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CPI Detailed Report
For September 1975
Consumer Price Index U.S. and City Averages

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.
Subscription price per year:
$11.55, domestic
$14.45, foreign
$1, single copy

library of Congress
Catalog number 74-647019

November 1975




Contents
Page

Price movements
Chart 1. All items index and its rate of change, 1966-75

1
6

Chart 2. Commodities less food index and its rates of change,
1966-75

7

Chart 3. Total food index and its rates of change, 1966-75

8

Chart 4. Services index and its rates of change, 1966-75
Table 1. CPI—United States city average for urban wage earners
and clerical workers, by commodity and service groups, and
expenditure classes

9

10

Table 2. CPI—United States city average for urban wage earners
and clerical workers, by commodity and service groups, and
expenditure classes

11

Table 3. CPI—United States city average for urban wage earners and
clerical workers, food items, September 1975 indexes, and percent
changes from selected dates

12

Table 4. CPI—United States city average for urban wage earners
and clerical workers, indexes for selected items and groups,
September 1975, and percent changes from selected dates

13

Table 5. CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, all items most recent index,
and percent changes from selected dates

17

Table 6. CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, major groups, percent change
from August 1975 to September 1975

17

Table 7. CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, commodity groups, September 1975
index, and percent changes from June 1975

18

Table 8. CPI—United States and selected areas for urban wage
earners and clerical workers, food and its subgroups, September
1975 indexes, and percent changes from August 1975

20

Table 9. CPI—Regular and premium gasoline indexes, selected
areas and U.S. city average for urban wage earners and
clerical workers

21

Table 10. CPI—Regular and premium gasoline prices, selected
areas and U.S. city average for urban wage earners and
clerical workers

21

Price Movements
September 1975
Prices in the third quarter

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.5 percent in
September to a level of 163.3 (1967=100). Large increases in local transit fares, college tuition, physicians'
fees, gas, electricity, clothing, and pork were responsible
for most of the advance. These increases were partially
offset by lower prices for fresh fruits and vegetables and
beef. The September CPI was 7.8 percent higher than a
year ago.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI also rose 0.5
percent in September, compared with increases of 0.2
percent in August and 1.2 percent in July. The increase
in the services index of 1.0 percent in September was
larger than in recent months primarily because of higher
local transit fares in New York City. The food index
rose 0.1 percent and the index for commodities other
than food rose 0.3 percent. (Table A).

The CPI rose at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of
7.3 percent in the 3 months ending in September, about
the same as in the 3 months ending in June. Prices in the
food and energy components (gasoline, motor oil, fuel
oil, coal, gas, and electricity) advanced sharply in July,
continuing the acceleration which began in the second
quarter. Subsequently, in August and September, food
prices leveled out and increases in the energy component
moderated. For the 3 months ending in September, the
food index rose at a 7.5-percent rate and energy items
increased at a 16.1-percent rate, both slightly less than
in the 3 months ending in June. Excluding food and
energy items, the CPI rose at about a 6.5-percent rate in
the quarter ending in September, compared with about

Table A. Percent changes in CPI and components, selected periods
Changes in all items
Changes from preceding month

Compound
annual rate

Month

All items
Unadjusted

Seasonally Unadadjusted justed

Services1

Seasonally Unadadjusted justed

Seasonally
adjusted

Unadjusted

Commodities
less food

Food

From
12 months
ago

From
3 months
ago

Seasonally
adjusted

Unadjusted

1.1
.9
.8
.4

1.1
.7
.8
.6

1.2
.8
.9
.9

13.4
13.6
12.7
11.0

12.0
12.0
12.1
12.2

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

.5
.8
.5
.8
.2
.5
.9
.5
.3

.7
.8
.4
.6
.2
.7
.5
.5
1.0

9.8
8.2
6.0
5.8
5.0
7.1
9.5
8.7
7.3

11.7
11.1
10.3
10.2

1974:
September
October . .
November.
December.

1.2
.9
.8
.7

1.2
.9
.9
.8

1.4
.7
1.0
1.1

1.6
1.3
1.1

.5
.7
.4
.5
.4
.8
1.1
.3
.5

.6
.5
.3
.6
.4
.8
1.2
.2
.5

.7
.4
-.2
-.1
.4
1.5
2.4
-.3
-.2

.9
-.3
-.6
.4
.5
1.5
1.7
0

.9

1975:
January . .
February. .
March
April
May
June
July
August . . .
September.




.1

9.5
9.3
9.7
8.6
7.8

prices, at a 16.0-percent rate in the second quarter and
25.5 percent in the third. Prices of industrial commodities excluding fuels rose at about a 4.0-percent rate in
the third quarter compared with an 0.5-percent rate in
the second.

4 percent in the second quarter. Increases in the commodities and services components contributed to the rise
in the third quarter.
Prices at the retail level are influenced by changes in
prices at the wholesale level. Prices at the primary market
level, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, showed
a faster rate of increase in both agricultural and industrial sectors in the 3 months ending in September than in
the preceding 3-month period. Prices of farm products
and processed foods and feeds rose at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 26.8 percent, up from a 17.0percent rate in the second quarter. The rise in industrial
commodity prices accelerated to a 7.3-percent rate, after
a sharp slowdown during the past year from a rate exceeding 30 percent in the second quarter of 1974 to a
2.6-percent rate in the second quarter of this year (table
B). A large part of the rise at the wholesale level in the
second and third quarters was due to increases in fuel

Food. The rise in food prices was somewhat smaller in
the third quarter than in the second, primarily because
of a downturn in beef prices. Increases in consumer food
prices—at a 7.5-percent rate at retail and 15.0 percent
at wholesale—were still substantial, however, as they
reflected sharp advances in prices of raw agricultural
products. In the 3 months ending in September, prices
of raw farm products, excluding animal and plant fibers,
rose at a 51.5-percent rate, slightly more than in the
second quarter. Cattle and poultry prices declined, but
prices rose for most other farm products such as hogs,
milk, eggs, grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, sugar,

Table B. Percent changes1 in selected components of the Consumer and Wholesale Price Indexes,
quarterly, 1974-75
1974
Component

December
1973 to
March
1974

March
1974 to
June
1974

1975

June
1974 to
September
1974

September
1974 to
December
1974

December
1974 to
March
1975

March
1975 to
June
1975

June
1975 to
September
1975

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
All items
Food
Commodities less food
Services

13.7
17.0
15.7
9.5

10.9
5.4
13.7
10.7

13.4
11.7
15.6
14.2

11.0
14.3
8.8
10.9

6.0
-.2
7.4
8.0

7.1
10.0
5.9
6.3

7.3
7.5
7.5
8.5

24.8

11.0

34.9

14.2

-6.3

7.2

11.1

12.6
8.9

-29.6
-52.8

60.5
96.5

18.8
4.3

-27.6
-39.4

17.0
49.4

26.8
51.5

60.0
16.2

19.0
-13.7

74.2
33.7

90.4
20.7

-50.8
-12.9

-35.2
23.7

16.6
15.0

31.3

33.2

28.4

11.1

4.2

2.6

7.3

85.1

9.8

29.4

-12.1

-10.3

14.9

13.6

32.5
13.9

40.0
26.1

32.9
29.6

11.0
21.2

3.7
11.8

.7
5.1

6.5
5.8

27.0

24.2

19.5

11.8

3.8

4.1

10.7

WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX
All commodities
. ..
Farm products and processed
foods and feeds
Crude foods and feeds . . . .
Intermediate materials for
food manufacturing
Consumer foods
Industrial c o m m o d i t i e s . . . . . . .
Crude materials except
foods
Intermediate materials
except foods
Producer finished goods . . .
Consumer finished goods
except foods

Seasonally adjusted (except services) compound annual
rates.
Does not include plant and animal fibers, which are




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

coffee, and cocoa beans. For most of these commodities,
the largest increases occurred early in the quarter.
After sharp advances in the second quarter, cattle and
beef prices declined in the third quarter as a result of
large marketings of light-weight, grass-fed steers and
heifers coupled with increasing consumer resistance to
high prices for low quality beef. Cattle and beef prices
have reacted quickly to changes in the demand and
supply situation for grass-fed cattle because supplies of
grain-fed cattle remained limited at most market terminals. Cattle and beef prices at wholesale turned up
again late in the third quarter and continued to rise early
in the fourth quarter, but spot market prices were declining in late October. Wholesale poultry prices declined due to increased supplies. Retail poultry prices
rose more in the third quarter than in the second, although increases moderated toward the end of the
quarter. Hog and pork prices continued to rise rapidly in
the third quarter because of small supplies of live hogs
at terminal markets and exceptionally strong consumer
demand. By September, there were some signs that the
rise in pork prices was moderating in response to the
easing of beef and poultry prices.
Wholesale prices of milk and processed dairy products
such as cheese, butter, and evaporated milk rose sharply
in the third quarter. Retail prices for dairy products,
which declined in the first and second quarters of this
year, reversed their trend in the third quarter. The rise
has been attributed to increased demand and lower milk
output. Reduced concentrate feeding resulted in lower
output per cow.
Grain and flour prices at the wholesale level turned up
sharply when Russian crop problems and large grain
purchases made news early in the third quarter. There
were fears of a repetition of sharp increases in food
prices which followed the previous large Russian grain
purchase in 1972, particularly since a drought in late
summer raised doubts about predicted record U.S. grain
crops. Consequently, in late July, further grain sales to
Russia were suspended. In each successive month from
July to September, the Agriculture Department lowered
its estimate of corn production. Subsequently, the corn
crop turned out to be better than expected, a record
5.74 billion bushels. Also forecast was a record wheat
crop of almost 2.14 billion bushels, 19 percent more
than in 1974. As a result, grain prices declined in
September and October. The ban on grain sales continued until late in October when the Soviet Union
and the United States signed a long-term grain purchase
agreement. Although wholesale prices for flour rose,
prices for bread and other bakery products declined
in the third quarter. At the retail level, the downtrend
in prices of cereal and bakery products, which began
in the second quarter, continued.




