Consumer prices in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area were unchanged in July, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report noted that food prices increased by 0.8 percent and energy prices rose by 0.5 percent during the month, while the index for all items excluding food and energy decreased slightly by 0.1 percent.
Acting Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi stated, “July prices increased for food (+0.8 percent) and energy (+0.5 percent), while the all items less food and energy index ticked down 0.1 percent.”
Over the past year, consumer prices in the region increased by 3.2 percent overall, with core inflation (all items less food and energy) rising 3.1 percent since July of last year. Food costs went up by 3.4 percent year-over-year, while energy costs climbed 3.9 percent.
Grocery store purchases saw a price increase of 1.1 percent in July, with higher costs recorded across all six major grocery categories, including fresh vegetables and carbonated drinks. Prices for eating out rose modestly at 0.2 percent over the month.
Gasoline prices rose slightly in July but have fallen by 11.4 percent compared to one year ago.
The apparel category experienced a typical seasonal decrease of 1.3 percent in July, while medical care and recreation both declined by 0.6 percent each during the same period; airline fares also dropped.
Shelter costs remained flat for the month; however, owners’ equivalent rent edged up by 0.2 percent and rent of primary residence increased by 0.3 percent.
Education and communication costs rose by 0.4 percent in July, as did other goods and services which went up by 1.3 percent.
Year-over-year figures show shelter prices increasing by four percent—including a rise of more than four percent each for owners’ equivalent rent and primary residence rents—while education-related expenses grew notably due to higher tuition fees.
The next Consumer Price Index release for this metropolitan area is scheduled for September 11, 2025 at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time.
According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, local CPI indexes are more volatile than national or regional indexes because they are based on smaller sample sizes and are not adjusted for seasonal influences (https://www.bls.gov/cpi/). These local-area indexes measure average changes in prices over time within an area but do not compare price levels between different cities.
The New York-Newark-Jersey City Core Based Statistical Area includes several counties across New York State, New Jersey, and Pike County in Pennsylvania.
