Cost of living in Gladstone 8% higher than in Brisbane

THE cost of living in Gladstone is 8% higher overall than in Brisbane but food and clothing are cheaper, a report has found.

THE cost of living in Gladstone is 8% higher overall than in Brisbane but food and clothing are cheaper, a report has found.

The latest index of retail prices published by the Queensland Government statisticians' office shows people in Gladstone pay 5.9% less for food and non-alcoholic drinks than people in Brisbane, and 6.8% less for clothing and footwear.

However, housing is 33.4% higher, and the cost of furnishings, household equipment and services is 14% higher.

Alcohol and tobacco is 2.8% higher than in Brisbane, and recreation and culture is 9.2% higher.

The index compared the price of a basket of household goods and services between Brisbane local government areas (including Ipswich, Redland, Logan and Moreton Bay) and 27 regional areas.

 The index was developed following a survey of retail prices in July and August 2013. As far as possible, goods and services of similar specifications were priced at each location.

Prices collected were for the same brand and package size in each locations.

Weipa and Moranbah had the highest cost of living compared to Brisbane, with life there about 22.5% more expensive.

The cheapest area was Gatton at the foot of Toowoomba range, where the price index came in at 10.5% cheaper.

Rockhampton was 0.9% cheaper overall than Brisbane, while Mackay was 6.3% higher.

Clothing in Rockhampton was 2.6% cheaper than in Brisbane, food was 7% higher and furnishings were 8.9% higher.

Index figures for Gladstone:

Figures are relative to Brisbane. Any area with an index higher than 100 is seen as more expensive, while anything less than 100 is cheaper.

• Alcohol and tobacco: 102.8
• Clothing and footwear: 93.2
• Food and non-alcoholic drinks: 94.1
• Furnishing, household equipment and services: 114
• Health: 100
• Housing: 133.4
• Insurance and financial services: 93.2
• Recreation and culture: 109.2
• Transportation: 96.6
• All items less housing: 100.8
• All items: 108

Originally published as Cost of living in Gladstone 8% higher than in Brisbane