Determining the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as it relates to rental costs involves comparing the CPI for rent from two different time periods. This calculation typically uses the formula: [(CPI in later period – CPI in earlier period) / CPI in earlier period] 100. For example, if the CPI for rent was 250 in January and 260 in December, the percentage increase would be calculated as [(260 – 250) / 250] 100 = 4%. This indicates a 4% rise in rental costs as measured by the CPI.
Understanding the fluctuation in rental CPI is important for several reasons. Landlords may use it as a benchmark for adjusting rental rates. Tenants can use it to assess the reasonableness of rent increases. Economists and policymakers track it as an indicator of inflation and housing affordability. Historically, changes in the CPI for rent have reflected broader economic trends, such as periods of economic expansion or recession, shifts in population density, and changes in housing supply.