Here’s Where Inflation Is Hurting Phoenix Area Residents The Most

PHOENIX, AZ — Anyone who’s been to a grocery store in the Valley recently knows the pinch of a 10.9 percent jump in inflation, the sharpest consumer price index spike since 1982.

The price of food increased in Phoenix slightly less than inflation, costing Phoenicians 8.2 percent more last month than in February 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent report on consumer price index increases. The report is a cautionary tale, showing a steady increase in inflation since last fall.

Proteins like meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 16.2 percent. Fruits and vegetables are up 13 percent and cereals and other bakery products are up 5.5 percent. Dairy and related products cost about 6.5 percent more.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs. The average cost Phoenix residents paid for a gallon of gas increased slightly to $4.63 per gallon Wednesday, according to AAA. That's just a few tenths of a cent less than the record for Phoenix at almost $4.64, set on March 14.

Other energy costs also increased. In the Valley, the cost to heat homes with natural gas increased about 17 percent, and electricity increased almost 13 percent. Almost everything else increased, too.

Nationwide, new cars and trucks cost about 12 percent more. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle in Phoenix? Prepare to pay about 38 percent more. Nationally, tires cost about 15 percent more. Oil costs about 13 percent more.

Across the U.S., the cost of women’s clothing increased 6 percent overall, but dresses alone cost almost 14 percent more. The cost to clothe babies and toddlers increased 12 percent, and it costs more than 10 percent more to buy shoes for the kids.

The cost of vacation also is increasing. Airline fares are up about 12 percent. Leasing a car? That’ll cost 24 percent more. Hotels cost about 29 percent more. If you’re planning to attend a major sporting event, expect to pay about 21 percent more.