Yes Virginia, It is more expensive....

[anghrist]

I've always thought that CPI was a bit on the conservative side of stating the true cost of living. However, it doesn't take into account many of those things which we need to live and operate on a daily basis because the pricing is too 'volitile'.

The AIER has what they call an Everyday Price Index, which follows the trend of those things we buy 'everyday' for living our lives.

AIER's Everyday Price Index | AIER

The EPI Reflects Basic Economic Change | AIER

Inflation: Not as low as you think - CBS News

and just for kicks, a critic of the EPI...

The Everyday Price Index (“EPI”) Is Flawed | TheArmoTrader

I think the last link is just funny when he posts:

"This so called “inflation index” obviously puts significant weighting on ”gas” tremendously over the other components..."

Of course to qualify:

"Jerry Khachoyan is currently an undergraduate student at UCLA pursuing a degree in Political Science."

Okay Jerry. Once you graduate and get a job in SoCal where you have to commute over 90 miles/day, then we will see just how heavily you want to weight "gas" as an everyday expense.

I don't know about Mr. Khachoyan, but I, along with millions of other Americans, must commute at least 30+ miles each way to work every day. This means that I tend to top off the fuel tank about five to six times per month. I easily spend almost as much on fuel than on all other categories combined. So when these things are considered the EPI truly is around 8% for me... and probably a bit more than 8%.