Editorial & Data Verification Policy

At US Cost of Living Index, we hold our data research, calculation tools, and economic copy to high standards of accuracy, transparency, and independence.

1. Zero Fabrication Policy

We never invent, fabricate, or hallucinate prices, tax brackets, school ratings, or location demographics. If a metric cannot be verified via public federal, state, or municipal records, we explicitly indicate uncertainty or omit the metric.

2. AI Development & Quality Control Rule

Artificial intelligence tools may be utilized for data processing, script generation, and structured layout formatting. However, no automatically generated copy is published without strict human editorial review, schema validation, and numerical accuracy checks against primary government datasets.

3. Audit & Update Frequency

Consumer Price Indices (CPI) and fuel price indicators are updated monthly. State income tax brackets and municipal sales tax rates are reviewed quarterly. Population and census demographic data are updated annually upon official release.