Consumer prices in the San Diego metropolitan area rose 2.3 percent during the first half of 2004 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Regional Commissioner Richard J. Holden said advances were concentrated in the categories of housing and transportation. Compared to the same period a year ago, the all items index rose 3.7 percent.

During the first six months of 2004, the overall housing index advanced 2.1 percent and has increased 4.8 percent since the first half of 2003. From the second half of 1999 until this period, increases in the housing index have exceeded the overall San Diego consumer price index. The shelter component, which comprises more than four-fifths of the overall housing index, rose 2.8 percent for the six month period and 5.9 percent over the year. Within shelter, rent of primary residence advanced 2.6 percent while owners' equivalent rent of primary residence increased 2.5 percent in the last six months. From a year ago, these indexes rose 6.1 and 5.2 percent, respectively. The household fuels and utilities category remained flat over the latest six month period and was 1.8 percent higher than the same period in 2003. Within household fuels, the natural gas service index rose 1.8 percent over the last six months, while electricity dropped 2.6 percent.

The overall transportation index increased 4.1 percent during the first half of 2004. Gasoline prices jumped 17.0 percent in the past six months, and are up significantly from two years ago. Since the first half of 2002, prices have risen 44.4 percent. Transportation makes up 16.3 percent of the average San Diego urban consumer basket, with motor fuel occupying approximately 20 percent of transportation.

The food and beverages category advanced 1.4 percent since the second half of 2003 and moved up 2.8 percent over the year. Over a six month period, food prices rose 1.4 percent, while alcoholic beverages rose 1.2 percent. Grocery prices, as measured by the food at home index, increased 0.9 percent while prices for dining out rose 1.1 percent.

Education and communication was responsible for almost one-tenth of the latest six month increase, exceeding its five percent contribution to the overall basket of goods. Prices increased 4.2 percent from the second half of 2003, and 7.3 percent from the first half of 2003. Nationwide, education prices have been outpacing communication prices.

Out-of-pocket medical care prices increased 2.0 percent in the first half of 2004 and measured 2.3 percent above last year's level. While out-of-pocket medical care prices for like products have remained controlled, over time, San Diego consumers have increased their budget allocation for medical goods.

The index for recreation moved up 0.2 percent in the recent six month period, following a 0.7 percent advance during the last six months of 2003. Over the year, costs for recreation did not change.

During the past six months, apparel prices increased 1.0 percent. From a year ago, apparel prices rose 2.4 percent. Over the past decade, apparel prices have dropped, falling 18.1 percent over ten years.

Other goods and services rose 1.9 percent from the second half of 2003 and 2.9 percent from the first half of 2003.

San Diego's Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers advanced to 211.4 (1982-84=100) during the first half of 2004. This means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100.00 in 1982-84 would have cost $211.40 during the last six months. Local area CPI data are not seasonally adjusted.

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