Shelter
Rent, residential
Ho me owners hip *
Mortgage interest rates
Property taxes
Property insurance premiums —
Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance and repair commodities 3
Exterior house paint
Interior house paint
Maintenance and repair services
Repainting living and dining rooms
Reshingling house roof -Residing house
Replacing sink
Repairing furnace
Fuel and utilities —
Fuel oil and coal Fuel oil, No. 2
Gas and electricity
Gas
Electricity
Other utilities:
Residential telephone services
Residential water and sewerage services —
Household furnishings and operation 4
Housefurnishings
Textiles
Sheets —
Curtains, tailored
Bedspreads
—
Drapery fabric
—
Pillows, bed
Slipcovers and throws, ready-made
Furniture and bedding
Bedroom furniture, chest and dresser
Sofas, upholstered
Cocktail tables
Dining room chairs
Recliners, upholstered
Sofas, dual purpose
Bedding, mattress and box springs
Aluminum folding chairs
Cribs
Floor coverings
Broadloom carpeting, manmade fibers Vinyl sheet goods
Vinyl asbestos tile
Appliances (excluding radio and T. V. )
Washing machines, electric, automatic
Vacuum cleaners
Refrigerator-freezers, electric
Ranges, free standing, gas or electric
Clothes dryers, electric
Air conditioners, demountable
Room heaters, electric, portable
Garbage disposal units
Other housefurnishings:
Dinnerware, fine china
Flatware, stainless steel —
Table lamps, with shade
Lawn mowers, power, rotary type
Electric drills, hand-held
Housekeeping supplies:
Laundry, soaps and detergents

——

Mar. 70

Dec. 71

Mar. 70
Dec. 71
June 70

—
—

Housekeeping services:
Domestic services, general housework
Baby sitter services
Po sta 1 cha r g e s
Laundry, flat work, finished service
Licensed day care services, preschool child
Washing machine repairs
See footnotes at end of table.




28

Indexes
November
1974

December
1974

percent cnange to uecemDer ly a
from:
December
November
1973
1974

158.3
161.2
132.8
171.7
149. 1
152.0
124.5
181.5
156.4
150.6
140.5
192.4
202.0
212.0
184.2
188.3
182.4
157. 1
229.2
224.5
154.0
153.0
154.9

159.9
163.0
133.5
174.0
149.0
154.8
125.0
182.3
156.8
152.2
143.0
193.3
202.9
213.4
185.2
189.4
182.9
158.4
228.8
223.9
156.7
155.8
157.5

13.7
11.3
5.2
13.3
10.5
2. 1
1. 1
16.2
11.4
24.3
18. 1
17.9
15.3
24.7
20.4
17.8
9.7
16.6
32.4
30.3
19.6
17. 1
22. 1

1.0
1. 1
.5
1.3
-. 1
1.8
.4
.4
.3
1. 1
1.8
.5
.4
.7
.5
.6
.3
.8
-.2
-.3
1.8
1.8
1.7

122. 1
159. 1
151.0
139. 1
140.5
146.7
132.3
145.6
165.4
120.6
132.0
141.8
126,5
136.8
121.9
127.0
110.8
132.9
125.6
(8)
143.5
127.0
117.7
144.4
152.8
122.4
124.8
111.5
123.3
123.5
130.0

122. 1
158.9
152.3
140.0
140.8
146.6
133. 1
147. 1
165.2
120.6
132.6
142.2
127. 1
136.9
122.2
127.5
109.5
132.7
126.2
(*)
146.2
127.7
117.9
146.2
154.6
123.6
126.3
112.7
124.4
124.4
131.4

1.3
6.6
19.0
15.4
17.2
19.4
12.3
26.5
22.6
9.7
11.5
10.7
12. 1
8.4
13.6
13.2
8.0
7.7
14.8
(5)
15.2
16.4
13.3
17.4
28.0
12.3
13.5
8.5
14.8
12.7
14.4

0
-. 1
.9
.6
.2
-.7
.6
1.0
-. 1
0
.5
.3
.5
.1
.2
.4
-1.2
-.2
.5
(')
1.9
.6
.2
1.2
1.2
1.0
1.2
1. 1
.9
.7
1. 1

120.3
123.7

121.4
124.6

10.6
10.9

.9
.7

159.8
157.9
142.6
141.8
118.9

160.6
159.0
143.5
142.6
119.6

18.6
19.8
12.2
12.4

.5
. 7
.6
.6
.6

151.9
191.4
182.7

154.0
195.4
191.4

31.2
39. 1
44.0

1.4
2. 1
4.8

190.5
179.2
175.3
179.4
147.8
178.4

190.4
178.7
175.3
179.8
148.8
180.4

24. 1
21.6
19.6
15.5
9.5
17.6

-. 1
-.3
0
.2
.7
1. 1

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, December 1974, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued

Item and group
Apparel and upkeep 7
Apparel commodities
Apparel1 commodities less footwear
Men a and
boys'
Men1 s:
Topcoats, wool or all-weather coats,
polyester blends
Suits, year round weight Sport jacket
Jackets, lightweight
Slacks, wool or wool blends
Slacks, cotton or manmade blends
Trousers, work, cotton or polyester/cotton
Shirts, work, cotton or polyester/cotton
Shirts, business, polyester/cotton
T-shirts, chiefly cotton
Socks, cotton or manmade fibers
•
Handkerchiefs, cotton or polyester/cotton
Boys' :
Coats, all purpose, cotton or cotton blends
Sport coats, wool or wool blends
Dungarees, cotton or cotton blends
Undershorts, cotton
Women' s and
girls'
Women1 s:
Coats, heavyweight, wool or wool blends
Carcoats, heavyweight, cotton
Sweaters, wool or acrylic
*Skirts, wool, wool blend or manmade fibers
Skirts, cotton or polyester/cotton
Blouses, cotton or manmade fibers
Dresses, street, chiefly manmade fibersSlips, nylon
Panties, acetate or nylon tricot
Girdles, manmade blend Brassieres, nylon lace
Hose or panty hose, seamless
Anklets or knee-length socks, various fibersGloves, fabric, nylon or cotton
Handbags, rayon faille or plastic
Girls' :
Raincoats, vinyl, cotton or polyester blends —
Skirts, wool, wool blends or acrylic
Dresses, cotton, manmade fibers or blends —
Slacks, cotton or chiefly cotton
Slips, polyester blends
Handbags, plastic
Footwea1 r
Men s:
Shoes, street —
Shoes, work, high —
Women1 s:
Shoes, street, pump —
Shoes, evening, pump
Shoes,
casual scuff —
Houseslippers,
Children1 s:
Shoes, oxford
Sneakers, boys' , oxford type
Dress shoes, girls' , strap or pump
Miscellaneous apparel:
Diapers, cotton gauze or disposable
Yard goods, polyester blend Wrist watches, men' s and women' s
Apparel services:
Drycleaning, men's suits and women's dresses
Automatic laundry service

Other
index
base

June 74

Tailoring charges, hem adjustment
Shoe repairs, women' s heel lift
See footnotes at end of table.




