Consumer Price Index: Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (COICOP 04): Total for Costa Rica

CRICP040000IXNBM • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

99.54

Year-over-Year Change

-0.46%

Date Range

1/1/1995 - 12/1/2021

Summary

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels in Costa Rica measures the changes in the prices of these essential household goods and services. This metric is closely monitored by economists and policymakers to assess cost-of-living trends and inflation.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels CPI in Costa Rica represents the price changes for a basket of household utilities and related expenses. It is a key component of the overall CPI, which is the primary gauge of consumer inflation used by the Central Bank of Costa Rica to guide monetary policy decisions.

Methodology

The Costa Rican National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) collects price data from a sample of retail outlets and service providers to calculate this index.

Historical Context

The Housing CPI is a critical input for policymakers and market analysts tracking domestic price pressures and the real purchasing power of Costa Rican consumers.

Key Facts

  • The Housing CPI accounts for approximately 30% of the total CPI basket in Costa Rica.
  • Electricity and gas prices are the largest components of the Housing CPI, making up over 60% of the index.
  • Housing costs have risen faster than the overall CPI in Costa Rica over the past decade.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels CPI measures the changes in prices for a basket of essential household utilities and services in Costa Rica.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric is a key indicator of consumer inflation and the cost of living in Costa Rica, providing important insights for policymakers, businesses, and households.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Costa Rican national statistics agency, INEC, collects price data from a sample of retail outlets and service providers to calculate this index.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The Housing CPI is a critical input for the Central Bank of Costa Rica in setting monetary policy and managing inflation, as well as for analysts monitoring domestic price pressures.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Housing CPI for Costa Rica is published monthly with a typical 2-3 week lag, providing timely data for policymakers and market participants.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index: Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (COICOP 04): Total for Costa Rica (CRICP040000IXNBM), retrieved from FRED.