Commodities other than food. The WPI index for consumer finished goods other than food rose at a 10.7percent rate in the third quarter, compared with 4.1 percent in the second quarter. The CPI index for nonfood
commodities rose at a 7.5-percent rate, somewhat faster
than the 5.9-percent rate in the second quarter. If used
cars and home purchases, which are not in the WPI, are
excluded from the CPI component, the increase was 7.0
percent in the third and 5.1 percent in the second quarter.
The WPI rose more than the CPI in the third quarter
primarily because of bigger increases in wholesale prices
of gasoline and fuel oil. Prices of most consumer goods
other than fuels, such as apparel, furniture, appliances,
and new cars, rose at a faster rate in the CPI than in the
WPI (table 2). If fuel products—gasoline, motor oil, fuel
oil, and coal—are excluded, the rise in the CPI component was about 5 percent in the third quarter, compared with about 4 percent in the second.
Much of the rise in gasoline prices at the retail level
occurred early in the third quarter, when demand was
near record levels. Strong demand enabled refiners to pass
through earlier cost increases which they were permitted
to accumulate under Federal Energy Administration
regulations. The supply of gasoline was more than adequate, however, to meet the demand as many refineries had shifted their production capacity to gasoline by
late spring. By late in the third quarter, as demand
dropped off with the end of the summer vacation period,
the supply was ample enough to produce scattered price
cutting. Prices of fuel oil and coal increased at a faster
rate in the third quarter than in the second—15.7 percent compared with 12.3 percent. Refiners have, of
course, shifted production capacity from gasoline to
other products such as heating oil and fuel oil for the
coming winter.
Several special factors also affected fuel prices in the
third quarter and early fourth quarter. On August 31,
controls on domestic crude oil expired, along with ceiling prices, entitlements, and allocations, after being in
effect since May 15, 1973. However, most refiners,
anticipating a reimposition of controls, suspended or revoked their posted prices. In late September, controls
were reimposed, retroactive to September 1, and extended through November 15, to give Congress and the
Administration time to develop a plan for gradual decontrol of oil prices. Also, in late September, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
announced an increase of 10 percent in world petroleum
prices.
The faster rise in prices of consumer goods other than
food and fuels reflected improved demand. With retail
sales continuing to strengthen since spring, inventories
were reduced. Promotional sales and discounts became
less common, and retailers and manufacturers started to

restock. Output of consumer goods, measured by the
Federal Reserve Board's industrial production index, increased in the third quarter, at an annual rate of about
16 percent, twice as fast as in the second quarter. The
rise in output exerted upward pressure on materials
prices. Higher prices for materials contributed to the
somewhat faster rise in prices of consumer goods at the
manufacturers' level.
For materials at the intermediate stage of processing—
just below the finished level—price rises accelerated in
the third quarter to a rate of 6.5 percent, after slowing
to 0.7 percent in the second quarter. Prices turned up in
the third quarter for chemicals, plastics, rubber, and paper.
Following an upturn in the second quarter, prices of
textile products continued to rise. Among wood products,
hardwood lumber used for furniture, flooring, and pallets
rose but softwood lumber prices declined. In the metals
group, prices for aluminum products increased. Steel
mill products decreased slightly but prices were raised
for a wide range of items on October 1. Copper prices
continued to decline.
Among raw industrial commodities, prices of wastepaper, hides and skins, iron ore, and gas fuels, which rose
in the second quarter, continued to move up in the third
quafrter. In addition, prices for iron and steel scrap, nonferrous scrap, and crude rubber advanced sharply in the
third quarter after declining steadily since early 1974.
Services. Charges for consumer services in the CPI rose
at an annual rate of 8.5 percent in the third quarter, compared with 6.3 percent in the second quarter. The September acceleration reversed the slowing trend which
began in the fourth quarter of 1974 (table 1). Higher
charges for public transportation, housekeeping and home
maintenance, medical care, and other services such as
apparel, recreational, and personal care services contributed to the acceleration in the third quarter. Charges
for insurance and financial services and for gas and
electricity rose at a slower rate in the third quarter than
in the second.
Public transportation charges, which make up less
than 5 percent of the services component, rose at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 49.4 percent in the third
quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the second quarter.
The third-quarter increase constituted more than 15
percent of the total services increase. After decreases in
1974 and stable prices throughout the first 6 months of
1975, the local transit fare index rose at the sharpest
rate since the beginning of the series. The increase reflects primarily the hike in the basic fare of the New
York City transit authority from 35 cents to 50 cents
on September 1. Increases for mass transit systems also
were noted in the Boston and Washington, D.C. areas.




Despite increased subsidies and riders, many transit
systems have had to raise fares to cover rising fuel and
operating costs. Charges for other public transportation
modes, such as airlines, railroads, and buses, remained
stable during the third quarter.
The increase in medical care services was also larger
in the third quarter than in the second—10.7 percent
compared with 8.8 percent. The third-quarter increase
was responsible for about 20 percent of the total rise
in the CPI services index. This contribution was about
the same as in the previous two quarters of 1975.
Hospital charges rose at a 13.8-percent rate as they continued to reflect higher costs for payrolls, utilities,
equipment, and supplies. Large increases were noted in
semiprivate and operating room rates. Charges for
physicians' fees rose 10.1 percent partly reflecting higher
malpractice insurance premiums.
The rise in charges foe housekeeping and home maintenance services, which had decelerated from over 20
percent in the second quarter of 1974 to 3.4 percent in
the second quarter of 1975, was slightly faster in the
third quarter (5.9 percent). Of the various repair services
priced, charges for room repainting and reshingling
roofs rose sharply to reflect higher costs for labor and
materials. Among housekeeping services, postal charges
increased in the third quarter for the first time since
March 1974 as a result of higher rates for parcel
post. The rate of increase in charges for domestic services
and day care services accelerated slightly.
The price rise for other services such as apparel,
recreational, and personal care accelerated during the
third quarter after a significant slowdown in the June
quarter. College tuition, which is priced annually during
the third quarter, rose more in 1975 than in 1974. In
addition, prices for recreational services rose sharply as
indoor activities, such as bowling alleys and movie theaters, instituted higher seasonal rates. Dry cleaning charges
continued to increase rapidly—6.5 percent compared to
4.7 percent in the previous quarter.
In the insurance and finance group, mortgage interest
rates were relatively stable, after declines in the first
two quarters of 1975. Rates for VA- and FHA-insured
loans were unchanged while conventional home loan
rates increased slightly as a result of uncertainties in the
money market. Conventional mortgage interest rates had
declined through most of 1975 as banks and other lending institutions experienced near-record savings inflows.
However, in late summer, concern over renewed inflation and savings withdrawals caused some lending institutions to increase rates for conventional loans. In
addition, signs of reviving activity in real estate and home
construction increased the demand for available mortgage

funds. With uncertainties over future supplies of funds
and levels of activity, conventional interest rates edged
upward. Residential rent charges in the third quarter
increased at about the same rate as in the second quarter
of 1975. Increases for other insurance and finance costs,
such as property taxes and auto insurance, were smaller




in the third quarter than in the previous quarter,
Rates for gas and electricity continued to increase
rapidly—at a 13.9-percent rate—but were slightly less
than the 17.5-percent rate in the quarter ended in June,
Natural gas rates rose much less than in the previous
two quarters.

Chart 1. All items index and its rate of change, 1966-75
(1967-100)

CPI flLL ITEMS INDEX
(NOT SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)

ISO
135
120

105

-

90

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
(SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)

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

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

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

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




6

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

Chart 2. Commodities less food index and its rates of change, 1966-75
1967-100)

150

CPI COMMODITIES LESS F000 INOEX
(SEflSQNfiLLY flOJUSTEO)

135
120
105

90

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER t-MONTH SPflN
(SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTEO)
1.2
1.0
0.6
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
-0.2
-0.4
-0.6

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE, SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTEO)

RAH*

6
4

A

2
0

SFP

6.7

-2
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)

SEP
7.5

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN 1 /

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




1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

Chart 3. Total food index and its rates of change, 1966-75
(1967=100)

CPI TOTflL F000 INDEX
(SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MQNTH SPflN
(SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPfl
(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTE

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

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN 1/

-1

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

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




8

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

0

Chart 4. Services index and its rates of change, 1966-75
(1967-100)

165

C P I S E R V I C E S INDEX
(NOT SEfiSONfiLLY flDJUSTFO)

150
135
120
105

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN
(NOT SEfiSONflLLY'flDJUSTED)

90

1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
-0.1

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. NOT ySEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)

2
10
8
6
4
2
0

PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN
(flNNUflL RflTE. NOT rffeflSQNflLLY flOJUSTED)

10
8
6
4
2
0

SCfi

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

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




9

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

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

December
1974

Unadjusted
percent change to
September 1975 f r o n

Unadjusted indexes
1967=100 unless
otherwise noted

August
1975

September
1974

September
19?5

August
1975

Seasonally adjusted
percent change f r o m —

June to
July

July to
August

August to
Septembe r

Commodity and service groups

All items

100.000

Durable commodities
Household durables
New automobile*
Used automobiles
Other durables

15.722
4.575
1.905
2.026
7.217

Services
Rent
Services less rent
Household services less rent
Transportation services
Medical care services
Other services

