Here’s Where Inflation Is Hurting Tucson Residents The Most

ARIZONA — Anyone who’s been to a Tucson grocery store recently knows the pinch of an 8.1 percent jump in inflation in the western region of the United States, the sharpest consumer price index spike since 1982. The increase across the nation was slightly lower, at 7.9 percent.

The price of food increased on pace with inflation, costing those in the western region of the U.S. 8.1 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 12.8 percent. Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items are up almost 9 percent. Dairy and related products cost 5.4 percent more.

But within those categories are steeper increases. Milk, for example, costs about 11 percent more.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs. The average cost Tucson residents paid for a gallon of gas decreased slightly to 4.49 per gallon Wednesday, down around 1 cent from a week ago according to AAA.

Other energy costs also increased. The the West, the cost to heat homes with natural gas increased almost 27 percent, and electricity increased about 10 percent. Almost everything else increased, too.

In the West, new cars and trucks cost about 12 percent more. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle? Prepare to pay about 40 percent more.

Nationwide, 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.