Full text of CPI Detailed Report : September 1955

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Issued October 21, 1955
U. S.DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Washington 25, D* C.
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR SEPTEMBER 1955
Consumer prices in United States cities rose 0*3 percent between
August and September 1955, according to the U*S* Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor
Statistics * Seasonally higher prices for food and apparel and higher housing costs were
principally responsible for the advance, although prices for all major groups of
consumer goods and services except transportation increased during the month*
The Consumer Price Index for September 1955 was lilt* 9 percent of
the 19U7-U9 average, 0.2 percent higher than a year ago* This was the highest level
reached by the index since August 195U and the first month since July 195U that the
index has been higher than the corresponding month of the previous year*
FOOD

The retail food price index was 111*6, 0*U percent higher than
in August, but 0.7 percent lower than in September 195U and Iu3
percent below its August 1952 peak*

The effect of the usual seasonal influences making for higher
food prices in September was somewhat augmented by the effects of damage to fresh
vegetable crops in major producing areas* There were seasonal increases in prices of
eggs and milk, accompanied by advances in costs of fresh meat (especially pork chops),
fresh vegetables, and coffee* These increases were partially offset by a seasonal
decline of 5*U percent in fresh fruit prices, and a 1*3 percent drop in poultry prices*
The rise of U*8 percent in egg prices from August to September
is not unusual, but the 19*5 percent increase from July to September is larger than
has occurred in recent years* Primarily as a result of the milk price increases, the
dairy products group rose 0*8 percent, its fourth consecutive monthly advance* Coffee
prices rose in lj.2 of the I4.6 cities surveyed, in response to higher costs at wholesale*
Fruit and vegetable prices declined 1*0 percent on the average*
Most fresh fruit prices were lower — apples by 10*8 percentj peaches, 16*3 percent}
and grapes, 2U«U percent* Orange prices rose seasonally and frozen and canned orange
juice prices also edged up* Most fresh vegetable prices rose although potatoes dropped
7*2 percent and sweetpotatoes 16*5 percent* Fresh tomato prices increased 17*1 percent
from the seasonal low in August — reached a month earlier than usual* Other fresh
vegetables affected by crop damage were celery (up liu2 percent) and lettuce (up 5«6
percent).
An increase of U.8 percent in the price of pork chops, which
followed 2 months of falling prices, led the price rise for meats, poultry, and fish as
a group* Prices for veal and beef, other than hamburger, also advanced, but poultry
prices declined* Cereal prices were slightly lower primarily as a result of lower
prices for flour and rice^ Prices of food eaten away from home continued to edge up
fractionally*




2

HOUSING

Residential rents were unchanged, on the average, but all other
elements of the housing index advanced between August and September*
Higher prices were reported for certain housefurnishings — sheets, following the
traditional white sales in August} living room suites, sofa beds, and blankets. However,
prices of electric refrigerators and toasters were lower. This month's increase of
1.1 percent in solid fuels and fuel oil prices was the largest August-to-September change
since 1950. The rise of 0.3 percent in costs of household operation reflected continued
advances in prices of dry cleaning and laundry services, and higher rates for domestic
service. Higher bills for gas and electricity were reported in a number of cities.
Homeowners1 repair and maintenance costs rose during the month, reflecting higher prices
for water heaters, kitchen sinks, painting, floor refinishing, and roof repairs.
OTHER COMMODITIES
AND SERVICES