36.238
4.568
31.670
15.856
4.796
5.473
5.545

162. 8
189. 4
160. 4
178. 1
179. 0
182. 6
189. 7
154. 3
177. 9
179. 5
175. 3
150. 7
153. 0
141. 1
141. 1
138. 7
143. 9
160. 1
177. 4
154. 4
142. 8
235. 7
152. 0
147. 5
141. 0
126. 8
156. 1
155. 8
167. 4
138. 0
172.,7
185. ,6
151. ,9
181. ,7
152.,4

75.215
48. 040
6.835
30.765
9.634
5.246
4.691
1.445

158..3
165. .2
140.. 6
165, , 1
180.,7
157..2
194,.7
118,. 7

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
Apparel commodities l
Men's and boys'
Women's and girls'
Footwear
Nondurables less food and apparel..
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Fuel oil and coal
Other nondurables

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 TV)

63.762
24.785
19.657
2.882
6. 140
2.887
3. Ill
4,637
5. 128
38.977
23.255
8.273
2.617
3.611
1.438
14.982
3.388
1.936
2.315
1.028
6.316

0.2

163.6
190.3
160.8
177.8
178.2
181.6
190.3
156.3
167.4
182.4
176.5
151.4
153.8
142.3
142.8
139.9
144.6
160.7
178.0
154.4
142.5
238.7
152.9
148.2
141.7
126.5
156.6
156.7
169.1
138.4
174.6
187.0
156.1
183.2
153.8

11 . 4
6.3

,8
,9

159.5
165.4
141.9
166.9
181.5
162. 1
196.3
119.6

7.9
6.8
1. 6
8. 0
8.2
12 . 5
6. 6
6. 8

,8

7.8

7. 8
7. 7
6. 6
14. 4
3. 4
2. 8
4. 7
8. 2
7.
5.
1.
2.

5
8
8
0
8
5
1
3
4

2.
8.
$.
5.
5., 1
7., 2
10.,3

9.,9
6.,5
6.. 8
15.. 2
1 1 ,. 3
8.. 4
5.. 0

8,.9
9,. 0
8,.9

2
4
-. 5
3
I! 3
-5. 9
1. 6
7
5
5

9
2

9
5
4
3
0*
... 2
\m 3
6
5
5
^t 2
3

6
1# 0
3
\m 1
8
2 ., 8

,1
,9
1., 1
,4
3!. 1

1.5
1.7
1.9
-.3
3.5
.5
5.6
-.8
.5
.9
1. 1
.7
.4
1.4
-.1
1. 1
3.3
*. 3
*. 1
2.2
.5
.3
-.2
3.0
.6
*.5
*. 3
.6
.3
.5
1. 1
.5

.2
0
0
-1.0
1.5
.8
-2.9
-. 1
.5
.5
.5
1.1
.1
1.8
.2
.5
1. 1
*.3
*.4
.3
.3

1
2
5
1
1. 2
8
3
7
3
-. 1
-# 8
5
-1. 6
3
1
-. 2
...

*o

.5
.3
.8
2.2
-.1

2
1. 3
3
7
4
1! 1
2
7

*.5
*.5
.5
.2
.8
.6
.5

•1. 0
*. 3
9
6
3. 0
9
5

.6
.2

5
1
8
*1«,1
,2
3. 4
.6
* .8

1.6
.8
*.4
.1
.6
.4
*.3

1.2
*.4
.5
.4
.4
*.3

E x p e n d * re classes

Food
Housing
Shelter 2
Rent
Homeownership3
Fuel and utilities 4
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Private
Public
Health and recreationMedical 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 s . .
CPI - selected beef cuts 6

163.6

0.5
-.2
.7
.5
.3
.6
1.2
1.6

1.2
1.7
.5
.4
*. 3
.3
.8

155.4
172.2
152. 1
146.0
148.0

2.6
9.3
8.8
13.9
7.9
11.0
7.7
6.6
5.4

1.2
.3
9.4
.5
.8
.5
.9
-. 1

1.8
1.9
.8
.5
1.0
.7
.3
.1

160.8
162.4
160.7
177.6
184.3

161.6
163.2
161.6
176.4
178.3

7.7
7.7
7.9
7.4
3.8

.5
.5
.6
-.7
-3.3

1.4
1.2
1.3
*3.4
*6.0

$0,614
.528

$0,611
.525

-7.1

100.000
24.785
33.766
21.293
4.568
16.335
5.008
2.548
7.465
9. 633
12.715
11.450
1.266
18.723
6.241
2.519
5.222
4.742

162.8
178. 1
167.7
170.7
138.0
182.8
168.9
171.2
158.8

78.707
93.759
95.615
17.214
1.976

142.3
153.6
153.4
155.0
154.6
170.9
151.4
144.7
148. 1

177.8
168.9
171.6
138.4
183.9
170.9
174.0
160.1

7.8
9.0
8.5
5.0
9.5
11.0
15.8
9.2

143.5
155.4
153.9
169.5

.9
.2

0.2
.3
.2
*. 5
. 1
.7
.6
.3

.9
1.0
1.1
.3

.1
.5
.4
*.3
.4
1.2
1.8
.8
-.6
2.0
1.2
9.3

.4
.6
. 1
.5
.2
.3
.2
.2

.5
.5
-.1
.4
.4
.4
*-.7
*-3.3

Purchasing power of consumer dollar:
1967=81.00
1957-59= $1.00
Also includes infants' wear, sewing materials, and jewelry not shown separately.
Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.

chocolate candy bars, chocolate syrup, and about half of the index weight for sugar.
6

Calculated from the CPI beef and veal component by excluding veal cutlets and beef liv
Not seasonally adjusted.

Includes home purchase, mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repairs.
Also includes residential telephone, fuel oil, coal, water, and sewerage service not shown separately.

*

Calculated from the CPI food at home component by excluding fish, nonalcoholic beverages, bananas,

NOTE:




1O

Index applies to month as a whole, not to any specific date.

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 annual rat
percent change for

Seasonally adjusted indexes
(1967=100)
Group

July
1975

June
1975

August
1975

6 months ending in

3 months ending in

September
December March
1975
1974
1975

June
1975

September March
1975
1975

September
1975

Commodity an d service groups

_

Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at home
Food away from home

.

.

.

.

Commodities less food
Nondurables less food
Apparel commodities '
Women's and girls'
Footwear
Nondurables less f o o d and apparel
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco products (not seasonally adjusted)
Alcoholic beverages (not seasonally adjusted)
Fuel oil and coal

Durable commodities
Household durables
Used automobiles (not seasonally adjusted)
Other durables

Rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Services less rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Household services less rent
Transportation services
Medical care services
Other services

.

.

.

. . .

Special indexes:
A l l items less food
Nondurable commodities
Apparel commodities less footwear
Insurance and finance

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Utilities and public transportation
Appliances (including radio and TV) (not seasonally adjusted)

_

_

11.0

159-9
177. 4
178. 3
185. 0
185. 7
154.0
178. 6
180. 5
174. 2

160.2
177. 4
178. 3
183. 1
188.4
155. 2
173. 4
180.4
175.0

160.
177.
178.
182.
188.
157.
172.
181.
176.

148. 5
151. 0
140. 2
141. 3
136.7
143.8
157. 5
169- 0
153.6
142. 1
231. 5
150. 9
145. 2
139-9
127. 3
144.9
154.9
165.7
136.9
171. 1
184.6
150. 1
178.2
151. 2

149- 9
152. 7
141. 2
141.8
138.6
143. 7
159. 3
174. 6
154. 0
142. 2
236. 5
151.7
146. 3
140. 3
127. 1
149- 3
155.8
166.6
137. 3
172. 1
185. 2
150.9
180. 2
152. 0

150.7
153. 5
142. 7
142.0
141. 1
144.0
160. 1
176. 5
154. 4
142.8
237. 1
152. 2
147. 1
140. 7
128. 1
152.6
155.6

151. 2
153. 3
141.6
142.7
138. 8
144. 5
160. 2
176. 1
154. 4
142. 5
240. 1
152. 7
148. 1
141. 3
129- 5
152.9
156. 7

167.4
138. 0
172. 9
185.6
152. 1
181. 2
152.7

169. 1
138. 4
174. 4
186.8
156.6
182.8
153. 5

156.4
162. 2
139- 5
163. 7
180. 0
155.9
192- 5
117. 9

157. 6
164. 8
140. 6
164. 4
180. 2
156.8
193. 3
118. 3

158.5
165. 2
142. 3
165. 1
181. 1
157. 5
194. 1
118.7

159. 3
165. 1
141. 2
166.9
181. 5
162.8
195. 3
119-6

157. 6
174. 4
174.9
185. 6
179-5
153. 3
169- 1
182. 0
173. 3

Commodities

5
6
0
1
2
1
0
0
3

11. 5
14. 3
16. 4
28.9
6.2
7.6

1.9
47. 1
11. 2
8.8
7. 1
4. 1
5. 5
.6

7.3

8. 5

7.2

4. 2
-. 2
-4. 1
14. 3
-19-9
-. 3
-3. 5
-2. 1
11. 2

7. 4
10. 0
12. 3
-5.6
66.6
-3. 3
5.9
-14.6
3. 5

7.6
7. 5
7. 3
-7. 3
20.8
10. 3
7.0
-2. 2
7. 1

7.8
6.8

8.8

7.4
4. 1
-.6
.3
-3. 7

5.9
5.8
-. 3
-1.7
.3

7. 5
6. 2
4. 1
4. 0
6. 3
2. 0
7. 0
17.9
2. 1
1. 1
15. 7

6.0

3.4

5.5

9-5
-5. 1
12.6
8.8
10. 6
18.8
12.4
11. 0
10. 6
22. 1
11. 5

7.6
1.0

10.9
5.9
11. 5
13.5
6.6
11. 4
9-2

6.0

8.6
-8. 1
12.1
13. 3
7.9
8.6
4. 1
19- 5

5.6

9.8

-6. 5
41.9
3. 3
6. 5
-8.6
5. 3
6.7
6.0
1-9
1. 1
3. 2

20.0
11. 2

5.8

4.9

8. 1
5.6
1.7
2.9
-1.6
4. 4
8. 5
-2. 1
9. 2
8. 7
.8
15.4

6.0

12.9
9-4
9-6
12.7
15.5

-.8

8.
22.
1.
2.
12.

