Here’s Where Inflation Is Hurting New Yorkers The Most

NEW YORK — Anyone who’s been to a New York 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 17 percent in the New York metropolitan region over the past year. Fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery items are up nearly 15 percent. Dairy and related products cost about 5.4 percent more.

But within those categories are steeper increases. 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.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs. The average cost New York residents paid for a gallon of gas is now $4.36 per gallon Tuesday, according to AAA.

Other energy costs have also increased. The cost to heat homes with natural gas increased almost 16.4 percent, but electricity decreased about 10 percent. Almost everything else increased, though.

New cars and trucks cost about 19 percent more. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle? Prepare to pay about 43 percent more. Tires cost about 15.4 percent more. Oil costs about 37.5 percent more.

The cost of women’s clothing is up 6 percent overall, but dresses alone cost almost 14 percent more. The cost to clothe babies and toddlers increased to more than 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 nearly 13 percent. Renting 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.

The Consumer Price Index increases were reported for the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA region, which includes the Hudson Valley and Long Island.