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 at 2.8%.
However, the latest CPI data doesn't show the impact of tariffs. Therefore, this could be temporary good news.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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 | San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 87.5 | 1.60% | 3.80% |
2 | Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 85.94 | 1.50% | 3.90% |
3 | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 79.69 | 1.80% | 2.90% |
4 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 78.13 | 1.30% | 3.80% |
4 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 78.13 | 1.10% | 4.20% |
6 | San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 76.56 | 1.80% | 2.70% |
7 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 75 | 1.70% | 2.80% |
7 | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 75 | 1.50% | 3.20% |
9 | Urban Honolulu, HI | 73.44 | 1.00% | 4.10% |
10 | Minneapolis-St.Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 71.88 | 1.50% | 3.00% |
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.
We recommend Quicken Simplifi. It's easy to use and can anticipate future cash flows, showing you where your money is going and identifying patterns you might need to alter to stay in line with savings goals. With prices becoming tighter, having a fresh perspective helps.
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.
Related content
-
Five Tips For Estate Planning in 2025We're almost halfway through the year. Is your estate in order? If not, here are some tips to get it done in 2025.
-
Is it Still a Good Idea to Give Savings Bonds as Gifts?Kiplinger editor explores if it's still a good idea to get savings bonds as gifts for children, looking at their returns and usability.
-
Is Giving Savings Bonds as Gifts Still a Good Idea?
Kiplinger editor explores if it's still a good idea to get savings bonds as gifts for children, looking at their returns and usability.
-
Get Mint Mobile Unlimited for $15 Monthly With This DealMint Mobile offers their unlimited plan for $15 per month for one year. Is the deal worth it?
-
Walmart Week 2025: Exclusive Perks and Deals for Walmart+ MembersWalmart+ Week runs April 28 –May 4 with fuel savings, free express delivery and six months of Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. See all the perks.
-
How to Make Changing Interest Rates Work for Your RetirementHigher (or lower) rates can be painful in some ways and helpful in others. The key is being prepared to take advantage of the situation.
-
Four Reasons It May Be Time to Shop for New InsuranceYou may be unhappy with your insurance for any number of reasons, so once you've decided to shop, what is appropriate (or inappropriate) timing?
-
Capital One and Discover’s $35.3B Merger Approved — Here’s What It Means for Your WalletThe Capital One Discover merger reshapes the credit card landscape and could impact your credit card rewards, interest rates and card perks.
-
How to Put Together Your Personal Net Worth StatementNow that tax season is over for most of us, it's the perfect time to organize your assets and liabilities to assess your financial wellness.
-
Bouncing Back: New Tunes for Millennials Trying to Make ItAdele's mournful melodies kick off this generation's financial playlist, but with the right plan, Millennials can finish strong.
