April Inflation Insights: How Rising Costs for Food, Shelter, and Medical Care Are Impacting Consumers

April Inflation Breakdown: Rising Costs for Food, Shelter, and Medical Care Impact Consumers

By Molly Moorhead
Updated: May 13, 2025

April shows inflation that makes budgets harder. The Consumer Price Index goes up by 2.3% compared to last year. This rise is a bit lower than March's 2.4% rise. It is the smallest annual increase since February 2021. Some costs slow, yet food, shelter, and medical care keep rising.

Food Prices Show Mixed Trends

Food costs mix ups and downs. Grocery prices drop by 0.4% in April. Still, some items change a lot. Eggs drop by 12.7% since March. Yet, their price stays 49% higher than a year ago. On average, a dozen large Grade A eggs cost $5.12 in April. This price is lower than the $6.23 in March but higher than $2.86 in April 2024. Meat prices, like beef, grow in cost. Ground beef goes up by 10% compared to last year. It now costs about $6.14 per pound. Dining out also costs more. The price goes up by 0.4% from March and is 3.9% higher than in April 2024. ## Rising Medical Costs

Medical costs climb at a fast pace. Services in healthcare rise by 0.5% from March. They are 3.1% higher than last year. Hospital services cost 3.6% more compared to last year. Nursing home care goes up by 4.6%. Prescription drug costs also add pressure. They rise by 0.4% from March and by 2.3% from last year. Health insurance increases by 3.3% from April 2024. ## Shelter and Housing Trends

Shelter costs hold strong. Prices rise by 0.3% from March and 4% from last year. Experts see some cool-off signs. More multifamily housing may help stable rents. Home prices still go up but now slow down.

Used car prices change too. They go up by 1.5% from last year but fall 0.5% from March to April. On the other hand, new car costs do not change. This shows that auto dealers may absorb some tariff costs.

Relief at the Gas Pump

One good sign is gas. The gasoline index falls by 0.1% in April. It is 11.8% lower than a year ago. As of May 13, the national average for gasoline is $3.16 per gallon. This is lower than the $3.62 a year ago.

What Lies Ahead

Even with a slight ease in April, inflation stays above the 2% target of the Federal Reserve. Observers watch President Trump's tariff policies as costs may change soon. Many factors make the future unclear. Thus, the Federal Reserve may keep the same interest rates for now.

Consumers must watch their budgets and spending. They need to plan carefully as inflation keeps pressure on household costs.

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