Data Sources
The trusted government and industry sources that power our cost of living comparisons.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS is our primary source for consumer price data. We use their Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports, regional price parities, and employment cost data to calculate the cost of goods and services in each metro area.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) — Monthly price change data for urban consumers
- Regional Price Parities (RPP) — Price level differences across states and metros
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Income data by location
U.S. Census Bureau
Census data provides the demographic and housing statistics that underpin our city and state profiles. We rely on the American Community Survey (ACS) for annual estimates between decennial censuses.
- American Community Survey (ACS) — Median household income, housing costs, commute data
- Population Estimates Program — Current population figures
- Housing Vacancy Survey — Rental vacancy rates and homeownership data
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
The BEA provides regional economic data that helps us understand the broader economic context of each location, including personal income levels and consumption patterns.
- Regional Price Parities — Price level comparisons by state and metro
- Personal Income by State — Income trends and composition
- GDP by State — Economic output and growth metrics
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD provides Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, which is essential for our rental cost comparisons across metro areas.
- Fair Market Rents — Estimated rental costs by bedroom count for each metro area
- Income Limits — Area median income figures used for housing affordability analysis
Additional Sources
- FBI Uniform Crime Report — Crime rate data used in our quality of life assessments
- NOAA Climate Data — Temperature, precipitation, and sunny days per year for climate comparisons
- Tax Foundation — State tax rate data including income, sales, and property tax rates
- U.S. News & World Report — Education and healthcare rankings incorporated into quality of life scores
Data Accuracy and Updates
We are committed to using the most recent data available from each source. Government agencies typically release annual updates, and we incorporate new data as it becomes available. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about our data, please do not hesitate to contact us.