3
0
3
0
3

9-9

8.0

6. 3

8.5

9-4

5. 5
10. 1

4. 2
6. 3
8. 2
5.8
8.8
2.4

4.5
7.9

5.7
10.8
11.6
5.9
12.9
8.3

9-8

5. 3
14. 5
7. 5

9.5

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

9-4

98

1.8

6. 5
6.0

3. 5
1.3
11.8

5.8
7.8

4.9

18. 5
10. 7
6.2
7.6

7.5

21.4
-7. 7
3. 6

8. 2
4. 1
7. 1
24.0
4. 7

10.8
3.5
11. 3
13.8
10.7
11-9

7. 1

9-0
6.2

.6

7. 7
19-9
1.7

1.6
14.0
5. 3
7. 1
3.8
4. 1
17.8
7. 3
7. 4
4. 3
7. 1
6. 5
12. 0
9-7
4.3
6. 7
7. 5
2. 2
6.9

-.6
5. 8
7. 7
12. 1

7. 3
5.0
8. 1
3. 4
18.9

3.4
3.5

5.9
5.9

9-6
8.6
8.9

7. 3

8. 5

7. 2

7.5

6.8

8.8

1. 2
90
10.9

5.5

15. 5
4. 7
4. 7

Expenditure classes

A l l items
Food

Shelter

2

.

Rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Fuel and utilities 4
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep

Private
Public

;

Health and recreation (not seasonally adjusted)
Medical care
Personal care
Other goods and services
Special indexes:
A l l items less shelter
A l l items less medical care
A l l items iess mortgage interest costs
CPI - domestically produced farm foods (not seasonally adjusted)
CPI - selected beef cuts (not seasonally adjusted)

174. 4
166. 6
169. 7
136.9
182. 1
167. 2
169. 6
157.8
141. 3
148.8
148. 3
153. 5
153. 0
167.9
150. 1
143.8
147.4

177. 4

158. 1
160. 1
158.3
172. 9
177.7

160. 3
162.0
160. 3
178.8
188. 3

167. 4
170. 4
137. 3
182. 7
168. 5
171. 1
158. 1
142.4
151. 5
151. 1
154. 7
153.8
169-6
151. 2
144. 3
147. 5

177. 4
167. 9
170.7
138. 0
182.8
169-6
172. 1
158.6

177. 6
168.7
171. 3
138. 4
183. 5
171.6
175. 2
159-8

143.7
153.0
152.8
155. 2
154. 4
170. 6
151. 4
145. 0
147.8

142.9
156. 0
154. 7
169- 7
155. 2
172. 0
152. 1
145. 7
147. 7

160.8
162.4
160. 7
177.6
184. 3

161. 4
163. 0
161.4
176.4
178. 3

Also includes infants' wear, sewing materials, and jewelry not shown separately.

11. 0

6.0

14. 3
13. 3
12.4
5.9
13.8
10. 2
14. 2
17.4
4.4

-.2

3. 1
2.8
6.9
10.4
11. 3
12. 1
9- 4
11.0
10.8
11. 0
10.5
8.8
-28.3

10. 9
11.0
5. 5
12.8
9-4
17.7
9-8
1.4
4. 2
4. 5
1.6
11.0
13. 7
10.6
7.6
8.6

7. 1
10. 0
7. 0
6.9
4.2
8.6
13. 5
17. 5
5. 0
0
9-7

10. 3
4.0
4. 3
8.8
3.0
4.0
1. 6

4. 2

7. 1

5.8

6.8

5.9
1. 7
-15. 2

6.8
10.9
88.8

5. 1
4. 5
3. 1
10. 9
13.9
5. 2

12. 1
11. 7
5.7
13. 3
9.8
15.9
13.6

12. 2
15.7
5. 1

4.6
20. 8
18.4
49- 4
5-9
10. 1
5.4
5.4
.8

2.9
3. 7
3. 7
4. 2
10. 7
12. 5
11.4
8. 5
9-8

2. 3
15. 1
14. 3
24.6
5. 1
9- 5
4. 2
4. 7
1. 2

7. 5

7.9
7. 1
7. 5
9-6
38.3

3.8

8.6
7. 4
8. 1
8. 3
1. 4

home




purchase,

mortgage

interest,

taxes, insurance, and maintenance and

8. 2
5. 2
-22.0

5.3

4. 3
5.8

Also includes residential telephone, fuel o i l , coal, water, and sewerage service not shown separately.

Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
Includes

8.4

6. 1

repairs.

NOTE: Index applies to month as a whole, not to any specific date.

11

Table 3. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food items, September 1975 indexes and percent changes from selected dates
Percent change to
Sept. 1975 from—

Percent change to
Sept. 1975 fromSeptomber 1976
Unadjui ted

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 cake
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
Sausage
Ham,
whole
Picnics
Bacon

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
Butter
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits
Apples
Bananas




Seesonally
adjusted

177. 8 177.
176. 5 176.
175. 3 175.
182. 1 182.
178. 2 178.
181. 6 182.
157. 1 159.
231. 0 231.
166. 4 167.
218. 0 217.
161. 4 161.
175. 1 175.
177. 8 176.
190. 1 189.
195. 1 195.
190. 3 188.
190. 5 188.
176. 7 173.
176. 3 173.
184. 3 178.
194. 7 189.
171. 9 169.
205. 2 202.
184. 1 181.
166. 9 164.
140. 6 140.
190. 5 189.
222. 4 219.
203. 5 195
220 0 210.
245. 1 241
196
197
259
176
179
174
183
180
166
171
177
184
172
148
208
190
223
174
242

156
151
167
182
149
178
129
167
161
164
179
141

0 199
6 195
4 254
0 174
6 178
9 172
9 184
3 178
165
0 169
2 173
5 180
5 168
2 146
1 209
4 192
5 224
1 175
6 244
3 157
2 152.
4 167
9 182
7 149
2
7
4

6
0
0
1

6
3
0
1
0
1
2
5
4
3
1
1

9
2
5
2
2

6

4
8
4
2
0
4
1
3
4
1
3
7
0
8
1
6
8
7
8
8
0
1
8
6
0
1
0
4
3
2
5
1
1

1
9

5
8
178 9
129 7
172 0
170 6
157 1
165 .6
137 . 0

r

Unedju sted

7.
8.
7.
10.
7.
6.
-7.
15.
18.

-9.
4.
17.
13.
15.
14.
14.
2.
4.
10.
14.
4.
14.
4.
-4.
.12.
-5.
35.
24.
29.
42.
32.
24.
51.
12.
12.
12
24
11
6
10
19
22
18
7

10
17
3
2
18
3

8
2

Unadjusted

2
4
0

-0. 2
7
7
6
«,, 4
., 5
_, 1
-1. 8
1
1
2
6
-3. 8
2
_. 1
3
1
-3. 2
-4. 2
-2. 4
-1. 7
-4. 3
-2. 9
-4. 3
-2. 9
-3. 6
-1. 8
3. 8

6

9

6

8
7
6
4
6
9
8
9
7
9
5
6
4
3
2
0
8
8
0
3
4

9

3
3
2
0
8
7
0
3
4
2
0
6
6
3
4

9
3

1
4
0
5

5
2
1
10
9

August 1975

4
7
0
1

14 9
2 8
5 8
2 4
3 3
6 8

1. 8
2. 6
4. 5
_, 9
10. 0
9
2
-1 2
4 3
8
4
6
1 7
1 9
8
1 4
1 5
2 6
1 5
1 1
8
1 3
1 1
1 3
5
_ 2 ,
1 7
5 0
-5.9
-10 2
-8 4
-15 2

-4 9

Seasonally
adjusted

0. 1
7
7
4
., 2
_, 5
0
-1. 9
_, 1
5
4
5
.4. 5
«., 5
-1. 4
„, 1

Seasonally
Unadjusted Unadjusted
adjusted

Fruits and vegetables—Continued
Fresh fruits and vegetables—Continued
Fresh fruits—Continued
Oranges
Orange juice, fresh
Grapefruit
Grapes
Strawberries
Watermelon
Fresh vegetables
Potatoes
Onions
Asparagus
Cabbage

Celery 111111 1111'.','.'.'.'.1'.'.'.'.

2

6

Cucumbers
Lettuce

3
3
6
8
9
1
6
3
1
4
3
1. 6
3 8
-1 9
8 5
7
8
-1 3
3 1
3
4
_ 1
1
2
_ 2
6
1 4
2 7
1 8
1 5
8
1 2
9
_
1
3
.
-1
-5
-7
-5

adjusted

Food—Continued
Food at home—Continued

.. 4

-3.
-3.
-2.
-1.
-3.
-2.
-2.
-3.
-3.
-1.
3.
..

August 1975

Saptambar 1975

Peppers, green
Spinach
Tomatoes
Processed fruits and vegetables
Fruit cocktail, canned
Pears, canned
Pineapple-grapefruit drink,
canned
Orange juice concentrate, f r o z e n . . . .
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

Grapejelly
Chocolate bar
Syrup, chocolate flavored
Nonalcoholic beverages
Coffee
Coffee, instant
Tea
Carbonated drink, cola flavored . . . .
Carbonated drink, fruit flavored

7
3
7
8
8
8
7
4
2
8

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

12

165. 1
148.6
197. 5
170. 0

ft
159-8
187. 1
196.8
143.0
149. 3
156.8
119. 2
155. 1
130.4
183.0
129. 2
176. 1
178. 2
163.2

156. 3
148.0
160.7
198.4

(i

181.
196.
190.