Apparel prices rose 1.2 percent between August and September, as
fall and winter clothing returned to the market at levels
substantially higher than last spring's end-of-season sale prices,
particularly for women's and girls' coats. Prices of men's and boys' fall and winter
clothing rose slightly. Among apparel items priced throughout the year, higher prices
were reported for women's rayon dresses and blouses, girls' dresses, men's wool suits
and slacks, men's street shoes, and women's play shoes. Decreases were reported
generally for women's nylon slips and girls' orlon sweaters.
Higher prices for sporting goods were reported following summer
sales.
The personal care index continued to advance, as prices of men's
haircuts were raised in several additional cities. Lower prices for toilet soap and
cleansing tissues were offset by increases in prices of other toiletries.
The advance of 0#2 percent in costs of medical care reflected
continued increases in fees for professional services and a rise in group hospitalization
rates in one city.
Higher prices for cigarettes, due in part to increased local taxes,
and increases in beverage prices resulted in a rise of 0*2 percent for the "other goods
and services11 category/
The transportation index declined 0.1 percent, as further
concessions were reported by new car dealers, and automobile insurance rates were lower
in a number of additional cities. Prices of gasoline* auto repair services, and tires
were somewhat higher*




TABLE 1.

3

CONSUMER IHICE INDEX — U.S. CITY AVERAGE ALL ITEMS AMD COMMODITY GROUPS
Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Dates

September
1955

August
1955

This Month

Last Month

July
1955

September
1954

2 Months Ago

Last Year

June
1950

Group
Pre-Korea

Year
1939
Prewar Id War II

INDEXES (19*7-49 = 1 0 0 )
114.9

114.5

114.7

114.7

101.8

59.4

.

111.6

111.2

112.1

112.4

100.5

47.1

* . . . •
products
fish • •
• • • • •

110*1;
••
124.0
•
. 103.5
• . 106*5
110.2
lllul

110.0
124.1
102.9
105.7
111*3
112*6

111*1
124.2
103*7
104.7
121.9
109*2

111.6
122.6
106.7
105.8
uo.5
116*0

100.5
102.7
106.1
92-3
102.5
94.1

47.1
57.2
41.6
49.8
46.3
48*4

120*1

120*0

119.9

119*5

104.9

76.1

130*5
111*2
125.2
103.6
119.8

130*5
110*8
123*8
103*2
119.5

130.lt
110*8
123.2
103.6
119.lt

128*8
107.9
122.lt
106.0
U7.lt

108.7
102.7
107.6

10*. 9

97.*
99.6

53.*
68.4

104.6

103.1*

103.2

10U.3

96.5

52.5

98.1
102.1

y.
V
V
h.

109*9
105.*
99.2
102.5
103.7

68.9
72.6
59.6
63.0
70.6

June
1950

Year
1939

FOOD 1/
Food at hone • • «
Cereals and bakery
Meat8, poultry and
Dairy products
•

Rent

•

.

» * • ' • • • • * * « » •

Solid fuels and fuel oil
Housefurnishings

Footwear

• • • • « .

. •

. . . .

TRANSPORTATION
MEDICAL CARE
READING AND RECREATION
. . . .
OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES
. .

#m

105.8
99.5
118.1
91*0

105.5
97.1*
117.6
90*5

105.7
96.9
117.5
90.5

106.lt
99.0
116.5
90.9

125.3
128*2
116*6
106*7
120*6

125.4
128*0
115.8
106*3
120.4

125.lt
127.9
115.5
106.3
120*3

126.lt
125.7
113.5
106.5
120.1

93.3

88.*

86.6
56.*

PERCENT CHANGE TO SEPTEMBER 1955 FROMt
August
1955

Cereals and bakery products

0*2

0*2

12.9

93.lt

0.4

- 0.4

• 0*7

U*0

136.9

- 1.0
1.3

- 0*6
- 0.2
- 0*2
1.7
- 9.6
ii.5

- 1*1
1.1
• 3.0
0*7
- 0*3

- 1.6

9*9
20*7
- 2*5
I5.lt
7.5
21.3

I3lt.li
116.8
llt8.8
U3.9
138.0
135.7

0.3

O.li

0*8

llt.8

58.2

0

0*1

0.3

0.4

0.1*
1.6
0
0*3

1.3
3.1
2.3
- 2.3
2.0

20.1
8.3
I6.lt
6.1t
20.3

50.7
6.0
122.0
94.0
75.1

1*2

1.4

0.3

8.1t

99.2

0*3

0.1
2.7

0.4
- 0.1

0.6
0.8

1.1

2.2

0*1;

