Inflation isn’t just a headline anymore. It’s something most of us feel in our wallets every day. From your morning coffee to bigger purchases like cars, prices are climbing faster than ever. Items that once felt affordable are now forcing people to rethink their budgets and spending habits.
Some of them might surprise you, while others are all too familiar. Knowing what’s going up and by how much can help you plan smarter, spend wiser, and get a clearer picture of how inflation is affecting everyday life. Let’s take a look at 15 things that have skyrocketed in price due to inflation.
1. Gasoline
Gas prices are always fluctuating, but the average cost for a gallon of gas in 2025 sits at about $3.30 per gallon. This is a dramatic increase from the average at the beginning of 2020, when it was $2.63.
2. Cars
The average price for a new vehicle has risen by over ten thousand dollars over the last five years. Higher material costs and supply chain issues contributed to this jump.
3. Groceries in general
This graph says it all. Every aspect of groceries has climbed significantly in the last few years.
4. Gold
The price of gold has skyrocketed in recent years. An ounce of gold in 2020 was valued at around $1,518, and has climbed to $4,200 in late 2025. This is roughly a 175% increase in price.
5. Coffee
Coffee prices have spiked thanks to tough weather and supply chain issues. Retail coffee bag prices have jumped by about 15% year-over-year, and much more compared with early 2020.
Trending on The Scroller
6. Plane tickets
In some months, tickets spiked by more than 5% in a single month, as carriers raised prices to offset higher fuel and labor costs.
7. Hotel rooms
In many U.S. cities, peak summer rates in 2025 are 30% to 50% higher than 2019 prices.
8. Diapers
Five years ago, an average pack of diapers cost around $25. Today, many brands sell for about $40, roughly 40% more expensive.
Sign up for our newsletter
9. Personal care items
Household personal care products like toothpaste and deodorant have climbed 10%-20% higher in the last five years. Companies claim this is due to packaging and labor costs.
10. Lumber
Lumber prices were extremely volatile, peaking at more than double the 2019 levels at one point. While prices have cooled somewhat, costs remain well above 2019 prices.
11. Furniture
As raw material prices like lumber and steel increase, so do the prices of furniture. Compared to 2020, many sofas and mattress sets cost 20%-40% more than they did in previous years.
12. Household paper products
Paper goods like toilet paper and paper towels have seen price increases of over 30% since 2020. This increase is largely due to pulp price increases and higher energy costs during production.
13. Pet food
Pet food prices have shot up as feed and transportation costs rise. Many common dog and cat food brands now cost 20%-30% more than just a few years ago, making pet care significantly more expensive for families.
14. Beer
The price of beer has increased significantly in many countries. In some countries, it has risen upwards of 10% each year.
15. Cigarettes
Tobacco products like cigarettes have jumped around 15% in recent inflation measurements. This is partially from tax increases and partially from production costs.
Want to see more content about money?
Check out 20 Companies That Took Shrinkflation Too Far, or take a look at 20 Ridiculous Things Celebrities Actually Wasted Their Money On. Finally, if you want to see toys that are worth a fortune today, take a look at 20 Toys from the ’90s That Are Worth Serious Money Today.
