What are “urban amenities,” and how are they becoming a cent…
What are “urban amenities,” and how are they becoming a central factor in the competition between cities? How does Glaeser use the idea of “real wages” as the somewhat counterintuitive basis for comparing the level of amenities offered by different cities? In answering this second question, use the data below to determine which city among the five, by Glaeser’s analysis, appears to offer the greatest amenities. Note: To calculate each metro area’s “real wages”, you need to divide its median family income by its cost-of-living index. For example, the cost-of-living-adjusted, “real” median income for Los Angeles in 2010 was $46,188. (=$63,000/1.364). Sources: a. HUD estimated Median Family Income, 2010; b. U.S. Census Cost of Living Index, 2010 Metro area (a)median family income (b)cost of living index Boston, MA $85,200 1.325 Detroit, MI $55,900 0.994 Fresno, CA $52,200 1.173 Portland, OR $71,200 1.113 Tulsa, OK $59,300 0.884