Inflation Makes These Things Pricier In CA: Current Costs

CALIFORNIA — Anyone who’s been to a Golden State 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.

Here's how prices increased across some areas of California:

San Francisco Bay Area

- Proteins like meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 10.7 percent.

- Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items are up almost 8 percent.

- Dairy and related products cost about 7.1 percent more.

Los Angeles County

- Proteins like meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 8.7 percent.

- Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items are up 11.4 percent.

- Dairy and related products cost about 5.5 percent more.

San Diego County

- Proteins like meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 9.2 percent.

- Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items are up 4.2 percent.

- Dairy and related products cost about 1 percent more.

Riverside County

- Proteins like meat, fish, poultry and eggs are up 11.7 percent.

- Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items are up 4.3 percent.

- Dairy and related products costs are down 6 percent.

But within those categories are steeper increases nationally. Dairy or milk products, for example, costs about 11.2 percent more. In that region, 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 California residents paid for a gallon of gas increased to 5.86 per gallon Monday, according to AAA. And Californians are paying more for gas than any other state.

Other energy costs also increased. The cost to heat homes with natural gas increased almost 24 percent, and electricity increased about 9 percent. Almost everything else increased, too.

New cars and trucks cost about 12 percent more. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle? Prepare to pay about 41 percent more. Tires cost about 15 percent more. Oil costs about 13 percent more.

The cost of women’s clothing 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.

As the pandemic fueled fear and angst, airlines and travel industries suffered from a lack of income.

John Horn, professor of Economics at Olin Business school, said, "…as the economy is recovering from COVID and the shutdown, there has been an increase in demand for things people weren't buying over the last year due to uncertainty about job future or lack of opportunity - like travel and dining out. As demand increases, so do prices. That's one driver."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.