Data Sources
American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates
Our primary data source is the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, specifically the 5-year estimates (currently 2023). The ACS surveys approximately 3.5 million addresses annually, making it the largest household survey in the United States outside the decennial census.
We use the following ACS variables:
| Metric | ACS Table | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | B19013 | Median income for all households |
| Median Home Value | B25077 | Median value for owner-occupied units |
| Median Gross Rent | B25064 | Median monthly rent including utilities |
| Monthly Housing Costs | B25105 | Median costs for all occupied units |
| Population | B01003 | Total population estimate |
| Employment | B23025 | Labor force and unemployment |
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the BLS provides information on how prices change over time across approximately 32 metropolitan statistical areas.
Geographic Coverage
We include Census-designated places (cities, towns, CDPs) with a population of 25,000 or more that have complete data for our core metrics. This threshold ensures statistical reliability while covering the vast majority of where Americans live.
Comparisons
City-to-city comparisons use the same underlying ACS data for both cities, ensuring
an apples-to-apples comparison. Percentage differences are calculated as
(B - A) / A × 100 where A is the first city listed.
National Benchmarks
When we compare a city to "national" figures, we use the ACS national-level estimates for the same year. This provides context for how a specific city's costs relate to the country as a whole.
Update Schedule
The Census Bureau typically releases new ACS 5-year estimates each December. We update our data within one month of each new release.
Limitations
- ACS estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller cities
- 5-year estimates smooth over recent changes; conditions may differ from the survey period
- Cost categories like groceries, transportation, and healthcare are not directly captured in ACS at the city level
- Census "place" boundaries may not match common perceptions of city limits