The cost of living for Wasatch Front residents rose 0.2 percent in February, First Security Bank reported Friday.
It was the second consecutive month of higher inflation locally but was still below the 0.3 percent increase nationally (nonseasonally adjusted as is the Utah figure) for February, reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor.The government also issues a more closely watched seasonally adjusted index which was up 0.2 percent for the month.
That figure was half the seasonally adjusted increase nationally in January. Milder temperatures, which dampened demand for energy, were cited for the decline, along with a big drop in clothing costs.
For the first two months of the year, U.S. inflation at the consumer level has been rising at an annual rate of 3.6 percent. The February increase would produce an annual rate of just 2.4 percent, even less than last year's 2.5 percent rise.
In Utah, decreases in the costs of groceries, utilities and housing were offset by higher prices for clothing, health care, eating out, transportation and miscellaneous items.
Since the bank began its monthly index in March 1988, the overall costs for a variety of goods and services has increased 30.2 percent, down slightly from the 32.9 percent increase nationally over the same period.
Here are how the various spending categories fared along the Wasatch Front in February:
GROCERIES - Costs went down 1.2 percent, continuing the January trend, as increases in prices of produce (up 9.5 percent), alcoholic beverages (up 1.5 percent) and shelf items (up 0.1 percent), were offset by lower meat prices (down 8.0 percent). Local grocery prices have increased 32.5 percent since 1988.
UTILITIES - Residential utility bills declined 0.7 percent in February, ending a three-month upward trend. Telephone charges, which had increased for three straight months, declined 3.1 percent. Since 1988, local utilities costs have gone down 10.1, the only category to decline over the eight-year period.
HOUSING - After a January increase, local costs declined 0.2 percent in February. Lower rent rates were cited. Since 1988, housing costs have increased 64.0 percent locally, the highest increase of any spending category.
HEALTH CARE - Costs increased 1.4 percent for the month, continuing the January trend. Higher costs for a doctor's care, dental care and non-prescription drugs were cited. Since 1988, health care costs have increased 38.7 percent along the Wasatch Front.
CLOTHING - Expenses increased 1.6 percent for the month as lower costs for maintenance and men's wear were offset by a third month of higher price tags on women's and children's apparel. Local clothing costs have increased 20.6 percent since 1988.
RESTAURANT FOOD - The cost of eating out in local restaurants rose 1.2 percent in February, continuing the January trend. Overall costs have inflated 39.2 percent since 1988.
TRANSPORTATION - Local expenses increased 0.8 percent in February, ending a four-month decline. Higher gasoline prices were cited. Since 1988, transportation costs have increased 19.4 percent locally.
MISCELLANEOUS - Higher costs for entertainment and personal items boosted overall expenses 0.7 percent in February. Since 1988, local costs have increased 20.2 percent.