West Virginia and Kansas had the lowest cost of living across all U.S. states, with composite costs being half of those found in Hawaii. This was according to a composite index that compares prices for various goods and services on a state-by-state basis. In West Virginia, the cost of living index amounted to 84.8 - well below the national benchmark of 100. Nevada - which had an index value of 100.1 - was only slightly above that benchmark. Expensive places to live included Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California Housing costs in the U.S. Housing is usually the highest expense in a household’s budget. In 2023, the average house sold for approximately 427,000 U.S. dollars, but house prices in the Northeast and West regions were significantly higher. Conversely, the South had some of the least expensive housing. In West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana, the median price of the typical single-family home was less than 200,000 U.S. dollars. That makes living costs in these states significantly lower than in states such as Hawaii and California, where housing is much more expensive. What other expenses affect the cost of living? Utility costs such as electricity, natural gas, water, and internet also influence the cost of living. In Alaska, Hawaii, and Connecticut, the average monthly utility cost exceeded 500 U.S. dollars. That was because of the significantly higher prices for electricity and natural gas in these states.

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index (COLI) is a measure of living cost differences among urban areas compiled by the Council for Community and Economic Research. Conducted quarterly, the index compares the price of goods and services among approximately 300 communities in the United States and Canada. This Microsoft Excel file contains the average prices of goods and services published in the ACCRA Cost of Living Index since 1990.

Graph and download economic data for Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States (MSPUS) from Q1 1963 to Q4 2024 about sales, median, housing, and USA.

Housing Index in the United States increased to 436.50 points in January from 435.80 points in December of 2024. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States House Price Index MoM Change - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program's Building America (BA) team conducted a case study of a high-performance affordable housing community: The Woods (Figure 1). This BA effort is part of a larger-scale study of 30 homes funded from 2013-2016 by Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and the Bonneville Power Administration. The Woods is a Habitat for Humanity (HFH) community of homes certified by ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest (ESHNW); the community is in the marine climate of Tacoma/Pierce County, Washington. This research report builds on an earlier preliminary draft 2014 BA report and includes significant billing analysis and cost-effectiveness research from a collaborative and ongoing DHP research effort for TPU and the Bonneville Power Administration. This final BA report focuses on the results of field testing, modeling, and monitoring of ductless mini-split heat pump hybrid heating systems in seven homes built and first occupied at various times between September 2013 and October 2014. The report also provides WSU documentation of high-performance home observations, lessons learned, and stakeholder recommendations for builders of affordable high-performance housing. The research goal of the U.S. Department of Energy's BA research team Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction was to compare a ductless heat pump (DHP) hybrid system (DHP in common area/electric resistance [ER] in bedrooms) to an all-electric zonal ER system in high-performance single-family affordable housing. This effort included assessing the costs and benefits of a DHP/ER hybrid system located in the main living area to offset the primary heating demand of zonal ER heaters in the bedroom zones and comparing these findings to data from of new affordable single-family housing in Washington State. This report includes: (1) Measured indoor and outdoor temperatures and relative humidity (RH) in the homes. (2) Field testing results of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment; ventilation system airflows; building envelope tightness; lighting, appliance, and other input data required for preliminary Building Energy Optimization (BEopt) modeling; and ENERGY STAR field verification (3) BEopt modeling results compared to measured energy use. (4) A comparison of the space heat energy consumption of a DHP/ER hybrid heating system and a traditional zonal ER heating system installed in the same home. This comparison is made by implementing a series of weekly "flip-flop tests" (referred to here as "switchback" tests per TPU) to compare space heating, temperature, and RH in zonal ER heating mode with a DHP/ER mode as discussed in the Building America Test Plan (Lubliner 2010a). (5) Cost data from HFH and other sources related to building efficiency measures focusing on the DHP/ER hybrid heating system. (6) An evaluation of the thermal performance and cost benefit of DHP/ER hybrid heating systems in these high-performance homes employing life cycle cost analysis for energy code policy and monthly cash flow analysis of HFH homeowners. (7) Post-monitoring occupant survey results. The report also provides the following stakeholder findings and recommendations: (1) DHP single-head systems at The Woods are cost-effective to new homebuyers of these high-performance all-electric homes. (2) Stakeholder education is needed on design, inspection, and commissioning; documentation is needed for heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and from ENERGY STAR builders, verifiers, and inspectors to help ensure that the houses meet the goal of "build tight, ventilate right." (3) A code gap in inspection and enforcement was identified that should be addressed by: (3a) Improving the fire marshal's approach to sprinkler attic piping freeze protection; (3b) Improving the maintenance of ceiling insulation continuity; and (3c) Educating the local building inspector on attic insulation inspection concerns that allow for maximizing design improveme...

