Inflation continues to overstay its welcome. However, it did slow down some.
The Consumer Price Index report came out recently, with headline CPI only rising 0.2%. Year-over-year inflation is up 2.3%.
However, the latest CPI data doesn't show the impact of tariffs. Therefore, this could be temporary good news.
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Using recent CPI reports, WalletHub released a story showing which cities inflationary changes hit the hardest.
To come up with this study, WalletHub examined 23 metro areas, calculating how the CPI changes from two months and one year ago impacted the prices consumers in these areas are paying.
The 10 cities inflation changes impacted the most
Here are the 10 cities where inflation has hit residents the most:
Overall Rank | MSA | Total Score | Consumer Price Index Change (Latest month vs 2 months before) | Consumer Price Index Change (Latest month vs 1 year ago) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 87.5 | 1.20% | 3.00% |
2 | San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 86.11 | 0.80% | 3.80% |
3 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 78.13 | 0.50% | 3.90% |
3 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 78.13 | 0.90% | 3.00% |
5 | St. Louis, MO-IL | 76.39 | 1.20% | 2.20% |
6 | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 74.31 | 1.00% | 2.50% |
7 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 67.01 | 0.50% | 3.10% |
8 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 66.67 | 0.80% | 2.40% |
9 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 64.24 | 0.50% | 2.90% |
10 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 59.38 | 0.70% | 2.10% |
Factors influencing inflation
The CPI report sheds some light on where things are going, and for the short term, it indicates a cooling. That said, these numbers don't factor in the impacts of tariffs. And many people are still feeling the pinch of higher prices.
Inflation's culprits are the usual suspects: Rising costs in insurance, energy, shelter, food and fuel continue to snowball consumers' budgets. Add in tariffs from president Donald Trump, and it could be a recipe for growing inflation.
Shielding against inflationary measures
The CPI report shows inflation slowed some. However, since it didn't factor in the impact of tariffs yet, it's anyone's guess where the numbers go in the future. It also gives you some time to protect your money against rising costs.
One thing to watch is whether the Fed cuts interest rates soon. Before, it was likely they wouldn't, but with inflation data showing a cooling period, CME FedWatch predicts rate cuts might happen again, as early as June.
While high-yield savings accounts have dipped some, you can still earn a rate above 4% if you get this done soon. Here are some of the top choices:
A high-yield savings account is only one solution. If you really want to outpace inflation with your earnings, the best option continues to be investments, as historically, they earn a much higher rate of return.
One of our top online brokers is Fidelity. They offer free advice to newer investors with a portfolio of less than $25,000. If you have a portfolio exceeding this amount, you'll have access to a live agent for a fee of 0.35% of your assets.
And with prices rising slightly quicker than anticipated, having the right budgeting app can ensure you're maximizing your savings and investment goals, while curtailing spending that isn't helping you reach them.
The bottom line
The CPI report shows inflation is slowing down, at least for now. And the WalletHub reports shows where inflation changes have the most impact.
Whether you live in one of these areas or not, having a plan in place now can help you find solutions that outpace inflation.
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