2
1
3

158.4
160.9
166. 5
160.0
167. 3
172.9
185.4
168.9
175.2
177.5
162.4

5. 5
4.9
3. 7

i\

. 7
.5
-4.6
-13.4

(j)

-11, 7
10.8 83 -23.6
30.1 -29j5
(l)
10.3
1. 3
12.6
8.4

1.4
7.7
7.7
2.0
.1.2
3.5

-4.3
94

3. 4
-8.3
-3.8
. 3
7. 4
-2.9
-3. 0
-5.2
.7
. 5

. 1

5.6

ft
-1.

3

•11.2
• 25.7
(l)

9.7

6.6
.9

10.7
16.7
7.4
-1.6
8.2
.2
-. 5
-.9

172.8
153.7
186.4
187.9
161.6
178. 2
213.7
152.9
182.4

163.9
189- 7
210.2
153. 1
205.9
238.2
266. 0
232.9
241.4
216. 1
177.9
172. 7
177.0
150. 1
195. 5
199-4
161.6
177. 1
134. 7
163.4
154.8
167. 3
161. 3
171. 4
161.4

172.8
153. 1
187.3
186.8
161.0
177.8
211.4
153. 1
181.0
156.4
189- 1
207.9

153

206.
3
238.9
266.
5
232.
242.
4

17. 2
8.3
22. 1
9-9

14.7
12.6
-42.8
11. 2
4.7
1.0
-4.4
-7. 5
12.7
-10.6
12.3
-15.4
21.7
22.2

219177.
172.
176.6
150. 1
195.9
199-

36.0
6.8

161.6
177. 5
134. 3
163.4
155. 0
166.8
161.8
172.8
161. 1

4.9
-3. 3
. 1
6.6

1. 1
4.7
20.2
9-7

12. 2

4.8
-1.0
12. 5
16.4
4.9

-1.

3
. 3
. 5
. 1
-. 1
.4
5. 2
-. 1
K6
8.5
. 2
. 7
-.8
. 5
.9
3.8
-. 7
. 2
.6
1. 6
4.0
2. 1
-. 3
-.8
-. 5

-. 1
-. 2
-. 3
. 1
-.8
.5
-. 1
. 2
-. 5

-1.

4
. 1
-. 1
. 1
-.7
.4
4.6

. 3
.4
-.3
-1. 1
-1. 2
-.8
.9
3.7
-.7
1.0
1. 2
1.8
4.7
2.0
. 1

-. 5
. 3
-. 3
. 3
. 3
. 3
-.8

Table 4. Consumers Price Index-United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, September 1975, and percent changes from selected dates
Othtr
indtx

Ittm and group

Housing
Shelter >
Rent, residential
Homeownerihip»
Mortgage interest rates
Property taxes
Property Insurance premiums
Maintenance and repair commodities J
Exterior house paint
Interior house paint
Maintenance and repair services
Repainting living and dining
rooms
Reehingling 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
Household furnishings and operation *
Housefurnishings
Textiles
Sheets, full, flat
Curtains, tailored
Drapery fabrics
Pillows, bed
Slipcovers and throws, ready-made .
Furniture and bedding

Ptrctnt change to

Indexes

September 1975 from—

August
1975

September
1975

September
1974

167.7
170.7
138.0
182.8
140.5
158.9
132.7
188.5
162.0
154.1
148.2
200.0

168.9
171.6
138.4
183.9
140.4
159.6
134.7
189.8
162.1
154.8
147.3
201.7

9.0
8.5
5.0
9.5
-2.8
6.0
8.5
5.7
3.0
6.5
7.5
6.6

0.7
.5
.3
.6
-. 1
.4
1.5
.7
.1
.5
-.6
.9

211.8
219.9
187.8
196.2
194.8
168.9
235.7
231.3
171.2
173.4
169.2
126.1

213.4
222.2
189.3
198.7
195.7
170.9
238.7
234.3
174.0
176.8
171.4
126.4

7.6
6.3
5.0
7.3
8.3
11.0
7.2
6.5
15.8
20.2
11.9

.8
1.0
.8
1.3
.5
1.2
1.3
1.3
1.6
2.0
1.3

3.5

.2

170.3
158.8
144.6
138.6
138.7
133.0
141.2
168.4
115.7
133.8
147.8

171.6
160.1
145.9
142.1
152.8
133.7
143.3
169.2
118.6
134. 1
148.6

9.4
9.2
7.6
3.9
6.4
3. 1
.4
5.1
4. 1
3.6
6.6

.8
.8

127.9
139.0
123.3
129.5
110.7
136.5
131.0
175.7
148.9
130.4
119.3
154.0
158.5
128.5
132.2
117.3

128.6
140.0
123.9
130.2
111.2
138.0
131.2

2.9
4.2
3.0
4.5
2.3
4.9
6.7
(')

August
1975

.9

2.5
10.2
.5
1.5
.5
2.5
.2
.5

Bedroom furniture, chest end

Mar. 70
Sofas, upholstered
Cocktail tables
Dining room chairs
Reclinars, upholstered

Dec. 71
Mar. 70
Dec. 71

Sofas, dual purpose
Bedding, rn&ttr6ss and box springs*,

June 70

Aluminum folding chairs
Cribs
Floor coverings
Broadloom carpeting
Vinyl sheet goods
Vinyl floor tile
Appliances (excluding radio and T V ) . .
Washing machines, electric
Vacuum cleaners
Refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers,
electric
Ranges, free standing, gas or
electric
Clothes dryers, electric
Air conditioners, demountable
Room heaters, electric, portable . . .

9.6

.9

11.2
10.5
(S)

1.4
.4
(5)

7.6

H. 4

See footnotes at end of table.

13

(5)

5

(•)
129.9
177.9
175.4
146.6
154.0
125.6

12.3
14.6
5.3
14.5
9.2

.4

212.6

164.0
208.9
213.8

14.7
16.4
28.2

.6
1.2
.6

197.0
193. 1
175.3
188.5

198.8
196.4
176.9
189.8

4.8
11. 1
.9
7.8

.9
1.7
.9
.7

154.6
188.3

155.8
188.7

6.7
9.8

.8
.2

163.0
206.5

child
Washing machine repairs




129.9
132.3
138.4

177.2
173.8
146. 1
153.2
124.7

Postal charges
Laundry, flatwork, finished service . . .
Licensed day care services, preschool

6.9

5.8
3.8
10.7
8.5
9.4
11.7
8.0

128.8

129.4

Laundry soaps and detergents
Paper napkins
Toilet tissue
Housekeeping services:
Domestic services, general
housework
Baby sitter services

149.5
131.2
120. 1
154.5
159.7
129.8
134.5
118.2

.2
(5)
.4
.6
.7
.3
.8
1.0
1.7
.8

130.5
137.9
123.7
S
( )

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:

(')

.5
.7
.5
.5
.5

.9
.3
.5
.7

Table 4. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, September 1975, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued

Apparel and upkeep
Apparel commodities
Apparel commodities less footwear
Men's and boys'
Men's:
Topcoats and all-weather coats
Suits, year round weight

June 74

Sport jackets
Jackets, lightweight
Slacks, heavyweight
Slacks, lightweight
Trousers, work

Shirts, work
Shirts, business or dress
T-shirts
Socks
Handkerchiefs

Percent change to
September 1975 from—

Indexes

Other
index
base

August
1975

September
1975

September
1974

August
1975

142.3
141. 1
140.6
141. 1

143.5
142. 3
141.9
142.8

2.6
1.8
1.6
2.0

0.8
.9
.9
1.2

142.7
138.0
96.6
134.7
118.4
141.9
151.0
151.2
127.8
153.8
128.7
152.7

143.6
140.2
104.7
135.6
119.5
143.3
150. 5
151.4
127.8
154.0
129.9
154.0

-1.6
3.5
4.7
4.2
1.8
.7
4.4
3.3
.7
5.3
4.7
3.6

.6
1.6
8.4

(5)
(5)
174. 1
150.0
138.7

119. 1
117.4
174.7
150. 1
139.9

-.4
-8. 1
4.4
1.8
.8

(5)
(5)
.3
.1
.9

148.6
148.7
(5)
151. 1
146.8
138.5
142.9
117.4
140.6
129. 1
144.5
92.9
129.4
127.9
169.0

152.9
153.4
144.2
156.2
145.7
138.0
144.0
117.9
140.8
129.2
143.7
91.9
130.3
127.2
169.4

