Here’s Where Inflation Is Hurting Georgia Residents The Most

GEORGIA — Anyone who’s been to a Georgia 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 Georgians 6.8 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 9.6 percent in Georgia. Fruits and vegetables are up 5 percent, while cereals and bakery items are up 1.7 percent. Dairy and related products cost less than 1 percent more.

But within those categories are steeper increases across America. 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.

Grabbing a bite to eat from a local restaurant or fast food chain is also more expensive in our state. The cost of food away from home rose 7.6 percent in the last year, according to the BLS statistics. Alcohol is also pricier, rising 3.1 percent in cost. Nonalcoholic drinks and drink materials are up 9.2 percent.

Much of the focus on inflation has been on rising fuel costs. The average cost Georgia residents paid for a gallon of gas decreased to $4.07 per gallon Tuesday compared to the $4.24 average nationally, according to AAA; however, gas prices have risen an average of 40 percent in the last 12 months.

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

New cars and trucks cost about 30.7 percent more in our state. But if you’re planning to buy a used vehicle? Prepare to pay about 41.4 percent more.

The cost of women’s clothing 6 percent overall across the country, 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 in the U.S. 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.