The Times’ monthly survey of goods and...

The Times’ monthly survey of goods and services commonly purchased by Southern California residents found little change in the total grocery bill, but prices of individual items continued to seesaw, reflecting a variety of weekly sales and promotions. Prices of other goods and services remained mostly stable, but gasoline prices continued to climb, a seasonal trend reflecting greater demand in warmer weather. Highlight: The fast-food price war is continuing in Southern California, as evidenced by a further decline in the price of a cheeseburger. Since the beginning of the year, prices have dropped about 15% as major chains aggressively discounted in an effort to keep sales moving during the recession. A cheeseburger can be had for as low as 49 cents at one major chain. Some convenience stores, known primarily as retail gasoline outlets, have also jumped into the fray with low-cost fast food.

April May % Chg. Shelter Rent (two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment) $863.60 $863.60 -- Utilities*** Natural gas $47.82 $47.82 -- Telephone $27.69 $27.69 -- DWP (400 kwh) $36.74 $36.74 -- Southern California $56.61 $56.61 -- Edison (500 kwh) Water and sewer $38.69 $38.69 -- Water (DWP) $24.99 $24.99 -- Groceries Chicken (per pound, $1.655 $1.37* -17 best of fryer cut up) 13-ounce can of coffee $2.56 $2.818 +10 1 dozen eggs (grade AA large) $1.902 $1.846 -3 24-ounce wheat bread $2.042 $2.03 ** 1 pound pinto beans $0.598 $0.598 -- 10-pound bag potatoes $1.99 $2.09 +5 1 gallon homogenized milk $2.513 $2.52 ** 1 pound broccoli (fresh) $0.73 $0.73 -- 8-ounce package $2.062 $1.7625 -14 of chocolate candy Six-pack of beer (12-ounce cans) $4.26 $4.26 -- 1 dozen corn tortillas $0.434 $0.414 -4.6 10-pound bag dry dog food $6.466 $6.462 ** Toilet tissue $1.514* $1.364* -10 (four-roll package) Eating out Fast-food cheeseburger $0.77 $0.76 ** Other goods and services 1 gallon gas $1.035 $1.076 +4 (unleaded self-service) Three-pack, boys $5.15 $3.96* -23 Size 12 cotton briefs Dry cleaning $7.11 $7.11 -- man’s two-piece suit Professional $44.56 $44.56 -- drain cleaning Manicure $7.75 $7.75 --

*includes at least one sale price

**less than 1% change

***monthly average provided by the utilities.