WASHINGTON (WOWO): New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the cost of living in the Midwest continued to rise faster than the national average in May.
According to the agency, consumer prices in the Midwest increased 5% over the previous year, compared with the national inflation rate of 4.2%.
The largest increase came at the gas pump, where gasoline prices were up 45% across the region from a year earlier. Higher costs for housing, energy and food also contributed to the overall rise in consumer prices.
Economists say the latest figures suggest many households continue to feel pressure from elevated everyday expenses despite efforts to slow inflation.
Rent and utility costs remained key drivers of higher living expenses, while grocery prices also continued to trend upward in many areas.
Analysts noted there were few immediate signs of relief in the latest report, indicating consumers may continue to face higher costs in the months ahead.
The Consumer Price Index, released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is one of the government’s primary measures of inflation and tracks changes in prices paid by consumers for a broad range of goods and services.
