As a result of rapid and steady economic development, the per capita disposable income of Beijingers surged 11.4 percent year-on-year to reach 13,882.6 yuan(1,78.6 US dollars) last year, the latest statistics have shown.

With their income rising, local residents' living expenses roseby 8.2 percent year-on-year to hit 11,123.8 yuan (1,345 US dollars)last year.

According to the city statistics bureau, local residents spent more on communications, personal consumer goods and durable goods,but expenses on foods, medical care and recreation dropped slightly.

Beijing residents' expenses on education have increased gradually, reaching 971 yuan per capita last year, up 10.3 percentover the previous year.

(People's Daily February 16, 2004)