Edited Release
08/13/26
Midwest inflation slowed in July, but higher prices continue to weigh on Iowa households, according to a new Common Sense Institute analysis of the latest Consumer Price Index data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Midwest inflation fell from 3.8% to 3.5% year-over-year, while consumer prices still remain 29.8% higher than in January 2020.
Energy prices was the largest increase among major spending categories, rising 14.2 percent compared to last year. According to the report, the typical Iowa household has spent nearly $59,000 more since 2020 to maintain the same standard of living, and now spend about $1465 more per month.
Shelter accounted for roughly 40 percent of Midwest inflation.
The full report can be accessed below.