Use an Internet search engine to fi nd a Web site that compares the cost of living in cities in the United States. If you were offered a salary of $35,000 in Columbus, Ohio, what salary would you need to maintain the same standard of living in Chicago, Illinois? In Richmond, Virginia? In San Diego, California?

1. Analyze and Calculate

(a) What are the differences among the cities in percent increases and decreases?

(b) Use the cost of living information and real estate Web sites to fi nd out the reason for the difference in costs of housing, insurance, and utilities.

2. Compute by using spreadsheet software to calculate and compare the proportional differences in costs of living among the cities.