Valdosta, GA- A new study done by the VSU Center for Business and Economic Research shows that the cost of living increased by 1.4 percent in the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same time last year.

Valdosta’s cost of living is slightly higher than the Georgia state average, with residents required to spend about 97.3 cents for each dollar required to maintain the living standards of the average U.S. household. Among Georgia metro areas and cities surveyed, Marietta has the highest cost of living, Valdosta ranked second and Atlanta ranked third in the first quarter 2013 Cost of Living Index.

At this time last year, Valdosta ranked as the 174th most expensive metro area to live (out of 306 nationwide). This year, Valdosta soared into the top half, coming in as the 112th most expensive place to live in the country.

The survey takes into account grocery, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs. A table of how Valdosta fared amongst other metro areas in Georgia is below.