It’s not just Iran and oil raising inflation. Prices also are reaccelerating in these other areas
A customer shops for beef at a grocery store in Los Angeles, April 6, 2026.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
US consumers blame the Iran War for the recent increase in inflation. But data shows that prices are rising in many areas beyond just energy.
The consumer price index rose 0.6% in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, pushing the 12-month inflation rate to 3.8%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday. Annual inflation is approaching its hottest point in nearly three years.
“Consumers are doing what they can to cover higher energy costs, but they’re not finding much relief elsewhere,” said Bret Kenwell, eToro’s U.S. investment analyst. “Inflation pressure shows itself not only at the pump but also in the household budget.”
Tuesday’s report comes just days after the University of Michigan released a record-low preliminary reading on consumer sentiment. According to the statement, rising oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East was one of the main factors that damaged confidence.
But Tuesday’s CPI data shows consumers are facing sticker shock in other areas as well. Some of the places where prices are increasing rapidly:
Housing
An apartment for rent in the Center Square neighborhood of Albany. A recent study found that wages are outpacing rent prices across the Capital Region.
Timothy Fanning | Albany Times Union | Getty Images
Housing inflation increased by 0.6% in April, bringing the annual increase to 3.3%.
In the housing category, accommodation away from home increased by 2.4% in April, a 12-month increase of 4.6%. Tenant and home insurance increased by 0.1% in April, setting the annual inflation rate at 7.2%.
Economists have been watching housing inflation closely since economic data was distorted during last year’s government shutdown. They have raised alarm about price changes for property owners’ equivalent rent, a hypothetical measure of how much property owners can get for their homes and a major factor in overall housing market inflation. it wasn’t captured enough, leading to distorted readings.
Food
Tomatoes from Mexico are displayed on a grocery store shelf on July 14, 2025 in San Anselmo, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Food at home was 0.7% more expensive in April than in March; this was the largest one-month increase since August 2022. Prices are 2.9% higher than in the same period last year.
Uncooked ground beef rose 2.7% in April, causing price tags to rise 14.5% from a year ago. rapid rise in cattle prices. Ahead of the summer grilling season, sausage prices are 10.7% higher than in the same month in 2025, partially boosted by a 5.8% increase from the previous month.
Tomatoes, which are mostly imported to the United States and subject to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, increased by 15.1% in April. The product is now 39.7% more expensive than a year ago.
Affected by supply concerns, coffee prices increased by 2% in April, bringing their 12-month gain to 18.5%.
Shopping
Window coverings cost 8.2% more than a year ago; This increase was driven in part by the 0.9% increase from March to April. Plates and cutlery increased by 1.6% month on month, with an annual increase of 15.4%.
Jewelry prices increased by 3.7% in April, bringing the one-year increase to 16.1%. Watch prices increased marginally during the month, creating an increase of 8.8% compared to the same period last year.
Shoes increased by 1.4% in the March-April period, pushing prices 4.2% above their level a year ago.
Services
FILE PHOTO: Clark resident Jen Valencia still works part-time for Instacart and packs her SUV after completing two orders at ShopRite on January 8, 2022 in Clark, New Jersey.
Michael Loccisano | Getty Images
Inflation also hit some service-oriented categories.
Rental and subscription costs for video and video games rose 16.6 percent from a year ago, after rising 2.1 percent between March and April.
Delivery services reported cost increases of 4.3% in April. It is now 13.6% more than expensive on a 12-month basis.
relaxation areas
In an aerial view, used vehicles are available for sale at a Hyundai dealership in Austin, Texas, on April 7, 2026.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Of course, consumers also had the opportunity to breathe in other areas.
Although smartphones rose 1% in April, they are still 12.4% cheaper than 12 months ago.
Used car and truck prices remained stable throughout the month, falling 2.7% from a year earlier.
The men’s outerwear category, which includes suits and sports coats, decreased by 2% monthly. Prices are 7.1% lower than in April 2025.
