Groceries, Clothing, Vacations All Getting Pricier In Ohio

OHIO — Ohioans, along with residents across the nation, have seen the sharpest consumer price index spike since 1982.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs. The average cost Ohio residents paid for a gallon of gas increased to 4.01 per gallon Friday, according to AAA.

Other energy costs also increased in Ohio. The cost to heat homes with natural gas increased almost 32 percent, and electricity increased about 6 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent report on consumer price index increases. Almost everything else increased, too.

The price of food increased on pace with inflation, costing Americans 7.9 percent more last month than in February 2021, according to the index. The report is a cautionary tale, showing a steady increase in inflation since last fall.

Proteins like meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 14.9 percent in the Midwest Region, which includes Ohio. Fruits and vegetables are up 10.7 percent, and cereals and bakery items are up almost 7.5 percent. Dairy and related products cost 5.3 percent more.

But within those categories are steeper increases, according to data on national prices. Milk, for example, costs about 11 percent more. 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.

New cars and trucks cost 13.4 percent more in Ohio. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle? Prepare to pay about 42 percent more.

The cost of clothing is up nearly 4 percent overall in Ohio, but according to national data, 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 across the nation. 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.