Study Shows Women’s Products Cost More Than Men’s – CBS Local

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NEW YORK (CBS11) – A new study released by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs concluded that women on average are charged 7% more than men in numerous categories of consumer products.

The study, "From Cradle to Cane: The Cost of Being a Female Consumer," broke down price differences in New York City between more than 800 personal care items, clothing, toys, and senior products for men and women. The study also concluded that women's products were priced higher 42 percent of the time.

The figures mean that throughout a woman's life, she will pay thousands of dollars more than a man to buy similar products, the study said.

CBS 11's Consumer Justice reporter Cristin Severance talked to consumers in North Texas about the findings.

"I don't think it's fair if it's just about the same product, no," said Mark Nelson.

The higher prices for women are also known as the "woman tax" or "pink tax."

For one example, children's Polo shirts for boys and girls look almost identical. But the girls' top costs $ 7.77, the boys' $ 5.47.

Women's jeans of the same brand cost $ 88, compared with $ 68 for the men's.

"Same material, same make and everything? Why aren't we paying the same as them," asked Charletta Choice in Hurst.

Consumer Affairs also found discrepancies in several other product categories a toy guitar with a boy's face on it cost $ 34.99, while a Disney princess guitar cost $ 43.99.

Meanwhile, a scooter marketed to girls was priced at $ 49, while the same scooter painted red was $ 24. And a pink bicycle was $ 149, while a green one was $ 129.

"We really saw this time and time again," said Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Julie Menin.

The biggest price discrepancies were in personal care products such as shampoos and conditioners. A deodorant marketed toward women cost the same as the men's, but the men's was a larger stick.

"I don't buy women's razors because they expensive," said shopper Lindsay Vest.

"We sent letters to the CFEOs all of the manufacturers asking them to change this pricing," Menin said.

With the knowledge about the discrepancies in hand, Menin hopes consumers will be a little savvier.

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