0*6

- 0.1
0*2
0*7
O.li
0.2

4/

Septeaber
1954

0*3

0.4

1/
2/
J/

July
1955

0.5

- 0*6

0*5

i.it

0*6

0.1

- 0*1
0*2
1*0
0.1;

- 0*9
2.0
2.7

0*2

0*2

0*1;

7.8
6.6
15.7
2.9
llt.0
21.6
17.5
lt.l
16.3

Includes restaurant meals not shown separately.
Includes home purchase and other home-owner costs not shown separately.
Includes tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and "miscellaneous services"(such as legal services, banking fees,
burial services, etc.).
Not available.




y
W
sy

&
81.9
76.6
95.6
69.lt
70.8

^

TAB IE 2.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX — ALL ITEMS INDEXES FOR SELECTED DATES
U.S. CITY AVERAGE AND 20 IARGE CITIES

(

1 0 0

(1935-39

)

= 1 0 0 )

City

U.S. CITY AVERAGE

.

September

August

1955

1955

September
195U

June

Year

1950

1939

September
1955

1/

llii.9

11U.5

11U.7

101.8

59.U

192.1

118.9
116.9
116.1
112.6
115.2

118.5
116.5
115.5

117.U
116.2

102.8
102.8
101.3
100.9
101.6

202.5
197.3
19U.0

115.8

115.U
112.7
116.2

58.6
59.0
60.^
60.1
59.2

191.7

September

June

September

CITIES PRICED MONTHLY:

Detroit

CITIES HRICED IN MARCH, JUNE,
SEPTEMBER, DECEMBER 2/

CITIES PRICED IN FEBRUARY, MAY,
AUGUST, NOVEMBER 2 /

1955

1955

1951i

117.2
115.5
113.7
116.5
115.6

116.0
115.0
113.7
115.9
115.3

116.3
115.2
11U.3
115.7
116.2

1/
2/
y
2/

I86.ii

June

September

1950
101.3
101.6
101.2
101.1

W

100.9

1955
198.8

58.3
57.9
58.U
59.3
58.6

198.5
191.5

19h.k

197.6

August

May

August

May

August

1955

1955

195L

1950

1955

116.0

115.3
115.5
lll.li
116*8

H5.3
116.5

100.it

59.2

113.5

m a

103.5
100.2
102.0
101.6

59.5
58.5
59.2
60.1*

115.5
111.5
116*6
113#3

CITIES PRICED IN JANUARY, APRIL,
JULY, OCTOBER 2/

111.9

112.U

116.2

July
1955

April

July

1955

19511

April
1950

113.8
115.9
117.5
11U.0

113.U
115.2
117.0

113.8
115.6

101.U

11U.7

11U.2

117.3
ll5.b
115.5

113.8

101.2

3/

102.1
99.9
101.5

197.7
195.5
185.3
199.3
186.9

July
1955
61.0
61.7
60.7
58.1
58.3

183.2
186.6
19U.6
193.8
198.7

These are the same indexes shown In column 1, converted to a base of 1935-39 = 100.
Foods, fuels, rents, and a few other items priced monthly; other commodities and services priced quarterly,
June 1 9 5 0 ) formerly priced March, June, September, December.
May 1 9 5 0 ) formerly priced February, May, August, November.

TABLE 3 .