29

Indexe s
November
1974

December
1974

142.4
142.3
142.2
142.6

141.9
141.6
141.5
142.5

146.8
139.7
102. 1
130. 7
118.5
145.4
148.9
149. 1
128.4
149.3
126.2
147.8

146.2
138. 1
102.9
130.6
118.5
145. 1
149. 7
150.3
129. 1
150. 1
126.4
148.2

126. 3
124.2
170. 6
150.9
141.5

125.0
123.7
171.2
151.8
140.0

155.4
156.3
147.7
169.2
138.3
141. 0
145.2
118.3
138.0
125.7
137.7
91.4
130.2
124.7
170.5

148.5
152.8
144.5
166.6

134.7
135.4
139.3
175.9
122. 1
153.7
142.8

130.4
133.0
137.3
179.3
124. 1
150.4
142.2

146. 1
155.2

146.6
156.6

139.9
132.0
144.2
138.0

(6)

137.3
145.5
117.9
137.4
126.0
139.3
91.4
130.6
124.9
169.5

from:
December
^
1973
8.7
8.3
8.6

10.4

November
1974
-0.4
-.5
-.5

-. 1

7. 1

-.4

1.5
(6)
8.4
1.2
4.7

-1. 1

20.6
19.3
9.6

20.4
7.0

19. 0
1.2
.8

19.6
19.5

.8

-. 1

0
-.2
.5
.8
.5
.5
.2
.3

-1.0
-.4
.4
.6

6.2

-1. 1

6.7
3.9
4.8
8.9
(6)
6.6
3.4
5.6

-4.4
-2.2
-2.2
-1.5

12.3
5.0
8.7
-.7

15.6
9.2
6.7

7.8
5.5

10.4
22.6
13. 1
10.5
7.2

(6)

-2.6
.2
-.3
-.4
..2
1.2
0
.3
.2
-.6

-3.2
-1.8
-1.4
1.9
1.6

-2. 1
-.4

.3

7.8

11.0

.9

137.0
132.0
144.7
137.8

4.5

-2. 1

144. 1
145.8
148.6

141.4
146. 1
146.9

5. 1
14.6
7.5

-1. 1

173.4
164.7
131. 1

174.8
165.0
131.5

43.6
21.8

.8

143. 0
127.4
149. 0
150.0
137.2

144. 1
127.6
149.7
150.2
136.9

13.8
12.0

.8
.2
.5

8. 1

-.2

5. 1
8.8
5.4

7.9

6.8
4.5

0
.3

-. 1
-1.9
.2

.2
.3

. 1

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, December 1974, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
Indexe s

Other
Item and group

index
base

November
1974

December
1974

from:
December
1973

Transportation
Private 8
Automobiles, new
Automobiles, used
Gasoline, regular and premium
Motor oil, premium
Tires, new, tubeless
Auto repairs and maintenance 9
Auto insurance rates
Auto registration
Parking fees, private and municipal Public
Local transit fares
Taxi cab fares
Railroad fares, coach
Airplane fares, chiefly coach
Bus fares, intercity

143.4
142.7
124.5
141.6
159.0
151.8
122.5
166.0
137.7
128.9
164. 1
149. 5
147.6
159. 7
138.8
148.3
165.5

143.5
142.5
124.9
138.4
159. 1
152.3
125.3
167.0
138.4
128.9
165.3
152. 0
147. 7
164. 1
148.8
154.2
178.5

13.3
14.4
11.5
22.9
20.6
15.3
13.6
14.5

Health and recreation
Medical care
Drugs and prescriptions
Over-the-counter items
Multiple vitamin concentrates Aspirin compounds
Liquid tonics
Adhesive bandages, packages Cold tablets or capsules
Cough syrup —
Prescriptions
Anti-infectives
Sedatives and hypnotics
Ataractics
Antispasmodics —
Cough preparations
Cardiovasculars and antihypertensives
Analgesics, internal

146.3
157.5
112.7
121. 7
99. 3
125.7
109.9
146. 1
117.4
126.5
105. 2
69.2
147.3
105.5
114.9
154.4
117. 3
114. 1
123.9
97.8

146.5
159.0
113.6
122.8
98.9
126.3
111. 5
147.3
119.8
127.5
105.9
69.6
148.4
105.5
116.3
155.9
117.7
114.6
124.8
99.0

10.9
12.4

158.2
162.4
158. 1
155.9
161.4
146. 0
143.6
150. 7
153.0
157.6
150.9
145.6

159.5
163.7
160.5
157. 1
162.4
146.7
144.6
151.8
154.4
159.2
152.6
146.6

13.3
14.6
12.5
12. 1
14.0

143. 1
145. 1
121.6
214.5
219.0
146.6
119.6
103.9

143.8
144.9
122.9
217. 1
221.2
148.4
120.8
104.9

110.3
116.6
117.5
125.3
115.4
144.2
141.6
122. 1
197. 1
135.9
116. 3
153.7
109.7
176.7
112.0
146.8
150.5
144.2
155.8
147.5
125.3

111.0
118. 1
118.0
126. 1
115.8
145.3
143.0
124.0
196.8
136.5
117.5
153.8
109.3
184.5
111.9
147.7
151.2
145.3
156.9
148.7
126. 1

A Pl^T
fkVkOCit'Tr
v
«xixi>i vuv o n y

j*io r m o n c s

— — ———»——— T —

———————»————•——————^—•—•™^——•»———»•••-

Professional services:
Physicians' fees
General physician, office visits
General physician, house visits
Obstetrical cases
Pediatric care, office visits
Psychiatrist, office visits
Herniorrhapy, adult
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
T^f^wfi o^ e'
£ £* A a
—~
Fillings, adult, amalgam, one surface
Extractions, adult
Dentures, full upper
Other professional services:
Examination, prescription, and dispensing of
C y 6 g XCL S S 6 S

— —•••»—— wm_«M»—«MWWM-«—V*»_H>B*«-«*»K>M

Routine laboratory tests, urinalysis
Hospital service charges
Semiprivate rooms
Operating room charges
X-ray, diagnostic series, upper G.I
Laboratory tests, urinalysis
Anti-infectives, tetracyline, HCL
Tranquilizers, chlordiazepoxide, HCL and
m ep r oba mat e
Electrocardiogram
Intravenous solution, saline
Physical therapy, whirlpool bath
Oxygen, inhalation therapy
p ^ y

gQJYcL 1

C£L 1* 6

—*->

*-->

<•

Jan. 72

Jan. 72
Jan. 72
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.

72
72
72
72
72

- 4 - j - — ~ ~ ^ — — i—^ M .•••——^ M —.•———•—^ — » ^ » _ — ^ - — — — —

Toilet goods
Toothpaste, standard dentifrice
Toilet soap, hard-milled
Hand lotions, liquid
Shaving cream, aerosol
Face powder, pressed
Deodorants, aerosol
Cleansing tissues
Home permanent wave kits
Personal
care services
Men1 s haircuts
Beauty shop services
Women' s haircuts
>
Shampoo and wave sets, plain
Permanent waves, cold
See footnotes at end of table.




