When President Donald Trump began his second term in late January 2025, managing the cost of living was already a primary concern for most households. A full year into his administration, the economic picture is a mixed bag of price drops and rising costs.
The latest data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals exactly how prices have shifted. While the overall inflation rate shows consumer prices rose 2.4% between February 2025 and February 2026, that broad average hides significant swings.
Some sectors have finally cooled off, while others continue to pressure monthly budgets.
Here is a look at items that cost less today than they did at the start of 2025, followed by others that have seen price increases that easily exceed the annual inflation rate over the past year.
1. Gasoline
Drivers are finding significant relief when they pull up to the pump. The cost of all types of gasoline dropped by 5.6% between February 2025 and February 2026. This decline in fuel prices helps ease the burden of daily commutes and road trips.
Energy commodities broadly have trended downward, but this trend may not last for gasoline now that the country is at war with Iran — as evidenced by spikes in gas this month.
2. Used cars and trucks
The vehicle market is much more forgiving today than it was during the massive supply shortages of the early 2020s. Used vehicle prices declined by 3.2% over the past year.
Inventories have stabilized, giving buyers more leverage at the dealership.
3. Eggs and certain dairy products
Your weekly grocery run offers a rare bright spot in the dairy aisle. While overall grocery prices increased by 2.4% over the past year — on pace with the overall inflation rate during that time — the cost of eggs has plunged 42.1%.
The second-highest price drop at the grocery store in the past 12 months has been that of butter, down 7.6%.
Additionally, whole milk (-1.9%), cheese (-1.1%) and miscellaneous dairy products (-1.3%) have seen price decreases in the past year. They are more modest drops but provide a bit of relief for families who regularly load their carts with these groceries.
4. Certain produce
Another section of the grocery store where shoppers have seen some relief since Trump’s inauguration is produce.
Fresh fruit prices collectively are down 0.3%, with oranges and tangerines down 2.3% and the category of other fresh fruits (which includes all fruit besides apples, bananas and citrus) down 2.9%.
Meanwhile, potato prices have dropped by 2.2% and frozen vegetable prices are down 1.7%.
Items that have gotten more expensive
These items have gotten more expensive during the first year of Trump’s second term, easily exceeding the overall inflation rate of 2.4% for this period.
1. Piped natural gas
Heating your home and cooking your meals come at a steeper premium. The cost of piped natural gas service has surged by 10.9% since February 2025.
Utility bills are taking a noticeably larger bite out of household budgets. You might need to adjust your thermostat, seal drafty windows, or invest in energy efficiency upgrades to combat these rising utility costs.
2. Hospital services
Healthcare costs remain a persistent challenge. The price of hospital services jumped 7.1% over the last 12 months. This outpaces the general rate of inflation by a wide margin.
Higher costs for medical care emphasize the importance of reviewing your health insurance coverage annually. It is crucial to ensure you are protected against unexpected and expensive medical bills.
3. Electricity
The cost of keeping the lights on is also climbing rapidly. Electricity prices rose 4.8% over the same 12-month period.
When combined with the increase in natural gas, household energy services represent a significant strain on monthly cash flow. Running appliances, air conditioners, and electronics requires more strategic planning to avoid bill shock.
4. Restaurant meals
Taking a break from cooking is becoming a luxury. The cost of food eatten away from home increased by 3.9% over the past year.
Restaurants continue to pass their own rising labor and ingredient costs down to the menu, making home-cooked meals a much smarter financial choice.