CA Inflation Hits Another High: How Golden State Is Feeling It

WASHINGTON — Consumer prices spiked 6.8 percent over the last 12 months, and Americans haven't seen inflation like that since "Dallas" and "The Jeffersons" were the most-watched shows on TV.

The highest inflation rate in nearly 40 years means widespread sticker shock for a whole new generation of Americans.

Prices increased across the board, but a handful of sectors affected by pandemic-related supply chain issues — gas, used and new cars and food — remained the major contributors to the increased rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gas prices nationwide have surged just over 58 percent, and food prices were up 6.1 percent in November compared with the same month in 2020, data released this month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed.

Prices rose 0.8 percent from October to November — a substantial increase, though slightly less than the 0.9 percent increase from September to October, the Labor Department reported Friday

Some economists holding out hope that inflation will peak in the coming months and gradually ease and provide some relief for consumers. Supply shortages in some industries have begun to gradually ease, they said. Higher energy costs will continue to burden consumers in the coming months, but Americans will likely be spared from earlier forecasts that energy prices would reach record highs over the winter.

Price increases vary by region. As the saying goes, "Everything by the beach costs more than everything not by the beach." In other words, Golden State residents tend to bear the brunt of spiking prices.

The most recently available data showed how much more consumers in California are paying for goods and services.

SEE ALSO: Why U.S. Inflation Is So High, And When It May Ease: Explainer

Here’s a look at where prices stood in October in California.

Prices around the greater Los Angeles area were 6 percent higher in November than they were during the same month a year earlier. Food prices were 6.9 percent higher. Energy prices were up 34.8 percent. The index for all items excluding food and energy was 3.6 percent higher.

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In the Bay Area, prices were up 3.8 percent in October compared with the same month in 2020. Food prices were up 5.6 percent. Energy prices spiked 25 percent. The index for all items excluding food and energy was 2.4 percent higher.

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Here’s a breakdown of how much more California residents are paying for everyday items.

Food And Beverages

Prices were 7.7 percent higher year over year in the Los Angeles area. Prices for groceries were up 2.5 percent for nonalcoholic beverages and a whopping 10.5 percent increase for other food items. Prices for dining out were 6.1 percent higher.

In the Bay Area, food prices were 5.6 percent higher year over year. Groceries were 7.1 percent more expensive. Contributing to the increase: higher prices for meat, poultry, fish and eggs (up 13.6 percent). Prices for dining out were 4.1 percent higher.

Gasoline

Prices for gasoline around Los Angeles were up nearly 46.8 percent year over year. Prices for electricity were up 15.5 percent.

Around the Bay Area, gas prices were 39.5 percent higher year over year. Prices for electricity were up 9.1 percent.

The Associated Press and Patch Editor Lucos Combos contributed to this report.