Key takeaways

• Inflation held at 2.4% year over year in February, matching January’s pace.
• Grocery prices rose 0.4% in February, while food away from home rose 0.3%.
• Housing costs continued to moderate, with rent seeing its smallest monthly increase since January 2021.

U.S. inflation appeared to be running on a relatively steady track in February. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that consumer prices rose 2.4% over the past 12 months, matching the pace from January.¹

On a monthly basis, prices climbed a modest 0.3% in February, a slight acceleration from January’s 0.2% increase.²

Overall food prices rose 3.1% year over year in February, outpacing the 2.4% annual increase in overall consumer prices. Food-at-home prices increased 0.4% monthly for grocery shoppers, while food-away-from-home prices edged up 0.3% for those dining out or getting takeout.³

Grocery inflation isn’t an across-the-board trend. Egg prices had another sizeable 3.8% monthly price decline in the February CPI and are 42% less expensive on a yearly basis. Butter prices fell 2.6% monthly and have dropped 7.6% annually.  

But price gains in other concentrated food categories — like meats, coffee, and canned goods — can make grocery bills feel higher. Here are a few highlights from the latest data:⁴

Coffee is still rising:

• Roasted coffee: up 16.9% yearly, 1.7% monthly
• Instant coffee: up 27% yearly, 2.2% monthly

Meats and fish climbing:

• Beef and veal: up 14.4% yearly, 1.5% monthly
• Uncooked beef steaks: up 16.3% yearly, 3.7% monthly
• Uncooked turkey: up 8.9% yearly, 4.5% monthly
• Fish and seafood: up 5.1% yearly, 0.2% monthly

Produce pain points:

• Lettuce: up 15.3% yearly, 12.2% monthly
• Bananas: up 6.1% yearly, 0.6% monthly
• Canned fruits and vegetables: up 6.3% yearly, 0.6% monthly

Read more: ‘Cool’ produce: Healthier habits propel fruit and vegetable sales

Housing and car costs cool

Housing costs, which represent about one-third of the value of the goods and services tracked in the CPI, continued to moderate, with a 0.2% rise in February and a 3% gain year over year.⁵ 

The index for rent increased 0.1% in February, the smallest 1-month increase in that category since January 2021.⁶

For those looking to buy a car, the price of used vehicles and trucks fell another 0.4% in February, following a 1.8% decline the previous month. Used vehicles prices are down 3.2% annually, while new vehicle cars are up 0.5% annually after flat prices in February^.7

Gas prices were up 0.8% in February yet were still down 5.6% for the past 12 months. However, the latest CPI data doesn’t reflect the recent Middle East conflict and its impact on oil prices.⁸

Read more: Rent vs. buy in 2026: Which is cheaper in today’s housing market?

Airlines and apparel rise

Those looking for a spring getaway might take note of airfare prices, which rose 1.4% in February.⁹ That follows a large 6.5% gain in January.

The index for apparel also increased 1.3% in February, led by jewelry and watches (5.5% monthly) women’s dresses (4.2% monthly), and kids’ footwear (2.8% monthly).¹⁰

In contrast, prices for personal care products — including everyday essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, skincare items, and cosmetics — continued to ease. The personal care index was essentially flat for February and is up 1.7% yearly, below the overall inflation rate.¹¹ 

Read more: Dupe vacations can save cost-conscious consumers nearly $2.3K on average