The American Chamber of Commerce Research Association (ACCRA, now the Council for Community and Economic Research) has released the ACCRA Cost of Living Index for the third quarter of 2008. It shows the Tri-Cities leading the way for the lowest cost of living in Washington state.
The Tri-Cities' composite index is 88.9, which is down one percent from the previous quarter and 3.7 percent lower than the same period in 2007. The index measures relative price levels for consumer goods and services in participating areas. The average for all participating places in each quarter equals 100, and each participant's index is read as a percentage of the average for all participating places.
The composite index for Spokane is 93.5; for Seattle-Bellevue-Everett it's 124.6; for the Vancouver area (including Portland, Ore.), it's 95.1; and Tacoma came in at 107.7.
Yakima did not participate in the 2008 third-quarter survey. Yakima's composite index for the second quarter was 99.0.
The ACCRA Cost of Living Index covers more than 300 cities every quarter, relying on voluntary participation for data collection in the local communities. Some areas simply choose not to participate and others participate sometimes but not always. Thus, there is some fluctuation in the communities covered by the Index. It is generally the most reliable source of city-to-city comparisons of key consumer costs and is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the President's Council of Economic Advisors.
•:*¨¨*:• Colleen Lane •:*¨¨*:•
My ActiveRain Blog / My Localism Blog
I am the Realtor® that makes things move in The Lane Real Estate Team, while my husband Joe is the dude that provides the marketing that gives me the great clients I have. My sole purpose in life is to serve God, family, and clients. Joe's sole purpose in life is to serve God, me, and family (and ski). We have five children, all at home, all ours. We've been happily married for 23 years, and Joe has forgotten the anniversary almost all of those years! We service the Tri Cities Washington real estate market to include Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, Washington. Oh, our Tri Cities Wa Luxury Home is for sale!
Hey Colleen,
Congratulations on that terrific rating - I need to check out my area. We usually do pretty well also!
Do you have a website for American Chamber of Commerce Research Association? I have read this report before on paper, and it is pretty good stuff.
Found the site. Unfortunately, they do not have Silverdale, WA or any other similar cities. They also charge for the data. I try to go to the source of the data, vice depending on newspapers getting it right. Still good info
I read that same index. The Tri-Cities is a really nice place and it is no surprise to me that they are being recognized. How can you beat an affordable place to live with lots of great wine.
The Tri-Cities is a great area... buyers need a home there and also one in Anacortes, WA so that they can enjoy the best of both worlds. Nice to see a plug for Washington!