The Union Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has assessed that the cost of living in Bihar is comparatively lower than in other states. This assessment is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March, which includes a comparative study of 25 states.
The CPI provides details of the average price of daily use items for households, with a base year of 2012. In March, Bihar's combined CPI was 188.8, 3.2 points lower than the national average of 192. This means that goods and services that cost Rs 100 in Bihar in 2012 now cost Rs 188.80.
Across India, rural areas are generally less expensive than urban areas, and this trend holds true in Bihar as well. Bihar's rural CPI is 187.4, while the urban CPI is 197.2. A significant reason for this difference is the cost of food items, which are produced and more readily available in rural areas.
The CPI is determined based on 26 essential goods and services, including grains, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, oils, fruits, vegetables, pulses, sugar, spices, non-alcoholic beverages, food and beverages, pan and tobacco, clothing, footwear, housing, fuel, lighting, household goods and services, health, transport and communication, entertainment, education, personal care, and other miscellaneous items and services.
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