1.5
2.7
-. 1
-3.0
6.9
1.2
1. 1
0
6.5
3.4
6.8
-.6
2.8
3. 1
•1

2.9
3.2
(5)
3.4
-.7
-.4
.8
.4
. 1
. 1
-.6
-1. 1
.7
-.5
.2

127.3
149.6
130.3
165.2
128.0
141.9

131.3
146.5
130.6
165.8
128. 1
140.0

-1.6
8.2
-4.5
-2.9
6.2
-7.0

3. 1
-2. 1
.2
.4
. 1
-1.3

182. 3
159.5
137. 1
143.9

181.5
158.5
137.5
144.6

7.9
-2.3
6.7
2.5

-.4
-.6
S3
.5

147.3
158.7

147.6
159.8

1.5
5. 1

.2
.7

137.2
131.6
145.9
140.7

139.0
132.0
146.8
141. 1

.2
1.3
4.5
2.8

1.3
.3
.6
.3

144.5
149.5
153.3

144.2
150.2
153.7

1.4
6. 1
4.0

-.2
.5
.3

151.4
135.2
153.7
153.2
141.9

152.6
136.7
154.6
154. 0
143.0

9.1
8.2
5.2
3.6
5.8

.8
1. 1
.6
.5
.8

153.6
153.4
126.8
156. 1
179.0
156.4
125.7
178. 1
145.4
130.8
173.5

155.4
153.9
126.5
156.6
179.6
157. 1
126.6
178.8
146.4
130.8
174.3

9.3
8.8
6.8
15.2
8.6
4.5
2.9
10.0
6.0
1.5
8.0

1.2
.3
-.2
.3
.3
.4
.7
.4
.7
0
.5

m 7
# 9
1.0
-.3
. 1
0
. 1
.9
•9

Boys':
Coats, heavyweight
Sport coats, wool or wool blends . . . .
Dungarees
Undershorts
Women's and girls'
Women's:
Coats, heavyweight
Carcoats, heavyweight
Sweaters
Skirts, winter weight
Skirts, summer weight

Blouses
Dresses, street, year round weight . . .
Slips
Panties
Girdles
Brassieres
Hose or panty hose, nylon
Anklets or knee-length socks
Gloves, fabric
Handbags
Girls':
Raincoats
Skirts, fall and winter
Dresses
Slacks, fall and winter
Slips
Handbags
Miscellaneous apparel:
Diapers
Yard goods
Wrist watches, men's and women's
Footwear
Shoes, street

Shoes, work, high

;
1

|
j

Women's:
Shoes, street, pump
Shoes, evening, pump
Shoes, casual
Houseslippers, scuff
Children's:
Shoes, oxford
Sneakers, boys', oxford type
Dress shoes, girls'
Apparel services:
Drycleaning
Automatic laundry service
Laundry, men's shirts
Tailoring charges,
Shoe repairs

Transportation
Private
Automobiles, new
Automobiles, used
Gasoline, regular and premium
Motor oil
Tires
Auto repairs (mechanical) and maintenance
Auto insurance premiums
Auto registration fees
Parking fees, private and municipal

See footnotes at end of table.




14

Table 4. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, September 1975, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
Other
index
base
ransportation—Continued
Public
Local transit fares
Taxicab fares
Railroad fares, coach
Airplane fares, chiefly coach
Bus fares, intercity
Health and recreation'
Medical care9
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
Antispasrnodics
Cough preparations
Cardiovasculars and antihypertensives
Analgesics, internal
Anti-obesities
Hormones
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
Hospital service charges
Semiprivate rooms

Jan. 72

Operating room charges
X-ray, diagnostic series, upper Gl
Laboratory tests
Anti-infectives
Tranquilizers
Electrocardiogram
Intravenous solution
Physical therapy
Oxygen, inhalation therapy

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

Personal care
Toilet goods
Toothpaste, standard dentifrice
Toilet soap, hard-milled
Hand lotions
Shaving cream
Face powder
Deodorants
Cleansing tissues
Home permanent wave kits
Personal care services
Men's haircuts
Beauty shop services
Worn 's ha in

Movie cameras, 8mm
Film, 35mm, color
Golf balls

See footnotes at end of table.




August
1975

15

September
1975

155.0
148.8
168. 1
152.4
161.7
192.6

169.5
171.4
168.2
152.0
162. 1
192.6

154.6
170.9
119. 7
131.3
102.9
133.4
116.7
168. 1
125.0
135.0
110.0
71.5
154.7
105.6
127.0
165.9
118.2
120. 1

155.4
172.2
120.3
132.0
104.0
134. 1
117. 1
168.9
125.2
135.6
110.5
71.5
155.8
105.8
128. 1
167.5
118.4
120. 5

104.2

104.8

171.0
175.2
171.5
169.2
173.9
154.2
153.4
167. 1
163.6
168.6
162.0
154.9

172.9
177.2
174.5
171.4
176.5
155.2
155.3
167.2
164. 1
169.0
162.8
155.3

150.9
153.5
134.4
241.0
243.0
157.8
129.0
111.4
121. 1
126.5
128.4
138.7
122.3
151.4
150.8
131.0
196.0
154.6
125.0

151.6
153.8
135.4
243.2
244.2
159.0
130. 1
111.6
121.4
126.5
129. 7
139.7
124. 1
152. 1
151.4
130.4
194.3
155.0
127.4

118.0
202.0
120.4
151.9
154.2
150.4
164.8
153.0
130.0
144.7
124.0
101.7
158. 1
104.2
95.2
122.7
94.3
118.8
104.4

117.6
203.4
121. 1
152.6
155. 1
151.0
165.8
153.4
130.5
146.0
124.5
102. 1
158. 1
104.4
95.5
123.2
94.4
118.7
103.7

152.0

Shampoo and wave sets, plain
Permanent waves, cold
Reading and recreation1.1
Recreational goods
TV sets, portable and console
TV replacement tubes
Radios, portable and table models
Tape recorders, portable
Phonograph records, stereophonic

Percent change to

Indexes

154.4

September 197 5 from—
September
August
1974
1975
13.9
16. 1
9.1
9.5
9.3

16.4

9.4

15.2
.1
-.3
.2

0
.5
.8
.5
.5

7.9

11.0
8. 1
10.2
5.6
6.9
7.9

1. 1
.5
.3
.5
.2
.4
.5

19.4
7.4
9.6

6. 1
3.2
7.7
.7

14.3
11.3
1.6

V
8.7

10.9
10.8
11.9
11.5
11.9

0
.7
.2
.9
1.0
.2
.3
.6
1.1

1. 1

7.3
9.4

1.7
1.3
1.5
.6
1.2

11.8

.1

9.0
9.5
9.2
7.8

.3
.2
.5
.3

7.2
8.2

.5
.2
.7
.9
.5
.8
.9
.2
.2

13.9
16.0
15.5
9.7

12. 1
8.0

11.5
9.4

15.5
16.5
9.6
7.7
9.6

12.3
2.5

13.7
13.3
-1.3
9.5

21.7
8.5
5.8

5. 1

6.3
8.7
5.6
5.0
6.6
6.2
2.4

12.8
1.0
-.6
7.4
1.8

3.4
.4

0
1.0
.7
1.5
.5
.4
-.5
-.9
.3
1.9
1.6
-.3
.7
.6
.5
.6
.4
.6
.3
.4
.9
.4
.4
0
.2
.3
.4

.1
'-'.7

Table 4. Consumer Price Index—United States city average for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
indexes for selected items and groups, September 1975, and percent changes from selected dates—Continued
Other
index
(MM

Health and recreation—Continued
Reading and recreation—Continued
Recreational goods—Continued
Basketballs, rubber or vinyl cover
Fishing rods, fresh-water spincasting
Bicycles, boys'
Tricycles
Dog food, canned or boxed
Recreational services

Indoor movie admissions
Adult
Children's
Drive-in movie admissions
Bowling fees, evening
Golf green fees
T V repair
FHm developing
Reading and education:
Newspapers, street sale and delivery
Magazines, single copy and subscription
Piano lessons, beginner

Othergoodsandservices
Tobacco products
Cigarettes, nonfilter tip, regular size
Cigarettes, filter tip, king size
Cigars, domestic, regular size
Alcoholic beverages

Beer, at home
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 account
Legal services, short form will

1

Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.
Also includes home purchase costs not shown separately.

September
1975

Percent change to
September 1975 from—
September
August
1974
1975

146. 1
121.3
127.6
144.9
143.0
168.0
149.7
172.4
167.9
185.2
173.2
139.8
153.4
105.3
122. 1

4.7
6.2
3.0
4.5
12.2
11.2
4.9
8.7
8.0
10.5
.5
6.2
3.0
2.4
3.3

176.3
170.4
140.3
148.0
154.4
156.4
157.0
124.8
142.5
139.4
114.9
155.0
158.8

8.1
21.0
2.8
5.4
5.4
5.3
5.7
2.9
5. 1
5.7
2.6
4.0
5.8

145.2
121.4
188.9

6.4

.6

15.3

.2

5.8

0.8
-.3

.6
.3

2. 1
-.3
.3
-.1
.2
-.8
-.2
1.8
-.2
0
.7
.5
0

.6
-. 1
0
0

-. 1
.2
-.2
-.9

.1
.1

.4

.1

suits, girls' shorts, earrings, and zippers not shown separately.
7
Also includes storage batteries and drivers' license fees not shown separately.
8
Includes prices for water pump replacement, motor tuneup, automatic transmission repair, exhaust
system repair, front end alignment, and chassis lubrication.
9
Also includes health insurance not shown separately.
Discontinued.
1
' Also includes outboard motors, nondurable toys, college tuition fees, paperback books, and college
textbooks not shown separately.

3

Also includes pine shelving, furnace filter, 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
5
Priced only in season.
' Also includes men's sport shirts, women's and girls' lightweight coats, women's slacks, bathing




August
1975

145.0
121. 7
126.9
144.4
140. 1
168.5
149.2
172.6
167.6
186.6
173.6
137.3
153.7
105.3
121.3
175.4
170.4
139.5
148. 1
154.4
156.4
157. 1
124.6
142.8
140.6
114.8
154.9
158.2
144.4
121.2
188.8

Bowling balls

1

Indaxtt

16

Table 5. 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
Area '

Pricing
schedule 2

Indexes
1967=100

Percent change from

Other
bases

1957-59*100

September
1974

September 197S

I

1976

W

U.S. city average . . . .

