The Municipal Cost Index, developed by American City & County, is designed to show the effects of inflation on the cost of providing municipal services — the rising cost of doing business as a local government. Since 1978, state and local government officials have relied on it to stay on top of price trends, monitor commodity price increases, make informed government contract decisions and plan budgets.
Below you’ll find the Municipal Cost Index monthly figures for the current year, the year-to-year percentage change in the index for each month, and related data for the three indices that provide inputs for the index. Use the drop-down menu to see the MCI data and inputs for any previous year back to its creation in 1978.
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Use the drop-down to see other years