City

U.S. CITY AVERAGE

New York




CONSUMER PRICE INDEX — PERCENT CHANGES FROM AUGUST 1955
U.S. City Average and Five Cities Priced Monthly
All Items and Commodity Groups

All
Items

Food

Housing

Apparel

Transportation

SEPTEMBER 1955

Medical
Care

0.3

o.u

0.3

1.2

- 0.1

0.2

0.3
0.3
0.5
0.6
- 0.5

0
0.1
1.3
O.U
- 0.3

0.1
0.7
0.2
0.3
0.1

2.2
0.3

0.2
0.6
o.U
0
- 6.1*

0
0
0
0
0.2

1.0

3.0
1.5

Personal
Care
0.7
U.6
- 0.1
0.3
1.5
• 0.6

Reading
and
Recreation

Other
Goods &
Services

O.U

0.2

0.5
o.U
- 0.5
1.3
- 1.1

- 1.1
- 0.2

0.1

0.1
- 0.1

TABLE k. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX — ALL ITEMS AND COMMODITY GROUPS
September 1955 Indexes and Percent Changes, June 1955 to September 1955
U.S. City Average and 10 Cities Priced in September 1955
U.S.
Los
BaltiCincinCITY
Chicagc nati Jetroit Angeles
AVERAGE Atlanta more

Group

New
York

September 1955 Indexes (19U7-U9 ALL ITEMS

Cereals and "bakery products
Meats, poultry and fish • •
Dairy products • • • • • •

•

•

•

Gas and electricity • . •
Solid fuels and fuel oil a

•

•

•

•

•

• •

•

a

,

•

•

•

•

Men's and boys' • • • • % #
Footvear • • • • • • • •
Other apparel • • • • • •

•

•

•

•

•

•

«

•

•

•

•

•

#

TRANSPORTATION
PERSONAL CARE
READING AND RECREATION • .
OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES •

•

•

•

•

• •

•

Other foods at home • • •

Rent
• » * • • « » » • • • • * • • • •
Gas and electricity • • • • • • • • • •
1
Solid fuels and fuel oil
Housefurnishings

. .

118.9

113.7

116.9

116.1

112.6

115.2

116.5

115.6

111.6

111.1

112.5

110.5

112.U

113.6

112.1

111.9

113.8

113.7

113*0

110.1*
12U.0
103.5
106.5
110.2
llU.l

109.7
117.2
107.1
108.3
112.8

111.0

108.9
119.3
98.9
106.0

110.9
128.8
105.0

112.9
122.1
106.6

106.3

113.7

112.2
119.3
102.3
105.5
118.2
116.9

109.3
127.9
102.3
103.0

111.7
119.8

111.3
12U.1
1QU.7
106.1
109.9
118.7

107.9
112.3

105.9
107.0
116.9

108.9
115.5
llU.3

111.6
119.1
102.9
100.9
119.5
121.1}

112.0
130.8
107.U
10U.8
111.3
112.9

120.U

125*9

116.9

131.0

118.1;