M

163.6

190.3

7.8

1.9

0.5

Chicago
Detroit
Los Angeles-Long Beach
N.Y.-Northeastern N.J
Philadelphia

M
M
M
M

159.6
162.9
160.4
169.3
166.9

181.3
187.2
188.7
201.5
195.0

7. 1
6.8
9. 1
6.6
7.1

2.0
1.9
2.4
2.5
2. 1

.3
.9
1.0
1.1
.8

M

5S£

July 1975
Boston

1
1

Minneapolis-St. Paul
Pittsburgh

1

163.0
165.8
161.9
161.7

8.9
12.0
8.9
9.0

2.5
2.7

"98

s&

7.9
8.3
8.9
9.3
8.4
10.0
7.0

1.9
1.8
3.1
2.4
2.3
1.8
2.1

September
1974

June
1975

195.2
189.7
187.6
185.9
Auguct 1975

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

163.5
162.4
160.6
159.2
162.5
157.3
163.4

2
2
2
2

Buffalo
Cleveland
Dallas
Milwaukee
San Diego
Seattle
Washington

i
. .

183.3
179.8

3

179.7

3

173.6

4

170.8

184.8
190.3
September 1975

189.5
194.6
186.0

164.7
167.6
163.9
157.0
160.2
158.9
161.5

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

5

3
4
5

2.4
1.8
1.9
2.2
1.9
1.4
1.8

7.9
6.5
9.0
8.1
8.2
8.9
9.0

169.2

190.2
185.6
192.2

1
Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area
(SMSA) except for New York and Chicago which have more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas. Area
definitions were established for the 1960 Census and exclude revisions made since 1960.
2
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.

i:i

3 -•• March, June, September, and December.
November 1963=100.
February 1965=100.
December 1963=100.

NOTE: Price changes within areas are found in the Consumer Price Index; differences in living costs
among areas are found in family budgets.

Table 6. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
major groups, percent change from August 1975 to September 1975
Expenditure class

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

U.S.
city
average

Chicago

0.5
- 2
.7

.8
.5
.9
-.1

0.3

j

.3

2

17

Not available.

New YorkNortheastern
New Jersey

Philadelphia

1.0

1.1

0.8

.2
1.7
.9
.3
.9

.3
2.2
1.1

-.7
.9
1.2
7.2
.5
1.3
<*)
1.0
-.9

.2
1.3
1. 1
.3
.9
1.2

1.4
.1

.2

Los AngelesLong Beach

0.9

.9

See footnote 1, table 5.




Detroit

.5
.7

.9
.3

Table 7. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups. September 1975 index and percent changes from June 1975
U.S.
city

New Y o r k Philadelphia

Chicago
New JarMy
Indexes ( 1 9 6 7 - 1 0 0 )

All ItMTM

Food...
Pood i t horn*
Cereals and bakary products
Maatt, poultry, and f M i
Dairy product*
Fruiti and vegetables
Othar food at home
Food away from noma

Hou«lng
Shaltar
Rant, ratidantial
Homtowntffhip • • • * • * • • ><
Fuel and utilltiat
Fual oil and coal
Gas and electricity
HouMnOid furnisnlnQi t n d
Apparal and upkaap
Man'sandboys'
Women t t n d Qint
Footwaar

••*«••

Private...
Public
Haalth and racraatlon
Madical cara
nMoifiQ end f
Othar goods and sarvlcas

163.6

159.6

162.9

160.4

169.3

166.9

177.8
178.2
181.6
190.3
156.3
167.4
182.4
176.5

175.9
176.6
182.3
190. 1
148.4
166.0
179.9
173.3

174.2
173.7
186.7
183.7
160.0
151.4
176.3
177.0

172.2
174.4
183.3
187.6
151.5
158.2
178.9
166.0

181.4
182.7
182.8
189.2
159.7
179.3
190.0
178.0

183.3
182.2
182.4
197.3
154.8
172.8
187.0
187.9

168.9
171.6
138.4
183.9
170.9
238.7
174.0
160. 1

157.3
159.2
133.8
170.8
153.4
226.8
154.4
153.9

166.0
169.8

174.5
174.9

176.5
176.5
230.1
193.8
147.2

166.6
171.6
136.1
182.7
156.9
18o"?
153.9

190.3
188.6
244.6
201. 1
165.2

173.4
184.1
148.1
193.6
166.8
228.6
169.8
157.9

143.5
142.8
139.9
144.6

139.2
134.4
139.2
139.9

139.4
145.8
130.3
145.5

138.8
132.4
137.5
140.2

143.7
139.4
140.9
141.3

137.5
140.5
126.4
145.9

155.4
153.9
169.5

156.9
155.6
165.4

152.9
152.1
162. 1

157.2
159.1
121.8

171.1
157.2
223.9

155.7
156.6
150.8

155.4
172.2
152.1
146.0
148.0

156.5
164.1
174.2
193.7
149. 1
(*)
147.0
146.3
151.4
150.7
Percent changes June 1975

160.3
149.9
168.7
185.1
142.7
(8)
136.5
150.0
143. 1
152.3
to September 1975

161. 1
190.3

(2)

(*)

147.8
150.9

2. 1

All itams

1.9

2.0

1.9

2.4

2.5

Food
Food at horn*
Caraals and bakary products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables.
Other food at home
Food away from home

1.9
1.9

2. 1

2.0
1.9

1.5
1.2

1.5
1.6

2.3
2.3

Housing
Rent, residential
Homeownership
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
Men's and boys'

Women's and girls'
Footwear
Transportation
Private

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

-1.9
7.4
2.0

2.3
.5
7.5
2.9

-2.8

-2. 1

-2.4

-3.3

-5.6

-8.3

-9.0

-6.9

-4.6

-3.8

2.1
2.0

2.3
1.6

1.5
1.3

.6
-.2
.5
-.7
1.5
3.4
1.6
2.5
3

1. 1

1.4
2.4
3.5
2.7
1.3
1.5

3.7

3. 1
10.0
1.4
2.4
1.2
1.3




18

5.3
1.5
2.8
1.4

1.3
-.4
(2)
-.6
8.8
5.9

3.0
4.0
3
.8
4.6

11. 1

-.3

2.2

1. 1

1.3
2.7
3.8
3.9
1.6

1. 1

3.9
1.5
7.9
1.5
9.4
2.7

-. 1

-. 1

-1. 1

1.5
1.2
1.6
-.3

4.2
5.0
0

2.6
2.8
.2

2.8
2.9
1.2

2.0

2.5
4.6
(2)

2.0
2.2
1.5
3.2
1.0

2.3
1.0
1.0

See footnotes at end of table.

2.8
2.5

.2
3.6

3.6

.5

3.9
2.4

5.9
.9

5.8

2.7
-.3

.5
2.6
.6

7.3
2.5

1.3
.7

1.5

1. 1
(•)

31.9
.8
2.4

(M

1. 1
-1. 1

7.8
1.2

2.9
2.4
1.9
2.6

M.I
2.7
2. 1

3.7
2.4
.4
2.4

-.9
5.7
4. 1
2.0
2.4
-. 1
2.0

4.5
(*)
-. 1
.8

Table 7. Consumer Price Index-United States and selected areas1 for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
commodity groups, September 1975 index and percent changes from June 1975-Continued
Fr.nciicoOakUnd
Indexes (1967-100)

All items
Food
Food at home
Cereals and bakery products

....

Meatl. poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables

Other food at home
Food away from home
Housing
Shelter
Rent, residential
Homeownership
Fuel and utilities

164.7

167.6

163.9

157.0

160.2

161.5

15.89

185.0
187.4
185.3
199.9
165.4
185.3
186.6
176.6

181.1
180.9
176. 1
192.9
152.8
175.0
187.1
181.8

179.0
182.4
188. 1
192.2
163.6
174.0
186.3
166.1

179.8
177.9
187.9
183.6
167. 1
166.4
177. 1
185.0

180.3
182. 1
183.2
189.2
173.9
168.6
187. 1
174.6

173.8
178. 1
182.2
193.4
152.5
162.9
181.5
158.9

176.3
177.2
189. 1
185.6
159. 1
170. 1
176.5
172.3

170.2
176.5
129.6
190.6
158.2

167.6
173.4
120.8
198.2
171.5

148.9
149.6
151.3
148.5
144.0

160.4
165.9
120.0
183.9
147. 1

167.6
171.7
146. 1
184.5
157.4

163.6
162.7

177.9
188.4
129.0
213.4
164. 7
234. 5
167.2
162.8

170.0
150.3

160.7
149.3

159.4
154.6

177.5
159.3

159.5
159. 1
116.8
171.3
159.4
250.2
157.9
160.3

140.7
147.8
136.3
124.2

148.9
150.4
135.9
157.9

146.0
144.8
141.8
152.9

142.5
135.6
133.5
140.0

146.9
147.4
146.2
152. 1

142.0
144.2
138.7
140.6

136.1
134.2
130.3
144.0

146. 1
150.2
92.7

149.5
152.2
131.3

148.6
154.5
103.6

150.2
155.0
123.9

153.3
153.4
148.8

155.3
155.6
148.2

150.6
154.7
102.3

161.2
188.6
158.5
146.6
138.2

159.0
183.2
153.0
146.2
153.0

159.0
180.0
152.7
140.0
158.3

151.7
168.4
159.2
152.5
128.0

151.9
162. 1
155.9
139.5
151.8

152.5
169.8
151.0
141.0
140. 9

153. 1
159.7
160.3
144.4
149.3

Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep

Men's and boys'
Women's and girls'
Footwear
Transportation
Private

Public
Health and recreation
Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation

