Americans share their thoughts on changes in prices

Business Insider reached out to readers to understand how everyday costs have shifted recently. Many respondents reported higher prices for groceries and dining out, with some admitting theyve cut back on eating out entirely. With official inflation data delayed due to the government shutdown, the outlet sought direct input from consumers to gauge real-world impacts.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics usually collects data from roughly 80,000 items each month to track changes in food, clothing, and other consumer goods. However, the October consumer price index survey was canceled because of the shutdown, and Novembers data release was postponed from December 10 to December 18. In light of this gap, Business Insider asked Americans for their own observations.

Between November 10 and November 13, about 200 readers responded to a survey covering 10 categories of everyday expenses. While this informal survey does not match the rigor of official BLS data, it provides a snapshot of how consumers perceive price trends.

Respondents frequently noted rising costs for groceries and dining out. Meat prices were singled out by multiple readers, and coffee prices appeared to climb faster than alcohol. Gasoline was more variable, and fewer people noticed increases in rent.

Jeni Garcin, a survey participant, mentioned that she and her husband have seen higher prices for tires, coffee, and other essentials. Despite being careful with spending, she acknowledged paying more for coffee as a small indulgence while choosing cheaper options for dining out.

Other readers emphasized that grocery shopping has become noticeably more expensive. Some are skipping treats or hunting for special deals, while coupons no longer offset price hikes. Sarah DeVellis Adams highlighted that meat and processed food prices have increased, forcing her family to adjust their grocery budget as dining out has become less affordable.

Pet owners also reported higher spending on pet food, sometimes in double-digit percentages, although official CPI data showed more modest increases. Two-thirds of respondents noticed price changes in toiletries and personal care items, with some pointing out shrinkflation or declining product quality.

Additional price pressures mentioned by survey takers included entertainment, repairs, and insurance. Motor vehicle maintenance and repair costs remain higher compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Overall, Americans experiences reflect a tangible rise in everyday costs, influencing spending habits and reshaping household budgets while official inflation reports face delays.

Author: Jackson Miller