Key takeaways

• Gas prices jumped 5.4% on the month and 28.4% annually, leading gains.
• Grocery prices increased 0.7%, with staples like produce, beef, and coffee seeing notable jumps.
• Core inflation — minus food and energy — also increased 0.4% for April, higher than expected.

U.S. consumer prices climbed 3.8% in the 12 months through April 2026 — the fastest annual pace in nearly three years — according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.^1,2

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.6% in April, which follows a 0.9% increase in March.³ Much of the gain was driven by a 3.8% jump in the energy index, as gasoline prices climbed for the second straight month amid the war with Iran.⁴

Gas prices rose 5.4% in April and are up 28.4% from a year earlier, according the April CPI. Overall food prices also increased by 0.5% with grocery staples like meats and produce seeing notable gains.⁵

Not all categories moved higher. New vehicle prices fell 0.2%, while medical care edged down 0.1%, including a 0.3% decline in hospital services. Health insurance also dropped 0.4% on the month and 6.1% from a year ago.⁶

But core inflation, which strips out food and energy, rose 0.4% in April — slightly above expectations and a sign that underlying price pressures remain firm for U.S. consumers.⁷

Here’s a closer look at some key categories in the April CPI.

Produce, beef and coffee lead grocery gains

The 0.7% increase in the food-at-home index reversed a brief lull in March, with fresh produce leading the gains. Prices for fresh fruits and vegetables jumped 2.3% in April and are up 6.5% over the past year.⁸

Tomatoes — impacted by U.S. tariffs on Mexico — surged 15.1% in April and are nearly 40% more expensive than a year ago.⁹  Other notable annual CPI increases include lettuce (7.9%), citrus fruits (6.5%), and bananas (4%). Canned fruits and vegetables are also up 6.8% from a year ago.¹⁰

Protein costs also climbed. Beef and veal prices rose 2.7% in April and are up 14.8% over the past year, while fish and seafood increased 1.5% on the month and 6.2% annually. Egg prices have been a bright spot, down 39.2% from a year ago after a modest 1.5% gain in April.¹¹

Elsewhere, non-alcoholic beverages rose 1.1% in April and are up 5.1% over the past year, with increases in sodas and other carbonated drinks. Coffee remains a standout pressure point; prices rose 2% on the month and 18.5% from a year earlier.

Food away from home was comparatively more subdued in April, with restaurant and takeout prices rising 0.2% for the month.¹²

Read more: Protein is the new food powerhouse

Travel costs rise as summer season nears

Outside of food, some of the biggest CPI gains in April were tied to housing-related expenses and travel.

Shelter costs — which capture living expenses for both renters and homeowners — rose 0.6% in April and are up 3.3% on a yearly basis.  Electricity prices climbed 2.1% in April and 6.1% over the past 12 months. Water, sewer, and trash services rose 0.3% monthly and 4.7% annually.¹³

The price pinch is also impacting those looking to get away. Airline fares jumped another 2.8% in April and have risen 20.7% in the past year, as some carriers look to offset higher jet fuel costs.^14,15

Road travelers are seeing similar impacts. Along with higher gas prices — up 28.4% annually — vehicle maintenance and repair costs have climbed 5.1% over the past year.¹⁶

Lodging away from home — including hotels and short-term stays — also increased 2.4% in April. The category is up 4.6% from a year ago, adding to overall trip expenses.

Taken together, rising travel costs have pushed many Americans to alter their summer vacation plans, with some opting for shorter trips, alternative destinations, or more flexible timing to maximize their budgets.

Read more: Pay at the pump: Gas prices by state

Clothing and accessories

Elsewhere, the apparel index rose 0.6% in April and 4.2% over the past year. Women’s dresses are 6.7% higher annually, while men’s shirts and sweaters have climbed 7.7% during the same period.¹⁷

Children’s clothing has also become more expensive in the past 12 months, with girls’ apparel up 5.3% and children’s footwear rising 3.9%.

Rising prices for gold, silver, and other metals have pushed up the cost of accessories like watches and jewelry. Jewelry prices rose 3.7% in April and are up 16.1% over the past year, while watch prices have increased 8.8% annually.¹⁸

It’s not just accessories: prices for dishes and flatware — which often use silver and other metals — are up 15.4% from a year ago.¹⁹

The good news is that other costs related to household operations — from tools and hardware to cleaning supplies — have been down in recent months.

Major appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers were flat in April and are down 0.7% annually. Furniture and bedding prices declined 0.3% for the month and are up 1.3% on an annual basis, much softer than overall inflation.²⁰