The Cost of Living

The Times monthly survey of the cost of goods and services commonly purchased by Southern California residents found little change in September. There were notable fluctuations in the prices of chicken, detergent and toilet paper.

Highlight: In one way or another, sales at Southern California supermarkets had the greatest impact on price changes in September. A sale on laundry detergent caused its price to drop, while the end of sales on chicken and toilet paper caused dramatic increases in the price of both of those staples. A gallon of self-service unleaded gasoline continued to rise as the summer driving season had its last hurrah.

August September % Chg. Groceries Chicken (per lb., best of fryer cut up) $1.39* $1.62 +17% 13 oz. can of coffee $2.53 $2.41 -5% 1 dz. eggs (grade AA large) $1.91 $1.82 -8% 24 oz. wheat bread $2.03 $2.03 unchg. 1 lb. pinto beans $0.54 $0.50 -8% 10 lb. bag of potatoes $2.03 $2.04 ** Navel oranges (per lb.)*** $ -- -- 1 gal. homogenized milk $2.50 $2.50 unchg. 1 lb. broccoli (fresh) $0.63 $0.62 -2% 8 oz. package of chocolate candy $1.76 $1.72 -2% Six-pack beer (12 oz. cans) $4.43 $4.14 -7% 1 doz. corn tortillas $0.45 $0.46 +2% 10 lb. bag dry dog food $6.63 $6.39 -4% Super concentrated detergent (30-load) $7.36 $6.97* -9% Toilet tissue (4-roll package) $1.30 $1.70 +31% Eating out Fast-food cheeseburger $0.83 $0.89 +7% Other goods and services 1 gal gas. (unleaded self-serve) $1.06 $1.08 +2% 3-pack, boys Size 12 cotton briefs $3.96 $3.96 unchg. Dry cleaning man’s two-piece suit $7.11 $7.34 +3% Professional drain cleaning $44.56 $44.56 unchg. Manicure $7.75 $7.60 -2%

* Includes at least one sale price.

** Less than 1% change.

*** Out of season.