DCI’s Cost of Living Calculator

Published since 1968, the Cost-of-Living Index, published by the  Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), has been the most consistent source of city-to-city cost comparisons available. COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CNN Money. Their data and methodology are described in detail and completely transparent to users. Both data and methodology are reviewed by an Advisory Board composed of academic researchers and government officials.

Published quarterly, using over 60 goods and services collected at the local level from over 300 independent researchers, COLI is the only local level cost of living index available for the US. Items on which the Index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures. Weights assigned to relative costs are based on government survey data on expenditure patterns for professional and executive households. All items are priced in each place at a specified time and according to standardized specifications.

Why isn’t my city/county represented?

C2ER’s Cost of Living Index is a highly respected index that relies on local collectors to provide cost of living data on a quarterly basis. C2ER is always open to new collectors. If you are interested in providing your data, you can reach out to C2ER at [email protected]. From there, C2ER will provide you with login information, direct you to the right resources, and keep you in the loop on collection periods. If you don’t see a city, county or CBSA represented, it is likely because C2ER hasn’t found an entity willing to do the collections.

How are the locations in the index defined?

Locations are defined by “Urban Area and State,” which can be a city, county, or CBSA. It depends on where the collector is collecting the data. If the collector is a county-based organization, they likely want to represent their county and will collect data from that level of geography. C2ER is open to any of these distinctions when it comes to submitting local or regional data.

DCI’s Web Apps are available for usage via an annual subscription basis only, with all ownership, intellectual property and proprietary rights remaining with DCI. Upkeep of the tool, associated licenses for integrated tech (i.e. API’s), hosting of the tool, security and monitoring.