Price Indices and Regional Economic Analysis

How do we accurately compare economic growth across different regions when the cost of living varies so wildly? Understanding price indices is crucial for urban planners, regional economists, and policy analysts who need to make sense of real-world economic data. In this text-only course, you will learn how to construct, analyze, and apply price indices to measure regional cost-of-living differences and real economic growth. You will gain the foundational skills needed to interpret complex economic indicators and apply them to regional planning and development scenarios. What you'll learn: - Understand the core concepts of inflation, purchasing power, and price index construction - Calculate key indices including CPI, PPI, and spatial price indices for regional comparison - Analyze regional economic growth by adjusting nominal data to real values - Apply price indices to urban planning, housing market analysis, and public policy decisions - Explore modern methods for gathering and processing regional price data, including digital APIs You will begin by mastering essential terminology and foundational economic definitions before moving on to step-by-step index calculations and practical applications in regional development. This course is designed for beginners in urban planning, economics, public policy, or regional development, with no prior statistical experience required. Start reading today to master the economic metrics that shape regional policy and growth.