123.1

127 .U

115.3

11U.2

121.1

116.U

130.5
111.2
125.2
103.6
119.8

13U.5
119.6
123.3
106.9
131.1

126.7
99.7
122.6
98.2
111.9

151.8
110.5
128.8

10b . 6

110.5

102.3

105.8
99.5
118.1
91.0

lll.U
105.5
12U.9
91.9

100.9
98.6
117.8
9U.2

125.3
128.2
116.6
106.7
120.6

122.0
127.6

135.6
13U.6

122.5
109.U
125.0

109.5
115.8

121.9

lOiuO
109.0

111.0

123.3

•

103.8

10U.8
12U.8

llli.O

123.5

1 0 3 .U
110.6

102.1

10U.6

10U.2

105 #9

103*9

10U.3

107.3
9U.5
113.U
87.2

107.8
98.2
120.3
83.3

106.0
98.6
117 .U
9U.1

103.U
105.5
112.3
92.3

106.1
97.0

10U.9
99.9
120.6
88.7

121.U
132.7
126.6

123.2

126.8
126.2
110.7
105.0
121.1

129.5
135.U
116.6

131.0
lUO.O
118.2

1 2 3 .U

91.7
117.1

107.9

103.9

121.9 1 0 3 . 7
100.1

98.8

123.3
9U.8

125.5
87.9

130.7
128.5
121.7
llU.U
116.8

120.5
127.5
115.9
99.5
116.2

o.U

1.3

0.3

0.1

0.3

1.2

0.1
0
- 0.3
2.3
- 7.8
5.9

0.1
- 1.0
- 0.5
0.2
- 5.0

0.3
0
- 0.2
0.8
- 6.U
5.9

1.2
0.5
0.7
1.3
- 3.7
6.2

0.6

1.2

0.9

1.2

0.1
0.5
2.0
- 0.2
0.5

1/ 1.7
- 1.2
9.8
- 0.1
0.7

l.U

1.0

- 0.2

3.8

0.2
2.U
0.6
1.0

0.3
1.5
0.7
o.5

- 0.5
- 0.3
0.7
0

2.2
5.9
1.7
2.5

- o.U
0.5
1.7
0.5
0.6

- 1.7
3.8
6.3
2.2
U.9

- 1.0
0.1
0.5
1.2
0.6 -

0.2
0
5.6
1.6
O.U

109.3
12U.U

12lu3
118.0
95.9
116.2

0.2

U1.9

139.9
103.2

119.7
95.8

136.3
-

138.li
125.U
110.6
106.U
117.3

0.7

0.7

• 0.3

0.5

1.0

0.6

1.2

- o.U

0.9
1.8
- 0.1
2.6
- 6.2
6.1

l.U
0.5
- 0.7
10.8
- 5.7
U.9

- 0.8
- 0.1
0.7
- 0.1
- 9.9
U.2

1.5

0.1

0
U.U
- l.U
- 0.3

0
5.3
1.7
3.8

0
- 1.1
0.8

1.9

o.U

1.1

- 0.3

0.6

0.6 - 0.5
0.5 - 0.5
0
0*5
0.3 - 0.1
8.6 - U . l
7.U
5.U

0.1
0
- o.U
- 0.2
- U.9
5.0

1.1
0.1
- 0.8
U.3
- U.1
6.7

0.9

0.7

0.3

Hi

0

- O.U

0.9

l.k

1/ 1.6
3/
0
- 0.2
0.7
1.7
0.5
0.7
0
1.5

116.2
-

June 1955 to Septeaber 1955

0

-

_

102.3
118.1
10U.2

12U.1

106.Ii

•

108.9
125.9
103.2
119.5

11U.0
119.li
107.1*
113.8

1.0

k.9

•

119.U
129.3
97.U
127.5

o.U

1,/ Change from March 1955 to Septeafcer 1955.




100)

115.5

Women's and girls'
Footvear
• • • • « • • • • • • • • • *
Other apparel • • • • • • • • • • • • *

PERSONAL CARE
READING AND RECREATION
OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES

San
St.
Louis taneisc

117.2

. . . « • • • • • • • . . • • • •

Meats, poultry and fish
Dairy products
• • • • • • • • • • •

Philaielphia

11U.9

Percent Change —

ALL ITEMS

5

- 0.2
1.6
- 0.2
0.2

0

0.3

0.3
3.1
0.5
- I.U. - 0.5
1.6
3.9

- 0.9
0.2

0.9

0.1

1.2

3.0'

0.3
1.2
1.5
0.6

0.5
- 0.1
0.1
0.1

0.9
0.9
1.9
1.8

0
5.9
0.5
1.7

- 0.9
U.2
0.7
0.9

- 0.6
1.0
0
0.2

0.6
1.3
1.8
1.0

- 2.2 - 1.0
0.2
- 0.1
0.2
1.8
- 0.6
1.2
- 0.3 - 0.3

o.U
2.3
0.5
- 2.U
1.2

- l.U
0.1
1.7
- 0.1
0.1

- 6.9
0.2
- 0.6
- o.6
0

- 2.8
0
0.8
- o.U
0.3

0.U
1.3
• 0.3
0.2
2.0

6

TABIS 5. CQHSD1CR PRICE INDEX — FOOD AND ITS SUBGROUPS
Septefcer 1955 Imitiw and Btreent Changes, August 1955 to September 1955
U. S. City Average and 20 Large Cities

