If you live in Chicago, you’ve likely felt the strain on your wallet for a while now. It’s not just in your head—a recent study found that the Windy City currently leads the U.S. in inflation.
A report from credit tracker WalletHub found that the Chicago region has the highest inflation rate among 22 major U.S. cities.
In the past year alone, Chicago’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped 4.3%, surpassing inflation rates in cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.
So, what’s driving inflation? It’s complicated.
According to WalletHub, global factors like labor shortages and foreign conflicts play a role.
But in Chicago specifically, rising housing and transportation costs are major contributors, according to a Crain’s Chicago Business report.
For now, Chicagoans are left to navigate the rising costs on everyday items. With prices in a seemingly constant state of flux, one things for certain—life in the Windy City isn’t getting any cheaper anytime soon.