Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 5, 1990 TAG: 9006050147
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY BUSINESS EDITOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Based on an index of the cost of 59 items, Roanoke's living cost was 96.6 in October-December, down from 99.8 a year ago, according to the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association.
Roanoke ranked lower than the national average of 100 in four components of the index. Transportation had an index of 103.5 and housing, 102.7. Below average were utilities, 79.4; health care, 92.8; miscellaneous goods and services, 96.3, and groceries, 96.8.
The index was up .1 from the third quarter of last year.
In a comparison with figures from the same quarter a year ago, the price of a pound of hamburger was down 3 cents to $1.54. However, a pound of bacon was up 54 cents to $2.59 and a pound of coffee increased 63 cents to $2.56.
A half-gallon of milk was $1.43, up 4 cents. A dozen eggs cost $1, up 16 cents over the year. A carton of cigarettes was $10.69, up $1.28.
The selling price for an 1,800-square-foot house was $111,416, an increase of $1,326. Monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $395, up $6.
The monthly charge for service for a residential telephone was $20.35, up 21 cents.
The daily cost for a Roanoke Valley hospital room was $205.33, an increase of $11.33. A visit to a doctor's office was $26.60, up $4.40.
A 12-inch pizza cost $6.90, down 23 cents. A six-pack of beer was $3.07, up 96 cents.
The Richmond index, highest in the state, was 106; Hampton Roads/southeast Virginia had 103 and the Peninsula was 98.5.
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce conducts the survey.
by CNB