(19^7-49 -- ioo)
Percent
Change

Total
Food at Hoae
Percent
Index
Change

Food
City
Index

o.h

o.k

Cereals A
Bakery Products
Percent
Index
Change

Meats, Poultry
it Fish
Percent
Index
Change

Dairy
Products
Percent
Index
Change

Fruits it
Vegetables
Percent
Index
Change

Other
Foods at Hone
Percent
Index
Change

U.S. CITY AVERAGE

•

111*6

12U.0

- 0.1

103.5

0.6

0.8

110.2

- 1.0

Atlanta • • • • •
Baltimore • • • •
Boston • • . • •

#

Cincinnati

...

•

•

117.2
121.9
120.lt
119.3
12lul
119.1*
119.3
117.8
120.9
127.9

-0.5
0
0.7
- 0.3
0
0
- 0.3
0.3
0
- 0.1

101.1
98.9
10U.7
101.3
102.3
100.5
98.7
102.3

1.3
0.2
0.9
2.0
1.7
1.2
0.7
-1.U
1.2
0.2

0.1
108.3
109.0 - 0.1
111.6
3.6
106.0 - 3.2
106.1 - 0.1
101.5 - 0.7
105.5 • 0.2
0.1
109.7
10U.2
9.9
103.0
0.1

112.8
111.0
111.3
111.7
109.9

• • •
. • •
...
...

0.6
109.7
111.0 - 0.9
109.8
0.7
108.9 • 0.1
0.8
111.3
108.1
0
0.1
112.2
0.1
109.1
1.6
105.7
1.7
109.3

107.1

•

111.1
o.5
112.5 - 0.7
111.0
0.6
0
110.5
0.8
112.ll
0
109.6
0.1
U3.6
0.1
110.2
107.2
1.3
112.1
1.3

0.1
6.6
0.1
2.2
0.9
3.9
3.0
0.3
2.6
5.1

1.1
106.3
1.1
113.7
109.1* - 0.9
U9.8
1.6
118.7
0.9
1.7
117.7
2.0
116.9
1.8
110.5
107.1*
1.3
2.9
112.3

112.1*
0.9
0.1*
111.9
113.8 - 0.3
112.3
110.7
0.3
1.1
113.7
1.0
113.0
0
109.1
111.9 - 0.3
112.7
0.9

111.6
110.9
112.9
111.7
109.9
111.6
112.0
108.8
111.3
111.3

126.0
128.8
122.1
125.1
12U.0
119.1
130.8
119.6
128.0
122.0

• 0.1
- 0.2
- 0.7
0
O.U
0.3
- 0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1

0.2
99.3
0.2
105.0
106.6
0.9
101.2
0.7
0.8
103.9
0.1
102.9
107.1*
0.7
1.6
103.1
103.8 - 0.3
101.1
0.6

110.8
U.6
0.8
105.9
0.2
108.9
2.6
109.1*
103.2
0.5
100.9
5.7
lOti.8 - 0.2
107.8
2.6
0.1
108.3
112.8
3.1

111.7 - 0.8
2.0
107.0
115.5 - 2.0
2.2
108.5
107.5 - 2.9
119.5 - 0.7
1.6
111.3
103.1 - Iu7
110.3 - 3.1*
112.2
1.6

121.8
1.3
116.9 - 0.1
0.3
11U.3
123.2
1.3
1.8
115.3
2.2
121.1*
2.0
112.9
112.6 - 0.7
1.3
113.3
0.6
llli.2

Detroit • •
Houston • •
Kansas City
Los Angeles

•

•
•

Minneapolis . . .
New York • • • .
Philadelphia • •
Pittsburgh
...
Portland, Ore. .
St. Louis . . . .
San Fr&ncisco . .
Scranton . . . .
Seattle
Washington, D.C.

