Phoenix Cost of Living Remains Low...

Phoenix cost of living remains low, from the Phoenix Business Journal, reports that despite skyrocketing home prices, greater Phoenix is one of the most inexpensive major metropolitan areas in the U.S. to live, work and operate a business. Phoenix ranked eight among 29 major metro areas according to the latest statistics released Friday by the American Chamber of Commerce Research Association, the Council for Community and Economic Research, and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. Greater Phoenix's 2005 fourth quarter index of 100.4 was slightly above the national average of 100, and lower than other metropolitan areas such as Las Vegas, San Diego, Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago. The composite index is based on six components-- housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services. Greater Phoenix's affordability makes it an appealing target for relocating businesses and job growth. Global Insight Inc., a Massachusetts based economic forecasting company, named Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida as its leading cities for job growth in 2006.

http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2006/03/06/daily64.html?t=printable