Clothes, Groceries, Cars, Housing All Getting Pricier In Illinois

ILLINOIS — Anyone who’s been to an Illinois grocery store recently knows the pinch of a 7.9 percent jump in inflation, the sharpest consumer price index spike since 1982.

The price of food increased on pace with inflation, costing Americans 7.9 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 nearly 14 percent in Illinois. Fruits and vegetables are up 15.5 percent, while cereals and bakery items are up more than 2 percent. Dairy and related products cost about 3.7 percent more.

But within those categories are steeper increases. Milk, for example, costs about 11 percent more nationally. A beef roast costs about 19 percent more and a steak 17 percent more. Citrus fruits cost about 16 percent more. Roasted coffee is up 11 percent. Eggs increased 8 percent.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs. The average cost Illinois residents paid for a gallon of gas was at $4.61 in the Chicago area on Tuesday, according to AAA. Overall, gasoline costs have increased 37.4 percent in Illinois compared with last year.

But the actual gas price on Tuesday was a five-cent decrease compared with a week ago, showing that the huge increases seen in recent weeks may be beginning to slowly taper off.

Other energy costs also increased. The cost to heat homes with natural gas increased 36 percent in Illinois, and electricity increased about 13 percent. Almost everything else increased, too.

New cars and trucks cost about 11 percent more in Illinois. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle in the Land of Lincoln? Prepare to pay about 42 percent more. Nationally, tires cost about 15 percent more, while oil costs about 13 percent more.

Want to indulge a cocktail? Alcoholic beverages now cost about 2.6 percent more in Illinois. Dining out is also about 5.7 percent more expensive.

Even housing costs went up about 4.4 percent in Illinois, with rent going up 3.5 percent for most Illinoisans.

In Illinois, clothing costs increased about 9 percent since last year. Nationally, the cost of women’s clothing went up 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 a 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.