PRICEY AT THE TOP

It has never taken more bacon to stay high on the hog, according to ForbesÕ annual Cost of Living Extremely Well Index (CLEWI), which has tracked a basket of 40 ultra-luxe goods—private schools, fancy food, haute couture—since 1982. Over the past year, CLEWI rose 2%, more than triple the 0.6% rise in the Consumer Price Index. GOOD: A Sikorsky S-76D helicopter ($16 million) is 9% cheaper than a year ago. BAD: The Gucci Horsebit leather loafers ($750) you’ll wear in the cockpit are 9% costlier. No sweat for The Forbes 400 jet set, though: Their aggregate wealth is up 8% over the last 12 months. For the full luxurious picture, please visit forbes.com.