08/17/2026
Inflation moderated slightly in July, but some categories are still putting pressure on household budgets.
The consumer price index rose 3.4% from a year earlier, down from 3.5% in June.
Energy remained one of the biggest drivers. Energy prices were up 14.7% over the past year, while gasoline prices rose 24.6%.
Airline fares also increased sharply, rising 25.5% year over year.
Other everyday expenses showed more modest changes. Food-at-home prices rose 2.7%, rent of primary residence increased 2.9%, and core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 2.5% from a year earlier.
Some categories moved lower. Used cars and trucks fell 1.9%, motor vehicle insurance declined 4.5%, and medical care commodities dropped 2.7%.
The broader takeaway: inflation is not one single number. It can look very different depending on what households buy, where prices are rising, and which expenses matter most month to month.
Costs remain elevated for consumers, however inflation is showing some signs of easing, economists say.