The price of a packet of cigarettes has more than tripled over the last 15 years, according to new research.

The cost of smoking has increased by more than any other commodity - rising 204% since 1989 on the Retail Price Index, according to the Halifax. Only personal services such as dentists' charges came close with an increase of 164%. But the price of electrical goods such as computers has fallen by 74% in the same period. Running a home The cost of such equipment has halved in the last five years while washing machines and fridges are now 20% cheaper than they were in 1989. The price of clothing, particularly women's, has dropped by 34% since then and children's clothing costs 20% less. In other areas, the price of going to the cinema or to a sporting event is up considerably, soaring by 157%. Beer also costs 94% more than it did back in 1989 and canteen meals have risen by 143%. Housing has seen large increases with the cost of running a home rising by 97% while repairs have soared by 147%. Water rates are 130% higher and council tax has increased by 102% over the last decade. Holidays abroad are up by 61% since 1989 and breaks in the UK have increased by 45%. According to the Halifax, the RPI has risen by 62% overall during the last 15 years and average earnings have increased by 106%. The cost of services overall was more than double the price of goods with an increase of 94% compared with 38% since 1989.

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