An index number provides a simple way to compare measurements made at different
times or in different places. The Cost of Living Index (COLI) is an index number used to
compare expenses from one town or geographic region to another. It is based on housing,
utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services;
100 represents the national average. The data sets below include the COLI, rounded to the
nearest whole number, of four samples of six cities grouped by geographic region. Which
region has the least variation or spread? Cost of Living Index Numbers (COLI)
Northeast 119, 82, 101, 100, 75, 73
Midwest 77, 79, 67, 72, 58, 65
West 96, 64, 80, 73, 64, 66
South 75, 78, 76, 71, 70, 65
Answer A: Northeast
Answer B: Midwest
Answer C: West
Answer D: South