The Times’ monthly survey of the cost...

The Times’ monthly survey of the cost of goods and services commonly purchased in Southern California saw a big drop in the cost of a fast-food cheeseburger in February, as Jack in the Box cut its price nearly in half at many outlets as part of its revolving specials. “Some diners are definitely motivated by price,” says Jan McLane Rieger, spokeswoman for Jack in the Box. “That’s why we always have something on special.” The company has tested a “value menu” of low-priced foods, like much of its competition, but “the test didn’t wow us enough, so that we decided to drop the prices throughout the chain,” she said. Another test is scheduled. Also notable was a jump in the price of a gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline, caused in part by an unexpected drop in inventories. Each month, the Times conducts a spot survey of five grocery stores and other service providers throughout the Southland for a cost of living snapshot.

Groceries

Marketbasket

The cost of 15 grocery items tracked by The Times over the last nine months was lowest in January, when major Southland grocery chains reported their greatest number of sales. The marketbasket of goods is swayed most by sales and seasonal availability of produce. 1991 June: $35.74 July: $35.47 Aug.: $35.49 Sept.: $34.94 Oct.: $35.32 Nov.: $36.07 Dec.: $35.87 1992 Jan.: $34.83 Feb.: $36.14

January February % Chg. Chicken (per lb., $1.31 $1.04 -21% best of fryer cut up) 13-oz. can of coffee $2.37* $2.54 +7% 1 doz. eggs (grade AA large) $1.74* $2.12 +22% 24 oz. wheat bread $2.09 $2.07 ** 1 lb. pinto beans $0.50 $0.58 +16% 10-lb. bag of potatoes $1.27 $1.37 +8% Navel oranges (per lb.) $0.62 0.67 +8% 1 gal. homogenized milk $2.60 $2.62 ** 1 lb. broccoli (fresh) $0.59 $.54 -8% 8-oz. package $1.78 $1.81 +2% of chocolate candy Six-pack $4.58 $4.60 ** beer (12-oz. cans) 1 doz. corn tortillas $0.48 $0.49 +2% 10-lb. bag $6.50 $6.66 +2% dry dog food Super-concentrated $7.12* $7.59 +6% detergent (30-load) Toilet tissue $1.28 $1.44 +13% (4-roll package)

Eating out

January February % Chg. Fast-food $0.89 $0.73 -18% cheeseburger

Other goods and services

January February % Chg. 1 gal gas. $1.079 $1.097 +2% (unleaded self-serve) 3-pack, boys’ $3.96 $3.96 unchg. Size 12 cotton briefs Dry cleaning $7.88 $7.88 unchg. man’s two-piece suit Professional $50.33 $48.33 +4% drain cleaning Manicure 8.30 $8.30 unchg.

* Includes at least one sale price. ** Less than 1% change.