About This Dataset: Copper Prices and Market Trends

    This dataset provides **insights into copper prices**, including current rates, historical trends, and key factors affecting price fluctuations. Copper is essential in **construction**, **electronics**, and **transportation** industries. Investors, traders, and analysts use accurate copper price data to guide decisions related to **trading**, **futures**, and **commodity investments**.

    ### **Key Features of the Dataset**

    #### **Live Market Data and Updates**
    Stay updated with the latest **copper price per pound** in USD. This data is sourced from exchanges like the **London Metal Exchange (LME)** and **COMEX**. Price fluctuations result from **global supply-demand shifts**, currency changes, and geopolitical factors.

    #### **Interactive Copper Price Charts**
    Explore **dynamic charts** showcasing real-time and historical price movements. These compare copper with **gold**, **silver**, and **aluminium**, offering insights into **market trends** and inter-metal correlations.

    ### **Factors Driving Copper Prices**

    #### **1. Supply and Demand Dynamics**
    Global copper supply is driven by mining activities in regions like **Peru**, **China**, and the **United States**. Disruptions in production or policy changes can cause **supply shocks**. On the demand side, **industrial growth** in countries like **India** and **China** sustains demand for copper.

    #### **2. Economic and Industry Trends**
    Copper prices often reflect **economic trends**. The push for **renewable energy** and **electric vehicles** has boosted long-term demand. Conversely, economic downturns and **inflation** can reduce demand, lowering prices.

    #### **3. Impact of Currency and Trade Policies**
    As a globally traded commodity, copper prices are influenced by **currency fluctuations** and **tariff policies**. A strong **US dollar** typically suppresses copper prices by increasing costs for international buyers. Trade tensions can also disrupt **commodity markets**.

    ### **Applications and Benefits**

    This dataset supports **commodity investors**, **traders**, and **industry professionals**:

    - **Investors** forecast price trends and manage **investment risks**. 
    - **Analysts** perform **market research** using price data to assess **copper futures**. 
    - **Manufacturers** optimize supply chains and **cost forecasts**.

    Explore more about copper investments on **Money Metals**:

    - [**Buy Copper Products**](https://www.moneymetals.com/buy/copper) 
    - [**95% Copper Pennies (Pre-1983)**](https://www.moneymetals.com/pre-1983-95-percent-copper-pennies/4) 
    - [**Copper Buffalo Rounds**](https://www.moneymetals.com/copper-buffalo-round-1-avdp-oz-999-pure-copper/297)

    ### **Copper Price Comparisons with Other Metals**

    Copper prices often correlate with those of **industrial** and **precious metals**:

    - **Gold** and **silver** are sensitive to **inflation** and currency shifts. 
    - **Iron ore** and **aluminium** reflect changes in **global demand** within construction and manufacturing sectors.

    These correlations help traders develop **hedging strategies** and **investment models**.

    ### **Data Variables and Availability**

    Key metrics include:

    - **Copper Price Per Pound:** The current market price in USD. 
    - **Copper Futures Price:** Data from **COMEX** futures contracts. 
    - **Historical Price Trends:** Long-term movements, updated regularly. 

    Data is available in **CSV** and **JSON** formats, enabling integration with analytical tools and platforms.

    ### **Conclusion**

    Copper price data is crucial for **monitoring global commodity markets**. From **mining** to **investment strategies**, copper impacts industries worldwide. Reliable data supports **risk management**, **planning**, and **economic forecasting**.

    For more tools and data, visit the **Money Metals** [Copper Prices Page](https://www.moneymetals.com/copper-prices).