Six prices that are rising faster in D-FW than the U.S. average

Dallas-Fort Worth’s inflation continues to be higher than the U.S. and increased to 9.4% in July even though U.S. inflation declined to 8.5%, according to the Labor Department’s Wednesday report. All the changes in the consumer price index are from July a year ago.

1. The biggest difference was in electricity rates, which were up 15.2% in the U.S. but were a whopping 47.3% higher in Texas. Higher electricity rates are hitting consumers as they renew their contracts with electricity providers. Also, home and apartments are using more electricity to run their air conditioners thanks to a streak of 100-degree days.

2. Speaking of renewing contracts, many renters are dreading it. Rent was up an average of 6.3% in the U.S. and 9.2% in D-FW.

3. Prices for fruits and vegetables were up 12.7% in D-FW and 9.3% in the U.S.

4. The broad category of meat, poultry, fish and eggs was 15.9% higher than last year in D-FW but up a smaller 10.9% in the U.S.

5. Non-alcoholic beverages — everything from bottled water to juices and sodas — increased 18.4% in D-FW vs. 13.8% in the U.S.

6. Even restaurant prices went up faster here: They were up 10% in D-FW vs. 7.6% higher in the U.S.

Twitter: @MariaHalkias

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