30

.7
4.2
6.4
3.8

-1.0
12.9
17.4
9. 1
18.3

November
1974
0. 1
-. 1
*3
-2.3
.1
.3
2.3
.6
.5
0

.7
1. 7
.1

2.8
7.2
4.0
7.9

10.8

.8
1.0
.8
.9
-.4
.5
1.5
.8
2.0
.8

5.2
-.4

.6

12.9

'. 7

6.9
8.7
3.2
7.0

9. 1
14.7
4.5

1.3
7.7

.7

6

3. 1

1.2
1.0
.3
.4

4.9
8.4

1.2

11.8
3.2

8.7
8.9

12.3
11.4
13. 1
10.7
8.7

.7

.8
.8
1.5
.8
.6
.5
.7

.7
.9
1.0

1. 1
.7

8.9

.5

16.2
14.2
16.5
20.3
11.3
13.4

-. 1
1. 1

4.5

.6
1.3
.4
.6
.3
.8
1.0
1.6
-.2
.4

8.6

11.9
12.4
17.3
8.5

12.5
16.0
13.4
39.4
7.6
7.7
2.5

4. 1
37.8
2.4
9.2
9.6
8.9

11.4
8.7
6.6

1.2
1.0
1.2
1.0
1.0

1. 0
.1
-.4
4.4

-. 1
.6
.5
.8
.7
.8
.6

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, December 1974, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
(1967= 100)
Item and group

Other
index
base

Health and recreation—Continued
Reading and recreation 10
Recreational goods
TV sets, portable and console —
TV replacement tubes
Radios, portable and table model
Tape recorders, portable
Phonograph records, stereophonic
Movie cameras, super 8, zoom lens
Film, 35mm, color
Golf balls, liquid center or solid core
Basketballs, rubber or vinyl cover
Fishing rods, fresh-water spincasting
Bowling ba 11 s
Bicycles, boys'
Tricycles
Dog food, canned or boxed —Recreational services
Indoor movie admissions
Adult 1
Children s
Drive-in movie admissions, adult
Bowling fees, evening
Golf green feei
TV repair, color picture tube replacement
Film developing, color
Reading and education:
Newspapers, street sale and delivery
Magazines, single copy and subscription
Piano lessons, beginner
Other goods and services
Tobacco products
Cigarettes, nonfilter tip, regular size
Cigarettes, filter tip, king size
Cigars, domestic, regular size
A1 coholie beverages
gger
Whiskey, spirit blended and straight bourbon
Wine, dessert and table
Beer away from home
Financial and miscellaneous personal expenses:
Funeral services, adult
Bank service charges, checking accounts
Legal services, short form will
1
2
3

December
1974

138.8
118.9
100.5
145.9
103.6
95.5
118.0
93.8
115.2
104.6
140. 1
115.3
124.6
140. 1
129.3
158.2
144.3
161.6
158.2
171.0
169.0
136.S 1
()
103.3
118.6

139.8
119.4
100. 6
149.6
103. 1
95.3
119.0
93.6
116.0
105. 1
139.7
115.4
123.6
137.8
130.0
161.7
145.8
164.2
160.7
173.8
171.0
136.4
(5)
104.0
120.7

165.9
140.8
137.5
142.7
149.0
150.8
151.5
122.0
138.0
135.5
112.6
150.5
152.4
138.3
108.3
179.3

Percent change to December 1974^
from:
December
November
1973
1974
9.6
8.3
2.9
10.6
3.3
1.2
9.2
3.2
7.8
1.7

8.9
4.7
7.0
10. 1
10.8
19.8
8.7
10.2
9.5
11.8
12.9

0.7
.4
. 1
2.5
-.5
-.2
.8
-.2
.7
.5
-.3

.1
-.8
-1.6
.5
2.2
1.0
1.6
1.6
1.6
1.2

6.6
(5)

.7
1.8

168. 1
143. 1
137.6
143.9
150.9
152.8
153.7
121.9
138.5
136.0
113.0
150.8
153.0

3.6
4.5
21.9
7.0
5.9
9.6
9.0
9. 1
9.4
5.7
10.5
15.5
3.2
6.3
10. 1

1.3
1.6
.1
.8
1.3
1.3
1. 5
-. 1
.4
.4
.4
.2
.4

139.3
109.3
181.3

7.3
4.3
7.3

.7
.9
1. 1

weight coats, women1 s slacks, bathing suits, girls' shorts, earrings
and zippers not shown separately.
* Also includes storage batteries and drivers' license fees not
shown 9 separately.
Includes prices for water pump replacement, motor tune-up,
automatic transmission repair, exhaust system repair, front-end alignment, 10and chassis lubrication.
Also includes outboard motors, nondurable toys, college tuition
fees, paperback books, and college textbooks not shown separately.

Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
Also includes home purchase costs not shown separately.
Also includes pine shelving, furnace filters, packaged dry cement mix,
and shrubbery not shown separately.
4
Also includes window shades, nails, carpet sweepers, air deodorizers, steel wool scouring pads, envelopes, reupholstering, and
moving expenses.
Priced only in season.
6
Not available.
7
Also includes men' s sport shirts, women' s and girls' light-




November
1974

31

Table 8-A. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
1974 annual average indexes for selected items and groups, and percent changes from previous year
(1967= 100)
Item and group

Other
index
base

1974

Housing
Shelter 1
Rent, residential •
Homeowner ship 2
Mortgage interest rates —
Property taxes
Property insurance premiums
Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance and repair commodities 3
Exterior house paint
Interior house paint
Maintenance and repair services
Repainting living and dining rooms
Re shingling house roof —
Residing house
Replacing sink
Repairing furnace
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Fuel oil, No. 2 —
Gas and electricity
Gas
Electricity
Other utilities:
Residential telephone services Residential water and sewerage services —
Household furnishings and operation 4
Hous efumi shing s
Textile s --- ~ —_.-- —- - ——___.
Curtains, tailored
Bedspreads
Drapery fabric
Pillows, bed
Slipcovers and throws, ready-made •
Furniture and bedding
Bedroom furniture, chest and dresser
Sofas, upholstered
Cocktail tables
Dining room chairs
Recliners, upholstered
Sofas, dual purpose —
Bedding, mattress and box springs Aluminum folding chairs
Cribs
Floor coverings —
Broadloom carpeting, manmade fibers •
Vinyl sheet goods
Vinyl asbestos tile •
Appliances (excluding radio and T. V. )
Washing machines, electric, automatic
Vacuum cleaners
Refrigerator-freezers, electric
Ranges, free standing, gas or electric
Clothes dryers, electric Air conditioners, demountable Room heaters, electric, portable
Garbage disposal units
Other housefurnishings:
Dinnerware, fine china
Flatware, stainless steel •
Table lamps, with shade
Lawn mowers, power, rotary type
Electric drills, hand-held
Housekeeping supplies:
Laundry soaps and detergents

Mar. 70
Dec. 71
Mar. 70
Dec. 71

Toilet tissue
Housekeeping services:
Domestic services, general housework
Baby sitter services
Postal charges
Laundry, flatwork, finished service
Licensed day care services, preschool
child
Washing machine repairs See footnotes at end of table.




