COST OF LIVING STILL LOWEST IN HARLINGEN, TX

HARLINGEN, TEXAS (January 23, 2011) - Harlingen, Texas had the lowest cost of living in the United States in 2011, according to 2011 ACCRA Cost of Living Index prepared by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).  Harlingen also had the lowest cost of living in the 2010 ACCRA annual report.

The annual ranking is based on the average of data submitted for the first three quarters of 2011.  Harlingen was also ranked as the lowest cost of living during the first three quarters of 2011.

CE2R compiled data from 314 urban areas.  The data reflects the prices on nearly 60 items which measure the cost for a professional/managerial standard of living.

The composite index is based on six components – housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services.  Harlingen led the nation with a composite index of 81.0 -- 19 percent below the national average (100).  Harlingen’s housing index was 72.0 – 28 percent below national average.

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is a tool that is used by companies to compare the cost of doing business in communities, according to Bill Martin, CEO of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation.  “Harlingen’s low cost of living helps us compete for good, quality companies and employees,” Martin stated.

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