Consumer prices dip in LV

      The cost of living in Las Vegas dipped a modest 0.1 percent in April, but the local inflation rate of 5.3 percent continues to outpace the national rate of 2.9 percent, according to a report released Thursday.
      First Security Bank, which monitors consumer price changes in Las Vegas and other markets, attributed the overall monthly decline to lower prices for clothing, groceries, health care, utilities and housing.
      "April's decline in the Las Vegas area cost of living was the third drop measured in the last five months," said Kelly Matthew's executive vice president and chief economist of First Security Corp., the Salt Lake City-based parent of the bank.
      The sharpest monthly decline -- 0.7 percent -- was registered for clothing costs. The bank said women's and men's apparel were cheaper in April.
      The largest increase -- also 0.7 percent -- was reported for transportation costs. Lower prices for gasoline, following four previous months of increases, were offset by a second month of higher automobile maintenance costs and a fourth consecutive month of higher auto insurance premiums, the bank said.
      Grocery prices dipped 0.6 percent following five consecutive months of price increases, the bank said. Overall, produce and meat prices were higher in April, while shelf items and beverage prices were lower.
      The bank said turkey prices dropped 8.7 percent in April; pork costs decreased 2.6 percent; chicken prices rose 4 percent.
      The bank reported the following grocery price increases in April: Ice cream, 8.3 percent; soups, 7.6 percent and canned fruit, 3 percent. The price declines included: cheese, 23.8 percent; cereal, 12.5 percent; canned beans, 11.2 percent; crackers, 7.1 percent; cooking oil, 6.1 percent; coffee, 5 percent; eggs, 0.9 percent; and candy, 0.8 percent.
      Health care and utility costs both declined 0.4 percent last month, according to the bank's research. It reported a second consecutive month of lower prices for nonprescription medications. Also, dental care costs declined.
      Las Vegas housing costs dropped 0.2 percent in April, primarily because of lower homeowner insurance premiums, the bank noted.
      Restaurant prices were unchanged in April. Miscellaneous expenses rose 0.1 percent, the bank said.