32

Percent change from
1973 to 1974

135.0
140. 7
124.3
146.7
123.2
152.3
124.4
151.0
136.2
120.0
120.3
157.3
170.4
164.4
144.8
155.2
162.7
126.9
136.0
134.5
126.4
127.9
124.9

150. 6
154.3
130.2
163.2
140.2
151.2
124.2
171.6
151.6
137.4
132.3
180.2
189.9
196.0
170.9
176. 1
175.9
150.2
214.6
213. 0
145.8
143.9
147.5

116.5
146. 1
124.9
119.0
116.2
118.6
114.9
112.4
128.5
106.5
116.3
125.3
109.6
123.7
104.4
108.8
99.8
119.9
107.6
129.9
124. 1
108.2
102.8
121.5
119.9
109.8
111.0
104. 1
108.3
110.3
114.4
110. 1
108.7
111.9

121.4
154.8
140.5
130.8
131.5
135.6
126.8
134.6
153.2
112.3
125.6
136. 1
121.0
131.2
115.8
120.9
106.4
128.9
118.6
135.7
137.0
118.9
111.6
133. 1
138.3
115.6
117. 1
107.6
114.6
115.8
121.4
113.4
115.7
117.9

131.0
132.0
128.2
121.7
106.7

148.8
147.7
135.7
134.5
113.4

13.6
11.9
5.9
10.5

113.4
138.6
128.4

133.6
166.8
158.3

17.8
20.3
23.3

147.3
142.8
146.6
148.9

175.7
165.4
170.5
170. 1

19.3
15.8
16.3
14.2

130.5
148.7

142. 1
166.4

8.9
11.9

11.6
9.7
4.7
11.2
13.8
-.7
-.2
13.6
11.3
14.5
10.0
14.6
11.4
19.2
18.0
13.5
8.1
18.4
57.8
58.4
15.3
12.5
18. 1

4.2
6.0
12.5
9.9
13.2
14.3
10.4
19.8
19.2
5.4
8.0
8.6
10.4
6. 1
10.9
11. 1

6.6
7.5

10.2
4.5
10.4

9.9
8.6
9.5
15.3
5.3
5.5
3.4
5.8
5.0
6. 1
3.0

6.4
5.4

6.3

Table 8-A. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
1974 annual average indexes for selected items and groups, and percent changes from previous year—Continued

Item and group
Apparel and upkeep 5 —
Apparel commodities
Apparel1 commodities less footwear —
Men s and boys'
Men' s:
Topcoats, wool or all-weather coats,
polyester blends Suits, year round weight
Sport jacket
Jackets, lightweight
Slacks, wool or wool blends —
Slacks, cotton or manmade blends
Trousers, work, cotton or polyester/
cotton —
Shirts, work, cotton or polyester/

Other
index
base

June 74

126.8
127. 1
126.5
126.4

136.2
136. 1
135.7
136.4

7.4
7. 1
7.3
7.9

132.2
133. 1

141.2
135.0
99.9
125.9
116.9
142.2

6.8
1.4
(6)
6.5
.7
1.4

139.2

15.8

120.9
113,9
122.0
117.3
120.7

140.7
123.0
141.4
122.2
141.2

16.4
8.0
15.9
4.2
17.0

123.6
121.7
137.0
123.6
127.3

118.6
124.5
160.2
141.7
134.9

-4.0
2.3
16.9
14.6
6.0

137.0
138.9
130. 1

146.7
149.0
141.7

7. 1
6.6
8.9

145. 0
124.3
126.2
135.8
111.2
120.0
118.7
124.6
94.0

157.4
137.0
134. 1
140.8
115.6
129.5
123.2
132.9
91.8

8.6
10.2
6.3
3.7
4.0
7.9
3.8
6.7
-2.3

114. 1
112.3
151.6

123.2
121.3
163.8

8.0
8.0
8.0

117.0
121.0

126.2
132. 1

7.9
9.2

122.9
141.9
109.6
129.6
130.2

131.2
166. 1
116.8
145.9
138. 1

6.8
17. 1
6.6
12.6
6. 1

132.6
135.9

141.9
149.0

7.0
9.6

129.4
124.5
130.2
128.7

135.2
128.8
138.7
134.6

4.5
3.5
6.5
4.6

132.7
125.9
133.6

139.4
138.2
143.4

5.0
9.8
7.3

118.9
125.2
119.7

151.6
154.4
126.7

27.5
23.3
5.8

122.0
117.7
129.0
138.9
122. 1

135.9
124.3
143.2
147.3
132.0

11.4
5.6
11.0
6.0
8. 1

( )

118.2
116. 1
140.3
120.2

See footnotes at end of table.




1974

6

Shirts, business, polyester/cotton
T-shirts, chiefly cotton
Socks, cotton or manmade fibers
Handkerchiefs, cotton or polyester/cotton —
Boys' :
Coats, all purpose, cotton or cotton
blends
Sport coats, wool or wool blends —
Dungarees, cotton or cotton blends •
Undershorts, cotton Women' s and
girls'
Women1 s:
Coats, heavyweight, wool or wool blends —
Carcoats, heavyweight, cotton
Sweaters, wool or acrylic
Skirts, wool, wool blend or manmade
fibers
Skirts, cotton or polyester/cotton
Blouses, cotton or manmade fibers
Dresses, street, chiefly manmade fibers —
Slips, nylon
Panties, acetate or nylon tricot
Girdles, manmade blend
Brassieres, nylon lace
Hose or panty hose, nylon seamless —
Anklets, or knee-length socks, various
fibe r s
Gloves, fabric, nylon or cotton Handbags, rayon faille or plastic
Girls' :
Raincoats, vinyl cotton or polyester
blends
Skirts, wool, wool blends or acrylic
Dresses, cotton manmade fibers or
blends
Slacks, cotton or chiefly cotton
Slips, polyester blends
Handbags, plastic
Footwear
Men' s:
Shoes, street —
Shoes, work, high
Women' s:
Shoes, street, pump
Shoes, evening, pump —
Shoes, casual
Houseslippers, scuff
Children' s:
Shoes, oxford
Sneakers, boys' , oxford type
Dress shoes, girls' , strap or pump
Miscellaneous apparel:
Diapers, cotton gauze or disposable
Yard goods, polyester blend
Wrist watches, men" 8 and women' s
Apparel services:
Drycleaning, men' s suits and women' s dresses
Automatic laundry service
Laundry, men' s shirts -Tailoring charges, hem adjustment
Shoe repairs, women1 s heel lift

