Per-capita disposable income for Beijing's urban residents surged by 12.5 percent year on year to reach 13,166.8 yuan (approximately US$1,600) in the first three quarters this year, the latest statistics have shown.

Figures from the municipal statistics bureau show that the per capita salary reached 10,160.2 yuan (US$1,254) in the three-quarter period, up 17.6 percent over last year's same period, and accounting for 69.9 percent of household's total earnings.

With income rising, Beijingers have spent more on food, clothing, telecommunications, medical care, household durable goods, education and cultural activities. The per capita expenses grew by eight percent year on year to reach 9,824.6 yuan (US$1,200) in the first nine months.

Meanwhile, spending on housing dropped by 7.1 percent year on year owing to a cut in growth speed for expenses in housing purchase or home construction.

But per capital personal income taxes rose 28.3 percent year on year to reach 211.5 yuan (US$26.1) in the three-quarter period.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2005)