Phoenix area is seeing the highest inflation in the nation

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Everyone is seeing higher prices due to inflation but Phoenix is getting the worst of it. New numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Wednesday show the Valley of the Sun’s prices were 11% higher in April compared to April 2021. The Atlanta area was second at 10.8% with no other major cities in double digits. On the national level, the inflation rate was 8.3% in April, which is slightly lower compared to 8.5% in March. It was the first time inflation had slowed down since August.

Some experts believed that inflation would drop nationwide by a higher margin. But several things are keeping inflation high. The cost of milk is up 14.7%, while coffee is up 13.5%. Food isn’t the only good that’s gone up in price nationally. Airfare has increased by 33%, used cars are up 13%, and window coverings have increased to 25%. All the drivers are feeling the pain at the pump, with gas prices up nearly 44%.

Many customers feel the dent in their pockets after a trip to the grocery store. “It’s always sticker shock when I leave the store; I always say, ‘Wow, I just spent that much?’” David Bellino said. “Produce is a little higher, dairy products, meat.”

Bellino, along with others, says they have been forced to shop around to get the best deal. “I have to shop at several different grocery stores just to stay within the budget that I have,” Daniel Hyatt said.

In the United States, inflation increased 8.3% from a year ago, but it increased 11% in Phoenix. “I feel like the cost of living here in Arizona has been average or below average; yeah, that is shocking to hear,” said Shaun McDonald.

Many, like McDonald, are being cautious about increasing prices. “I feel like I do kind of look at prices a little more carefully now and do a lot of comparing shopping now at the same time, so if I find something a little bit cheaper, I’m definitely going to buy it,” McDonald said.

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