33

Percent change from
1973 to 1974

1973

Table 8-A. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
1974 annual average indexes for selected items and groups, and percent changes from previous year—Continued
(1967= 100)
Item and group

Other
index
base

Percent change from
1973 to 1974

Transportation —
Private 7
Automobiles, new
Automobiles, used
Gasoline, regular and premium
Motor oil, premium
Tires, new, tubeless
Auto repairs and maintenance 8
Auto insurance rates
Auto registration
Parking fees, private and municipal
Local transit fares
Taxicab fares — ~
——
—
Railroad fares, coach
Airplane fares, chiefly coach —
Bus fares, intercity
Health and recreation
Medical care
Drug8 and prescriptions
Over-the-counter items
Multiple vitamin concentrates
Aspirin compounds
Liquid tonics
Adhesive bandages, packages
Cold tablets or capsules
Cough syrup
Prescriptions
Anti-infective s
Sedatives and hypnotics
Ataractics
Antispasmodics
Cough preparations —
Cardiovasculars and antihypertensives
Analgesics, internal
Anti-obesity
Professional services:
Physicians' fees
General physician, office visits
General physician, house visits
Obstetrical cases
Pediatric care, office visits
Psychiatrist, office visits —
Herniorrhaphy, adult
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
Dentists' fees
—
Fillings, adult, amalgam, one surface
Extractions, adult
Dentures, full upper
Other professional services:
Examination, prescription, and
dispensing of eyeglasses
Routine laboratory tests, urinalysis —
Hospital service charges
Semiprivate rooms
Operating room charges
X-ray, diagnostic series, upper G. I
Laboratory tests, urinalysis
Anti-infectives, tetracyline, HCL
Tranquilizers, chlordiazepoxide, HCL
and meprobamate
Electrocardiogram
Intravenous solution, saline
Physical therapy, whirlpool bath
Oxygen, inhalation therapy
Personal care
Toilet goods
Toothpaste, standard dentifrice
Toilet soap, hard-milled
Hand lotions, liquid
Shaving cream, aerosol
Face powder, pressed
Deodorants, aerosol
Cleansing tissues
Home permanent wave kits
Personal care services
Men1 8 haircuts
Beauty shop services
Women1 s haircuts
Shampoo and wave sets, plain
Permanent waves, cold

72
72
72
72
72

See footnotes at end of table.




137.7
136.6
117.5
122.6
159.9
145.5
118.4
156.8
138. 1
128.9
158.9
148.0
148.0
151.8
135.2
145. 9
161.0

11.2
12.4
5.8
4.3
35.4
13.8
7. 1
10.3
.1
4.3
4.0
2.2
-1.4
10.2
IP. 1
8.3
10.5

130. 2
137. 7
105. 9
112. 4
94. 9
117. 7
101. 6
126. 6
114. 5
115. 2
100. 5
71. 1
129. 4
103. 8
107. 8
136. 9
113. 0
111. 2
117. 5
91. 6

140.3
150.5
109.6
117.5
97.3
122. 0
106.4
136.9
116.4 .
121.3
102.9
68.7
140.7
104.9
110.9
147.5
115.4
112.7
121.9
95.2

7.8
9.3
3.5
4.5
2.5
3.7
4.7
8. 1
1.7
5.3
2.4
-3.4
8.7
1. 1
2.9
7.7
2. 1
1.3
3.7
3.9

138. 2
139. 5
141. 7
138. 1
140. 5
133. 6
131. 3
132. 8
136. 4
138. 7
135. 4
132. 6

150.9
154.3
151.3
149.0
153.4
141.0
138.6
144. 1
146.8
150.2
146.0
140.6

9.2
10.6
6.8
7.9
9.2
5.5
5.6
8.5
7.6
8.3
7.8
6.0

5
8
6
1
1
8
3
6

138.6
135.4
115. 1
201.5
201.3
140.6
112.6
102.4

7.0
10.3
9.0
10. 7
12.4
6.7
8.0
4.9

104. 3
104. 7
103. 9
106. 2
103. 9
125. 2
120. 0
109. 8
128. 8
126. 6
108. 7
145. 6
104. 8
126. 0
109. 5
130. 6
132. 9
129. 1
133. 9
132. 7
116. 4

108.5
112.3
110.2
116.3
111.2
137.3
133.3
114.7
173.2
133.0
111.5
153.5
106.3
157. 3
111.2
141.5
144.5
139.4
148.6
142.7
122.9

4.0
7.3
6. 1
9.5
7.0
9.7

129.
122.
105.
182.
179.
131.
104.
97.

Jan. 72
Jan. 72
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.

123. 8
121. 5
111. 1
117. 6
118. 1
127. 9
110. 6
142. 2
138. 0
123. 6
152. 8
144. 8
150. 1
137. 8
122. 8
134. 7
145. 7

34

11. 1
4.5
34.5
5.1
2.6
5.4
1.4
24.8
1.6
8.3
8.7
8.0
11.0
7.5
5.6

Table 8-A. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
1974 annual average indexes for selected items and groups, and percent changes from previous year—Continued
(1967^ 100)

Indexes

Other
index
base

Item and group

1973

1974

125.9
109.2
98.0
134. 7
99.4
93.4
108.5
89.5
107.8
104.0
127.3
109.4
115.5
122.2
115.6
122. 1
132.3
147.3
145 4
152 8
150 0
123.9
136.6
99.9
116.0

133.8
115.0
98.9
140.2
101.9
95.2
113.2
92.1
112.4
104.2
134.4
113.3
120.4
133.6
124.2
147.8
140. 1
157.2
154.8
163.8
162 8
131.0
147.7
101.8
117.7

135.8
135.2
126.9
129.0
137.0
138.7
139. 1
112.9
122 5
115 6
109.2
135.2
135.2

155.4
138.0
133.9
137 2
143.8
145.5
145.9
119.5
131 8
126 8
110.9
147.3
145.8

126.4
106.3
161.8

135.0
105.0
175.5

Percent change from
1973 to 1974

Health and recreation—Continued
Recreational goods
TV sets, portable and console
TV replacement tubes
Radios, portable and table model

~

Phonograph records, stereophonic
Movie cameras, super 8, zoom lens
Film, 35 mm, color
Golf balls, liquid center or solid core
Basketballs, rubber or vinyl cover
Fishing rods, fresh-water spincasting
Bowline balls
- —
Bicycles, boys'

— -

Recreationa 1 s e rvice s
Adult

Golf green fees
TV repair, color picture tube replacement
Film developing, color
Reading and education:
Newspapers, street sale and delivery
Magazines, single copy and subscription

Cigarettes, nonfilter tip, regular size
Cigarettes, filter tip, king size
Cigars, domestic, regular size
Whiskey, spirit blended and straight bourbon
Win** dessert and tabif*
-.-—» —-. -

Financial and miscellaneous personal expenses:
Funeral services, adult
Bank service charges, checking accounts
Legal services, short form will
1

4. 1

2.5
1.9
4.3
2.9

4. 3

.2
5.6
3.6
4.2
9.3
7.4

21.0
5.9

6.7
6.5
7.2
8.5
5.7
8. 1
1.9
1.5

14.4
2. 1
5.5

6.4
5.0
4.9
4.9
5.8

7.6
9.7
1.6
8.9
7.8

6.8

-1.2
8.5

weight coats, women1 s slacks, bathing suits, girls' shorts, earrings
and zippers not shown separately.
6
Not available.
7
Also includes storage batteries and drivers' license fees not
shown separately.
8
Includes prices for water pump replacement, motor tune-up,
automatic transmission repair, exhaust system repair, front-end alignment, and chassis lubrication.
9
Also includes outboard motors, nondurable toys, college tuition
fees, paperback books, and college textbooks, not shown separately.

Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
Also includes home purchase costs not shown separately.
Also includes pine shelving, furnace filters, packaged dry cement mix, and shrubbery not shown separately.
4
Also includes window shades, nails, carpet sweepers, air deodorizers, steel wool scouring pads, envelopes, reupholstering and
moving expenses.
Also includes men1 s sport shirts, women1 s and girls' light2

3




6.3
5.3
.9

35

Table 9. Consumer Price Index—United States city average and selected areas for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for regular and premium gasoline
(October 1973= 100)
Premium gasoline

Regular gasoline
Percent change
to December 1974
from—
November 1974

December 1974

November 1974

U. S. city average 2
Atlanta —
Baltimore
Boston
Buffalo
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Dallas
Detroit —
Honolulu
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles—Long Beach
Milwaukee Minneapolis—St. Paul
New York-Northeastern N. J
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
San Diego San Francisco—Oakland
Seattle
Washington -

131.3
132.9
131.2
133. 1
128.4
130.6
129.9
137.7
127.3
131.6
135.7
131.3
128.6
129.4
127.6
131.9
132.6
130.8
127.6
129. 1
131.8
128. 1
132.2

.3
-.6
.3
.2
.2
-.4
.2
0
.2
.7
-.5
-.8
.9
-.5
0
-.8
-.2
.9
-.3
1.2

131.7
132. 1
131.6
133.4
128.7
130. 1
130. 1
137.7
127.5
132.5
135.0
130.2
129.7
128.8
127.6
130.8
132.4
132.0
127.2
130.7
131.9
127.8
132.2

1
Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding
Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) except for New York and
Chicago where the more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas are used.

. 1

-.2
0

November 1974

Percent change
;o December 1974
from—
December 1974 November 1974

155.0

155.2

131. 0
131.4
129.3
131.3
126.0
129. 1
128.0
134.4
125. 1
128.5
133.7
129.7
127.2
128.7
126.0
131. 1
128.8
128. 1
126.8
128.2
128. 7
125.7
128.9

131.3
131.9
129'. 2
131. 0
126.2
128.8
128.0
134.6
125.7
129.2
133.5
128.0
128.0
128.3
126.4
130.6
130.8
129.3
126.5
129.6
129.0
125.7
129.3

.2
.4
-. 1
-.2
.2
-.2
0
.1
.5
.5
-. 1
-1.3
.6
-.3
.3
-.4
1.6
.9
-.2
1. 1
.2
0
.3

Area definitions are those established for the I960 census
include2 revisions made since I960.
1967= 100.

Table 10. Consumer Price Index;—United States city average and selected areas for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
average prices for regular and premium gasoline
Regular gasoline

October 1974
U. S. city average
Atlanta
Baltimore
Boston Buffalo
Chicago
Cincinnati —
Cleveland —
Dallas
Detroit
Honolulu
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles—Long Beach
Milwaukee
Minneapolis—St. Paul
New York—Northeastern N. J
Philadelphia —
Pittsburgh St. Louis —
San Diego
San Francisco-Oakland —
Seattle Washington -

November 1974

November 1974

December 1974

$0,534

$0,528

$0,528

$0,573

$0,567

$0,568

.523
.543
.532
.547
.547
.543
.531
.497
.541
.593
.481
.507
.522
.509
.511
.566
. 537
.531
.526
.536
.562
.519
.548

.522
. 544
.531
.536
.540
.529
.529
.484
.531
.595
.471
.502
.519
.498
.504
.559
.530
.523
.519
.534
.563
.516
.547

.523
.541
.532
.537
.541
.527
.530
.484
.532
.599
.469
.497
.524
.496
.504
.554
.529
.528
.517
.541
.563
.515
.547

.568
.591
.575
.585
.583
.582
.572
.536
.580
.623
.524
.549
.560
.552
.550
.608
.586
.571
.568
.575
.597
.558
.589

.567
.588
.574
.575
.579
.574
.570
.523
.572
.626
.516
.546
.560
.544
.547
.601
.571
.566
.562
.575
.597
.556
.587

.569
.591
.573
.574
.580
.572
.570
.524
.575
.629
.515
.539
.563
.542
.549
.598
.580
.571
.561
.582
.598
.556
.589

1
Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding
Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) except for New York and
Chicago where the more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas are used.




Premium gasoline
Average price
per gallon
December 1974
October 1974

Area definitions are those established for the I960 census and do not
include revisions made since I960.

36

Table 11. Consumer Price index—United States average and a r e a s grouped by size of population 1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
all items and major groups, December 1974, and percent changes from selected dates

Area and group

United States:
All items —
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation —
Health and recreation •

Relative
importance
December
1973

December
1973

Indexes
(1967= 100)
September
1974

December
1974

Percent change to December 1974
from—
December
September
1973
1974

100.000
24.810
33.321
9.945
12.602
18.946

138.5
151.3
140.6
130.5
126.7
133.0

r

151.7
165.0
154.9
139.9
r
142.2
144.0

155.4
169.7
159.9
141.9
143.5
147.5

12.2
12.2
13.7
8.7
13.3
10.9

2.4
2.8
3.2
1.4
.9
2.4

32.751
8.356
10.766
3.311
4.081
6.237

141. 1
153.0
143.6
128.5
132.3
135.6

153.9
166.4
156.8
139.6
r
146.0
147.6

157.2
171.6
161.0
139.0
147.7
150.7

11.4
12.2
12. 1
8.2
11.6
11. 1

2. 1
3. 1
2.7
-.4
1.2
2. 1

Class A-2 (1.4 million to 3. 5 million) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep Transportation •
Health and recreation —

11.740
2.958
3.911
1. 188
1.454
2.229

138.0
150.8
138.6
132.2
126.4
132.8

150.7
164.8
152.5
140.2
141.4
143.3

154.3
169. 1
156.9
143. 1
143.0
146.4

11.8
12. 1
13.2
8.2
13. 1
10.2

2.4
2.6
2.9
2. 1
1. 1
2.2

Class B (250, 000 to 1.4 million) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep —
Transportation
Health and recreation

