Oklahoma City, Tulsa have lower than average cost of living

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The cost of living in Oklahoma's two largest cities was below the national average in the second quarter of this year, according to a study performed by the American Chamber

Thursday, November 2nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The cost of living in Oklahoma's two largest cities was below the national average in the second quarter of this year, according to a study performed by the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association.

The composite cost of living index for the Oklahoma City metropolitan area was 91.8 percent, or 8.2 percent below the nationwide average of 100. In the Tulsa metropolitan area, the composite cost of living index was 90.3, or 9.7 percent below the nationwide average.

The second quarter figures indicate that Oklahoma City and Tulsa maintain their positions as among the lowest-cost urban areas in the region as well as the nation.

By comparison, the index for Albuquerque, N.M., was 101.2 percent _ 1.2 percent above the national average, according to the ACCRA cost of living index. In Kansas City, Mo., the average was 101.1 percent, also above the national average.

The cost of living index measured 99.6 percent in Dallas, 98.8 percent in St. Louis, 95.8 percent in Houston, 89.9 percent in Amarillo, Texas, and 87.1 percent in Fort Smith, Ark.

The index measures the differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for approximately 315 urban areas.

The index in based on 59 items. Prices for each of the items are collected quarterly by a participating organization within each urban area.

Living costs are estimated for a mid-management standard of living.