O.U

U0.ll

TABLE 6.

Food and Unit
CEREALS AND BAKERY PRODUCTS:
Flour, wheat
5 lb.
Biscuit mix
20 oz.
Corn meal
lb.
Rice
lb.
Rolled oats
20 oz.
Corn flakes
12 oz.
Bread, white
lb.
Soda crackers
lb.
Vanilla cookies
7 oz.
MEATS, POULTRY AND FISH:
lb.
Round steak
lb.
Chuck roast
lb.
Rib roast
lb.
Hamburger
lb.
Veal cutlets
lb.
Pork chops, center cut
lb.
Bacon, sliced
lb.
Ham, whole
lb.
Lamb, leg
lb.
Frankfurters
12 oz.
Luncheon meat, canned
lb.
Frying chickens, dressed
lb.
Frying chickens, ready-to-cook
lb.
Ocean perch, fillet, frozen
lb.
Haddock, fillet, frozen
16 oz.
Salmon, pink, canned
Tuna fish, canned
6-U oz.
DAIRY PRODUCTS:
qt.
Milk, fresh, (grocery)
qt.
Milk, fresh, (delivered)
pt.
Ice cream
lb.
Butter
lb.
Cheese, American process
Milk, evaporated
i oz. can
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:
Frozen
Strawberries
10 oz.
6 oz.
Orange juice concentrate
10 oz.
Peas, green
10 oz.
Beans, green
Fresh
lb.
Apples
lb.
Bananas
doz.
Oranges, size 200
lb.
Lemons
* Priced only in season




1.0
0.5
- 0.2
0.5
0.1*
1.3
0.9
0
- 0.3
1.1

10U.0

106.5

-

ioli.3

118.2 113.2
103.0 107.9

lli|.l

1.3

RETAIL FOOD PRICES FOR SEPTEMBER 1955 AND AUGUST 1955
U.S. City Average

SeptMfcer
1955

August
1955

(Cents)
53.6
27.2
12.6
17.8
19.2
22.0
17.7
27.1
23.8

(Cents)
53.8
27.2
12.6
18.1
19.2
21.9
17.7
27.0
23.8

91.5
1*9.2
69.9
39.3
110.5
85.3
67.2
62.6
68.1*
53.3
1*2.6
h6.U
57.6
1*2.7
1*5.9
56.5
35.3

90.6
1*8.3
69.5
39.3
109.0
81.1*
67.3
62.9
68.0
53.1
1*2.7
1*7.6
57.9
1*2.8
1*6.3
55.6
35.3

22.1
23.1*
28.9
71.0
57.7
13.7

22.0
23.0
29.0
70.5
57.9
13.7

30.5
18.8
21.0
2l*.l

30.1*
18.7
20.6
2l*.l

li*.3
17.2
59.2
17.8

16.0
17.2
57.6
17.5

September
1955

Food and Unit
Fresh (continued)
Grapefruit *
Peaches *
Strawberries *
Grapes, seedless *
Watermelons *
Potatoes
Sweetpotatoes
Onions
Carrots
Lettuce
Celery
Cabbage
Tomatoes
Beans, green
Canned
Orange juice
Peaches
Pineapple
Fruit cocktail
Corn, cream style
Peas, green
Tomatoes
Baby foods
Dried
Prunes
B*ans
OTHER FOODS AT HOME:
Vegetable soup
Beans with pork
Pickles, sweet
Catsup, tomato
Coffee
Tea bags
Cola drink, carton
Shortening, hydrogenated
Margarine, colored
Lard
Salad dressing
Peanut butter
Sugar
Corn syrup
Grape jelly
Chocolate bar
Eggs, Grade A, large
Gelatin, flavored

(Cents)
each
lb.