25.649
6.070
8.745
2.541
3.360
4.933

137.6
150. 1
139.7
132. 1
124.4
132.8

r

150. 4
163.9
153.3
140.5
r
140. 7
143.2

154.4
168.9
158.6
142.8
141.5
146.9

12.2
12.5
13.5
8. 1
13.7
10.6

2.7
3. 1
3.5
1.6
.6
2.6

Class C (50, 000 to 250, 000) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

12.462
3.094
4. 168
1.260
1.585
2.355

137. 1
150. 1
139r3
131.7
123.0
131.4

r

150.7
163.8
154.9
141.2
r
140. 1
141.2

154.7
167.3
160.5
145.0
141.4
145. 1

12.8
11.5
15.2
10.1
15.0
10.4

2.7
2. 1
3.6
2.7
.9
2.8

Class D(2, 500 to 50, 000):
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

17.022
4.332
5.732
1.644
2. 121
3. 193

136.6
150.8
138.2
129.5
123.4
130. 1

r

155. 1
169. 1
160.9
142.4
141.2
145.5

13.5
12. 1
16.4
10.0
14.4
11.8

2.9
2.7
3.9
3.2
.9
2.7

Class A - l ( 3 . 5 million or more) :
All items
Food
~ ——--—-— —~
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

150.8
164.6
154.9
138.0
140.0
141.7

1
Based upon I960 Census of Population.
r= Indexes for June and September have been revised to correct an
error in the used car component. Corrections for June are shown.




June 1974
All items
Transportation
United States
3. 5 million or more
1. 4 to 3. 5 million
250, 000 to 1.4 million
50, 000 to 250, 000 2, 500 to 50, 000 —

37

146.9
149.2
146. 1
145.7
145.8
145.8

138.8
142.9
138.2
137.3
135.7
136.6

Table 11-A. Consumer Price Index—United States average and areas grouped by size of population1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
all items and major groups, year 1974, and percent changes from selected dates
Percent change to
from;
1973
verage

Annual average
Indexes (1967= 100)

Area and group

United States:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

133. 1
141.4
135.0
126.8
123.8
130.2

147.7
161.7
150.6
136.2
137.7
140.3

11.0
14.4
11.6
7.4
11.2
7.8

Class A-l (3. 5 million or more) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep —
Transportation •
Health and recreation

135.6
143. 1
137.8
126.2
129.4
132.6

150.2
163.6
153.0
135.0
142. 1
143.7

10.8
14.3
11.0
7.0
9.8
8.4

Class A-2 (1. 4 million to 3. 5 million) :
All items
Food —- — ~ - —— —
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation —

133.0
141. 1
134.2
127.9
124.2
130.4

147.0
161.4
148.4
137.5
137. 1
139.7

10.5
14.4
10.6
7.5
10.4
7. 1

Class B (250, 000 to 1.4 million) :
All it em 8 —
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep —
Transportation
Health and recreation -

132.4
140.4
134.6
128.6
121.4
130.0

146.7
161.0
149. 1
137.6
136.0
139.9

10.8
14.7
10.8
7.0
12.0
7.6

Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

131.7
140.4
133.9
127.7
119.8
128.9

146.8
160.5
150.5
138.0
135.0
138.0

11.5
14.3
12.4
8. 1
12.7
7. 1

Class D(2, 500 to 50, 000) :
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation Health and recreation —

130.7
140. 1
132. 1
125.7
120. 1
127. 1

146.7
161.8
149.8
135.4
135.3
137.5

12.2
15.5
13.4
7.7
12.7
8.2

Class C (50, 000 to 250, 000) :

1

Based upon I960 Census of Population.




38

Table 12. Consumer Price Index—United States average and areas grouped by region for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
all items and major groups, December 1974, and percent changes from selected dates

Area and group

Indexes
(1967= 100)

Relative
importance
December
1973

Percent change to December 1974
from—
September
December
1974
1973

United States:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation -

100.000
24.810
33.321
9.945
12.602
18.946

138.5
151.3
140.6
130.5
126. 7
133.0

151. 7
165.0
154.9
139.9
r
142.2
144. 0

155.4
169. 7
159.9
141.9
143.5
147.5

12.2
12.2
13.7
8.7
13.3
10.9

2.4
2.8
3.2
1.4
.9
2.4

Northeast:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep —
Transportation
Health and recreation -

33.041
8.742
10.672
3.493
3.861
6.273

142.5
152.9
146.9
131.2
131.4
136.2

r

155. 4
166.7
161. 1
141.7
r
144.6
147.2

158.9
171.4
165.2
142.5
146.5
150.6

11.5
12. 1
12.5
8.6
11.5
10.6

2.3
2.8
2.5
.6
1.3
2.3

North Central:
All items
Food —
Housing —
Apparel and upkeep —
Transportation —
Health and recreation -

28.001
6.926
9.313
2.666
3.722
5.374

136.6
151.5
134.4
130.4
127. 1
133.6

M49. 1
163.9
147. 6
139.2
r
142.7
144.4

152.9
168.9
152.5
142. 1
143.3
148.0

11.9
11.5
13.5
9.0
12.7
10.8

2.5
3. 1
3.3
2. 1
.4
2.5

South:
All items
Food
™
- -——— -Housing
Apparel and upkeep ——
Transportation —
Health and recreation -

21.836
5.293
7.397
2.254
2.816
4.076

138.8
153. 1
141.8
131.5
123.5
132. 9

*153. 6
168.2
158.6
140. 1
r
141.2
145. 4

157.5
172.6
164.2
142.8
142.2
148.6

13.5
12.7
15.8
8.6
15. 1
11.8

2.5
2.6
3.5
1.9
.7
2.2

West:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep Transportation
Health and recreation -

16.291
3.727
5.797
1.496
2. 142
3.-129

134.0
145.6
138.2
127. 1
122. 1
126.6

146.7
159.4
151.4
136.5
r
138.5
136.4

150.9
163.7
157.4
138.3
140.3
140.2

12.6
12.4
13.9
8.8
14.9
10.7

2.9
2.7
4.0
1.3
1.3
2.8

1
Regional index and relative importance data exclude Anchorage,
Alaska and Honolulu, Hawaii which are included in the U. S. level data.
Consequently, regional relative importances will not add to U. S. totals.
r= Indexes for June and September have been revised to correct an
error in the used car component. Corrections for June are shown.




