Average Cost of Living Increase

Prescription drug prices indicate cost of living increases.

Thanks to inflation, the cost of living the same lifestyle as the year before typically increases. As far back as 1975, the cost of living has never gone down from the previous year, according to the Social Security Administration. Between the years of 1999 and 2009, the average cost of living adjustment for Social Security recipients sat at 2.8 percent, based on yearly percent increases from the Social Security Administration.

Effects

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks monthly data on changes in the price paid for a representative basket of goods and services. The annual increase affects incomes for federal workers and many union workers. It also affects eligibility requirements for food stamps and discounted school lunches.

Economic Indicators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses more than 200 different categories to determine the CPI and cost of living increase. Some categories include housing, clothing, medical care, transportation costs and food.

Exceptions

The CPI excludes investment items. Since real estate investments, life insurance and bonds deal with savings, they don't fall into everyday expense categories, the BLS notes.

History

The cost of living changes from year to year. The highest adjustment occurred in 1980, with a 14.3 percent increase. In 2009, however, there was no cost of living increase, according to the Social Security Administration.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Frequently Asked Questions
• Social Security Administration: Cost of Living Adjustments