The Cost of Living Among Wage-Earners: Fall River, Massachusetts, October, 1919, Research Report Number 22, November, 1919

"The Cost of Living Among Wage-Earners" by National Industrial Conference Board is a research report published in the early 20th century, specifically in November 1919. This book offers a detailed examination of the living costs experienced by wage-earning families in Fall River, Massachusetts, shortly after the First World War. It highlights the financial requirements for maintaining a household at various standards of living during a time of economic adjustment. In the report, the authors conduct a thorough analysis of the costs associated with essential expenses such as food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and miscellaneous sundries for a hypothetical family of five. The study presents estimated weekly and yearly expenditures required to uphold a minimum acceptable standard of living, as well as a more liberal standard that includes greater comfort. The findings reveal a significant increase in living costs over a five-year period, reflecting a 73% rise in overall expenses since 1914. The data serves as both a snapshot of post-war economic conditions and a valuable resource for understanding the financial pressures faced by working-class families during this transformative period.