August
1955
(Cents)

15.3

18.3

15.3
1*5.0
12.0
7.9
llul*
18.1*
16.1
7.3
21.0
19.9

20.3
3.8
1*8.5
lh.k
7.8
13.1
17.1*
ll*.l
6.9
17.9
18.6

#303 can
4 4 - 5 oz.

3i*.5
3l*.8
33.0
26.7
17.1
21.5
15.1
9.7

3l*.0
3l*.U
32.9
26.6
16.9
21.5
15.2
9.7

lb.
lb.

3l*.3
18.1

3U.1
18.1*

ll*.2
15.0
27.2
22.6
90.5
2l*«2
32.1*
90.1
28.9
20.0
35.2
55.9
52.0
23.7
26.3
i*.6
68.5
8.5

U*.2
15.0
27.3
22.6
89.0
2l*.2
32.5
89.9
28.9
20.2
35 .U
55.6
51*9
23.7
26.1
1*.6
65.3
8.6

pt.
lb.
lb.
10 lb.
lb.
lb.
lb.
head
lb.
lb.
lb.
lb.
4 6 oz. can
#2 h can
#2 can
#303 can
#303 can
#303 can

11 oz. can
16 oz. can
oz.
7
14
lb.

h
&z.

Pkg. of 16
36 oz.
3 lb.
lb.
lb.
pt.
lb
5 lb.
24 oz.
oz.
7/8 oz.
ioz.
3 - 4 oz.

12

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

7

The Consumer Price Index measures the average change in prices of goods and
services customarily purchased by city wage-earner and clerical-worker families. Index
numbers are presented on the base 19^7-^9 « 100, and show the average increase or decrease in prices from the 19^7-^9 average. For the convenience of users, Indexes are
also calculated on the base 1935-39 * 100#
About 300 items are priced for the index to estimate the average change in
prices of a fixed quantity of goods and services from one period to the next. Among
these are all the important items that wage and clerical workers buy, and they are
selected so that their average price change will be representative of the price changes
on all items. Prices are collected in k6 cities which are representative of all cities
in the United States.
Foods, fuels, rents, and a few other items are priced every month in eacn
city. Prices of most other goods and services are obtained every month in the 5 largest
cities, every 3 months in 16 other large cities and in 9 medium-sized cities, and every
k months in 16 small cities. In each city, prices are reported by representative retail
stores and service establishments patronised by wage and clerical worker families.
Indexes are calculated for all cities combined (the U.S. city average) and
for each of the 20 largest cities. No separate index numbers are calculated for the
following 26 medium-sized and small cities which are Included in the U.S. average:
Anna, Illinois
Camden, Arkansas
Canton, Ohio
Charleston, W. Virginia
Evansville, Indiana
Garrett, Indiana
Glendale, Arizona
Grand Forks, N. Dakota
Grand Island, Nebraska

Huntington, W. Virginia
Laconla, New Hampshire
Lodi, California
Iynchburg, Virginia
Madill, Oklahoma
Madison, Wisconsin
Middlesboro, Kentucky
Middletown, Connecticut
Newark, Ohio

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

In the calculation, price changes on individual items are weighted by their
Importance in wage-earner and clerical-worker family spending. City data are combined
by weighting with 1950 population data to arrive at the U.S. city average.
Comparison of city Indexes shows only that prices in one city changed more or
less than in another. City indexes do not measure differences in price level between
cities.
A detailed description of the index containing lists of items priced, their
weights, cities Included, and an explanation of the Index calculation, its uses and
limitations, is available In Bureau of Labor Statistics Bulletin No. llkO - "The Consumer
Price Index - A Layman1 s Guide,w for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, United
States Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C. Price 20 cents.
A more technical description of the Consumer Price Index Is available upon
request to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor, Washington 25, D. C.
Historical series of ixidex numbers for the U.S. city average and 80 individual
large cities are available upon request. These series include Index numbers for All Items,
Food, Apparel, and Rent for periods from 1913 to date; and for other groups of goods and
services from 19^7 to date.