Prices on the Rise

You know prices have been rising. Now you have the statistics to prove it.

The consumer price index in San Diego County rose by 2.3 percent through June, and climbed 3.4 percent over the past year, according to data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Higher prices for gasoline and food contributed to the increase,
regional bureau Commissioner Richard Holden said.

Over the past year, energy costs took a big leap, rising 17.8 percent, according to the data. Take out energy and food and the annual climb in prices in the San Diego region was just 1.8 percent.

BLS figures show that regional inflation numbers are the highest since 2008.

In the first six months the year, the cost of clothing climbed 4.4
percent, education and communication went up 1.9 percent and recreation increased 1.3 percent.

The CPI is based on prices of food, clothing, shelter, fuel, medical services, transportation fares, drugs and other goods and services that people buy for day-to-day living, according to the BLS.

Prices are collected monthly from 87 urban areas across the country; the data includes:

• About 4,000 housing units.
• About 25,000 businesses providing goods and services, including department stores, supermarkets, hospitals and filling stations.
• Taxes associated with the purchase and use of items.

City News Service contributed to this report.