The Nation - News from June 22, 1986

Americans believe it now takes at least $349 per week for a husband, wife and two children to make ends meet. This is the highest figure recorded in Gallup surveys since 1937 and represents a 15% increase over last year’s estimate of $302. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, living costs rose only 2.3% in the 12 months ending in March. Paul K. Perry, president and chief statistician emeritus of the Gallup Organization, said that from 1982 through 1985 the public’s perception of living costs lagged the CPI. Thus, this year’s poll may represent the public’s perceptions “catching up” with the CPI.