Other goods and services

Percent chanj es June 1975 to September 1975

2.4

1.8

1.9

2.2

1.9

1.8

3. 1
3. 1
-2.0
11.4
1.7
-2.8
.3
3.0

2.3
2.2
-1.7

1.0
.9
-2.7
6.2
2. 1
-6.3
.9
1.5

2.9

1.3

1.9
-2.3
5.3
1.8
.5
1. 1
5.7

2.2
2.2
-1.5
8.8
.3

.9
-.7
5.9
.7

-4.3
1.5
1.9

-8.5
1.5
2.8

2.0
2.7
.5
3. 1
-.7

1.9
2.8
.8
3.3
-1.0

1.6
1.3
.8
1.6
3.3

1. 1
1.7

2.5
2.8
1.6
3.3
1.9

-1. 1
2.0

1.3
1. 1
1.7
.9
1.8
4.3
1.0
1.8

-1.8
1.2

1. 1
2.0

-1.2
.6

3.3
1.6

3. 1
2.0
5.8
4.4

1.5
2.8
.2
1.7

3.7
3.0
7.0
1.7

1.0
.5
.4
-.3

1.5
2.3
2.2
.4

1. 1
2.4
.4
.8

1.0
-.3
.8
-.5

Transportation
Private
Public

2.2
2.2
0

2.2
2.5
.2

3. 1
3.5
-.9

1.8
2.0
0

4.0
4.2
0

2. 1
2.2
0

3.6
3.9
0

Health and recreation

1.9
3.3
.6
2. 1
-.4

1.8
1.5
.5
3.2
1.2

1.9
2. 1
-. 1
1.7
2.4

2.5
2.2
1.5
3.4
2.2

1. 1
1.7
1.6
1.3
-. 1

1.3
1.8
3. 1

1.5
2.6
.5
1.5
.7

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
Homeownership
Fuel and utilities
Fuel oil and coal
Gas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
Men's and boys'
Women's and girls'
Footwear

Medical care
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services

8.2
.7
-5.3
1.9
2.5

Change from July 1975.

See footnote 1, table 5.
Not available.




19

.7
. 1

1.4
.9
.9

-4. 1
7.6
1.4
-6.7
.3
1.2

1.0
1.7
-1.5
2.0
-3.4
1.4

Table 8. Consumer Price Index—United States and selected areas for urban wage earners and clerical workers,
food and its subgroups, September 1975 indexes and percent changes from August 1975
f o o d at horne

bakery
products

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

Meats,
poultry,
and fish.

Dairy
products

Fruits

Other
foods

and
vegetables

Food
away
from
home

177.8

178.2

181.6

190.3

156.3

167.4

182.4

176.5

185.0
181. 1
177.6
173.9
175.9
179.0
177.8
175.7
174.2
179.8
185. 1
180.3
172.2
174. 1
182.3
181.4
183.3
179.3
176.3
176.3
173.8
172.5
184.3

187.4
180.9
178. 1
173.3
176.6
182.4
178. 1
174.6
173.7
177.9
183.4
182. 1
174.4
174.7
179.7
182.7
182.2
178.3
177.2
174.6
178. 1
175.7
184.7

185.3
176. 1
182.9
189.3
182.3
188. 1
182.4
172.7
186.7
187.9
177.2
183.2
183.3
182.5
194.1
182.8
182.4
187.8
189. 1
179. 1
182.2
182.3
182.9

199.9
192.9
188.0
184.2
190. 1
192.2
190.0
186.8
183.7
183.6
198.3
189.2
187.6
184.5
193. 1
189.2
197.3
193. 1
185.6
191.2
193.4
194.5
188.3

165.4
152.8
148.4
147.6
148.4
163.6
153.6
154.8
160.0
167. 1
173.6
173.9
151.5
154.4
163.3
159.7
154.8
145.9
159. 1
153. 1
152.5
158.4
146.7

185.3
175.0
173.3
155. 1
166.0
174.0
165.7
165. 1
151.4
166.4
173.7
168.6
158.2
169.0
164.5
179.3
172.8
168.9
170. 1
159.8
162.9
154.9
195.7

186.6
187. 1
184.8
181. 1
179.9
186.3
183.3
176.6
176.3
177. 1
179.3
187. 1
178.9
175.7
180.2
190.0
187.0
180.8
176.5
172.6
181.5
176.8
197.5

176.6
181.8
175.8
177.6
173.3
166.1
176.7
179.9
177.0
185.0
191.2
174.6
166.0

-0.2

-0.4

(2)

194. 1
178.0
187.9
185.2
172.3
(2)

158.9
162.2
183.0

Percent changes August 1975 to September 1975
U.S. city average .

.8
.2
-.4
-.4

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
1

..

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

.3
-.3
-.4
-.5
-.8
-.9
-.7
0
.2
0
1.3
0
.1
-.6
.1
-1.0
.1
-.5
-1. 1
.8
.2
.4
-.7

.2
-.9

-1.7
1.7
1.6
1.5
-1.7
-.3
.2
-1.4
1.8
-.3
-.2
-1.0
-.4
-1.8
.6
-1.9
-2.9

-.2

-.5

See f o o t n o t e ! , table




I

-0.5

20

1.3
1.3
.9
-.4
0
-. 1
.3
.4
1.4
.3
1.3
.1
.4
'.9
-.3
.3
2.8
-.4
.7
-.3

1.0
-1.4

1.3

-5.9

1.6

0.7

-.5
.2
.7
.5
1.9
1.9
.3
3.3
1.5
.4
4.5

-2. 1
-5.6
-6.2
-6.2
-10.6
-7.8
-5.5
-5.5
-6.1
-. 1
-2.0
-3.2
-4.2
-7.9
-6.2
-6.7
-4. 1
-8.3
-3.5
-1.8
-.8
-2.8
-3. 1

1. 1
1.4
2.4
1.4
2.4
1.4
1.2
1.6
1.8
.4
1.5
1.9
2.6
1.9
2.4
1.5
2.4
.7
-.2
3.3
1.6
1.9
1.4

2.2
2.1
.2
.3
.2
1. 1
.7
.5
.5
2.7
.5
.5
.7
2
()
.7
.6
.5
.1
.9
(2)
1.5
.9
.2

.6
.7
2.7
2.5

1.3
.6
.9
.7
.7
.3
.7
.5

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

Regular gasoline

to September
1975 from—

to September
1975 from—
August 1975 September 1975 August 1975
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....
N.Y.-Northeastern N.J . .
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco-Oakland..
Seattle
Washington

August 1975

September 1975 August 1975

181. 1

181.6

173.8

174.5

149.7
150.3
148.8
150.7
145.6
147.7
148.3
157.3
143.3
154.2
156.6
148.7
145.6
145.9
149.5
143.0
147.0
149.7
144.9
147.6
146.7
145.0
146.8

149.8
149.9
147.5
151.4
146.0
147.8
147.8
158.0
143.6
155.5
156.4
148.4
146.3
146.3
148.8
144.2
147.1
148.3
145.4
148.6
146.2
144.9
147.4

147.1
146.9
144.7
149.6
142.5
143.7
144.3
152.1
140. 1
150.8
152.6
145.8
143.6
144.0
147.6
143.6
145.5
145.0
142.8
145. 1
143.5
141.3
144.3

147.2
147.6
144.2
149.8
142.7
143.9
143.8
153.0
141.6
151.9
152.3
146.1
143.9
144.3
146.3
143.7
145.7
143.5
143.6
146.3
144.6
141.2
145.2

1

.1
.5
-.3
.1
.1
.1
-.3
.6

1. 1
.7
-.2
.2
.2
.2
-.9
.1
.1
-1.0
.6
-. 1
.6

are used. Area definitions are those established for the 1960 Census and do not include revisions made since
1960.
2
1967» 100.

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

Table 10. Consumer Price Index—Regular and premium gasoline prices, selected areas and U.S. city averages
for urban wage earners and clerical workers
Regular gasoline
Average price par gallon

July 1975
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 NJ . .
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco-Oakland .
Seattle
Washington

August 1975 September 1975

August 1975

September 1975

$0,591

$0,595

$0,597

$0,632

$0,637

$0,639

.598
.607
.600
.604
.611
.595
.599
.556
.600
.695
.544
.559
.589
.561
.586
.602
.584
.590
.584
.607
.618
.577
.604

.595
.615
.602
.607
.612
.598
.604
.553
.598
.697
.544
.568
.588
.562
.591
.606
.587
.599
.589
.611
.626
.584
.607

.595
.613
.597
.610
.614
.599
.602
.556
.600
.703
.543
.567
.591
.563
.588
.611
.588
.593
.591
.615
.624
.583
.610

.639
.649
.640
.653
. 650
.635
.641
.592
.642
. 732
.587
.602
.629
.604
.633
.654
.638
.633
.627
.648
.660
.618
.652

.637
.658
.642
.655
.655
.638
.642
.592
.641
.735
.588
.614
.632
.609
.641
.658
.645
.641
.633
.651
.666
.625
.657

.638
.661
.640
.656
.655
.639
.640
.595
.647
.740
.587
.615
.633
.610
.635
.658
.646
.634
.636
.657
.671
.624
.662

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




July 1975

are used. Area definitions are those established for the 1960 Census and do not includerevisions made since
1960.

21

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
year—such as price movements resulting from changing




22

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. l The table below
shows standard errors for montly, quarterly, and annual

Average standard errors of percent changes in the
CPI based on 1974 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

.05
.10

.07
.19

.12
.40

.13
.09
.21
.07
.16
.19

.23
.15
.28
.10
.21
.24

.42
.23
.33
.20
.28
.34

.16

.21

.27

.13

.18

.28

percent changes in the CPI for all items and for nine
commodity groupings based on 1974 averages. 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 for a one-month period is almost always
significant.
This replaces the table of average errors based on
1973 data which was included in the CPI report through
January 1975.
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.

23




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