NYC Inflation Rises As Prices Cool Nationally

NEW YORK CITY — It's not just the rent.

Prices in the New York City area are rising this year, even while inflation is cooling nationwide, according to U.S. Department of Labor data.

Consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in April, and 3.8 percent over the past year, data released Wednesday showed.

Nationally, consumer prices rose 0.3 percent in April and dropped to 3.4 percent year-over-year, data showed.

"Regional Commissioner William J. Sibley attributed the April increase primarily to higher prices for shelter and food," the New York City-area study states.

President Joe Biden, in a statement, argued the economy under his watch has made progress on inflation.

Inflation is down more than 60 percent from its peak, and core inflation is at its lowest level in three years, he said.

But "prices are still too high," he acknowledged.

The New York City area — which includes all five boroughs, Newark and Jersey City — saw energy prices and food prices rise 8 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively, over the past year, according to the analysis.