June 1974
All items
Transportation
United States
Northeast
North Central South West -

39

146.9
150.7
145.0
147.7
142. 1

138.8
141.5
139.5
137.2
135.2

Table 12-A. Consumer Price Index—United States average and areas grouped by region for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
all items and major groups, year 1974, and percent changes from selected dates
Annual average
Indexes(1967=100)

Area and group

Percent change to 1974
from:
1973
average

United States:
All items —
Food
Housing —
Apparel and upkeep Transportation
Health and recreation

133. 1
141.4
135.0
126.8
123.8
130.2

147.7
161.7
150.6
136.2
137.7
140.3

11.0
14.4
11.6
7.4
11.2
7.8

Northeast:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep •
Transportation
Health and recreation

136.7
143.0
140.4
127.9
128.6
133.6

151.7
163.9
157.0
137.5
140.7
143.7

11.0
14.6
11.8
7.5
9.4
7.6

North Central:
All items
Food —
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

131.5
141.2
130.4
127. 1
123.7
130.6

145.7
161.8
143.9
136.0
138. 1
141.0

10.8
14.6
10.4
7.0
11.6
8.0

South:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep —
Transportation
Health and recreation

133.0
142.9
135.6
127.7
120.0
129.8

149.0
164.0
153.4
137.3
136.0
140.9

12.0
14.8
13. 1
7.5
13.3
8.6

West:
All items
Food
Housing
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation

129.3
136.7
133.0
124.6
120.2
124. 1

142.9
156. 1
147. 1
133.5
134. 1
133.2

10.5
14.2
10.6
7. 1
11.6
7.3

Regional index data exclude Anchorage, Alaska, and Honolulu,




Hawaii which are included in the U. S. level data.

40

Brief Explanation of the CPI
personal visits of the Bureau's trained representatives.
Mail questionnaires are used to obtain local transit fares,
public utility rates, newspaper prices, fuel prices, and
certain other items.
In calculating the index, price changes for the various
items in each location are averaged together with weights
which represent their importance in the spending of all
wage earners and clerical workers. Local data are then
combined to obtain a U.S. city average. Separate indexes
are also published for 23 areas.
The index measures price changes from a designated
reference date—1967—which equals 100.0. An increase
of 22 percent, for example, is shown as 122.0. This
change can also be expressed in dollars as follows: The
price of a base period "market basket" of goods and
services bought by urban wage earners and clerical
workers has risen from $10 in 1967 to $12.20.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures average
changes in prices of goods and services usually bought
by urban wage earners and clerical workers. It is based
on prices of about 400 items which were selected to represent the movement of prices of all goods and services
purchased by wage earners and clerical workers. Prices
for these items are obtained in urban portions of 39
major statistical areas and 17 smaller cities, which were
chosen to represent all urban places in the United States.
They are collected from about 18,000 establishments—
grocery and department stores, hospitals, filling stations,
and other types of stores and service establishments.
Prices of foods, fuels, and a few other items are
obtained every month in all 56 locations. Prices of most
other commodities and services are collected every month
in the five largest areas and every 3 months in other
areas. Prices of most goods and services are obtained by

A Note About Calculating Index Changes
Movements of the indexes from one month to another
are usually expressed as percent changes rather than
changes in index points because index point changes are
affected by the level of the index in relation to its base
period while percent changes are not. The example in the
accompanying box illustrates the computation of index
point and percent changes.
Seasonally adjusted percent changes in the U.S. All
Items Index are based on seasonal adjustment factors
and seasonally adjusted indexes carried to two decimal
places. This procedure helps to eliminate rounding error
in the percent changes.
Percent changes for 3-month and 6-month periods
are expressed as annual rates and are computed according to the standard formula for compound growth rates.
These data indicate what the percent change would be
if the current rate were maintained for a 12-month

period. BLS does not publish annual rates based on
data for 1 month.

Index Point Change
CPI
Less previous index
Equals index point change:

123.8
123.2
0.6

Percent Change
Index point difference,
Divided by the previous index,
Equals,
Results multiplied by one hundred
Equals percent change:

0.6
123.2
0.005
0.005x100
0.5

A Note on Seasonally Adjusted and Unadjusted Data
climatic conditions, production cycles, model changeovers, holidays, and sales.
The unadjusted data are of primary interest to consumers concerned about the prices they actually pay.
Unadjusted data are also used extensively for escalation
purposes. Many collective bargaining contract agreements and pension plans, for example, tie compensation changes to the Consumer Price Index unadjusted
for seasonal variation.

Because price data are used for different purposes by
different groups, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes
seasonally adjusted as well as unadjusted changes each
month.
For analyzing general price trends in the economy,
seasonally adjusted changes are usually preferred, since
they eliminate the effect of changes that normally occur
at the same time and in about the same magnitude every
y e a r — S U c h as price movements resulting from changing




41

Reliability of Percent Changes in the CPI
A system of "replicated" samples introduced into
the index structure in the 1964 revision permits an estimate of sampling error for the CPI.1 The table below
shows standard errors for monthly, quarterly, and
annual percent changes in the CPI for all items and
for nine commodity groupings based on 1973 averages.
Average standard errors of percent changes in the
CPI based on 1973 data
Standard error
Component

All items
Food at home
Food away from
home
Housing
Apparel and upkeep.
Transportation . . . .
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and
recreation
Other goods and
services

Monthly
change

Quarterly
change

Annual
change

.04
.10

.06
.15

.08
.17

.14
.06
.19
.06
.08
.14

.26
.10
.26
.10
.14
.20

.29
.17
.29
.17
.18
.39

.09

.14

.17

.09

.11

.27

MJ.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1975 583-601/10 1-3




The figures may be interpreted as follows: The chances
are about 95 out of 100 that the percent change in the
CPI as computed differs from the corresponding "complete coverage" change by less than twice the standard
error.
Because the CPI is rounded to one decimal place,
some ambiguity may arise in interpreting small index
changes. As the table indicates, for example, a monthto-month change of 0.1 percent in the all-items CPI
is significant. Because of rounding, however, a change
of this size in the published index might result from a
much smaller change in the unrounded value. Hence,
any particular change of 0.1 percent may or may not
be significant. On the other hand, a published change of
0.2 percent is almost always significant, regardless of
the time period to which it relates.
This replaces the table of average errors based on
1971 data which was included in the CPI report through
January 1974.

The method of deriving these estimates is described in a
paper by Marvin Wilkerson, "Measurement of Sampling Error
in the Consumer Price Index," Journal of the American Statistical Association, September 1967.

42




BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
REGIONAL OFFICES

0

Region I
1603 JFK Federal Building
Government Center
Boston, Mass. 02203
Phone: 223-6762 (Area Code 617)

Region V
8th Floor, 30Q South Wacker Drive
Chicago, III. 60606
Phone: 353-1880 (Area Code 312)

Region II
Suite 3400
1515 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10036
Phone: 971-5405 (Area Code 212)

Region VI
1100 Commerce St., Rm. 6B7
Dallas, Tex. 75202
Phone: 749-3516 (Area Code 214)

Region III
P.O. Box 13309
Philadelphia, Pa. 19101
Phone: 597-1154 (Area Code 215)

Regions VII and VIII *
Federal Office Building
911 Walnut St., 15th Floor
Kansas City, Mo. 64106
Phone: 374-2481 (Area Code 816)

Region IV
Suite 540
1371 Peachtree St., NE.
Atlanta, Ga. 30309
Phone: 526-5418 (Area Code 404)

Regions IX and X ••
450 Golden Gate Ave.
Box 36017
San Francisco, Calif. 94102
Phone: 556-4678 (Area Code 415)

* Regions VII and VIII are serviced by Kansas City
* * Regions IX and X are serviced by San Francisco