See How NYC Prices Rose As U.S. Inflation Hits 40-Year High

NEW YORK CITY — The cost of day-to-day life in New York City is never cheap in the best of times. But this year, prices at the city's grocery stores and gas pumps soared — although not as much as across the nation.

Prices overall in the New York City area rose 5 percent over the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Energy and food costs drove much of that increase, data shows.

"Energy prices jumped 27.6 percent, driven by gasoline price increases," the Bureau of Labor Statistics' November consumer price index report stated. "Food prices rose 6.5 percent."

The price increases aren't necessarily a surprise — inflation hit a 40-year-high over the year.

Data released this month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show gas prices nationwide have surged just over 58 percent and food prices are up 6.1 percent in November over the past year.

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

Inflation has been a worldwide problem as nations deal with continued shocks from the coronavirus pandemic. But some economists said the United States' higher inflation rate than Europe could be pinned on a flood of government spending, including a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, according to the Associated Press.

Megan Greene, chief economist at the Kroll Institute, told the Association Press that inflation will eventually return to something closer to normal.

"I think it will be 'transitory','' she said. "But economists have to be very honest about defining transitory, and I think this could last another year easily.''

Here's a breakdown of how the New York City's areas prices changed over the year:

Food

Meat, poultry, fish and eggs saw the biggest increase of any food category, with prices jumping 14.7 percent over the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials rose 8.6 percent — the second-biggest increase.

Alcoholic beverages only increased 2.9 percent in price.

Gas

A sizable percentage of New York City dwellers don't drive, but they've no doubt heard their car-owning friends gripe about gas prices.

Gasoline prices overall rose 58.1 percent this year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

New car prices also rose 16 percent, while the cost of clunkers and other used cars and trucks increased 31.8 percent.

Housing

Overall housing costs increased 2.7 percent in the past year.

Household energy costs rose more dramatically — 10.6 percent overall and 14.9 percent for gas utilities.

See more information about how the New York City area's prices changed here.