Is Everything More Expensive? (These 15 Things Definitely Are.)

Why is everything so expensive these days? From the grocery store to the hardware store, prices are going up all over the place — even the cost you pay for gas to drive to these stores. But is everything more expensive right now?

We looked through our price history data from 2022 and information from other credible sources and compared scores of products. The overwhelming result was yes, you’re paying more for pretty much everything.

Want to beat the price increases? Get the free KCL app and start saving on everything you buy.

Note: The following are average prices which may vary according to region and store.

 

Why is everything more expensive?

Consider it the perfect storm. A pandemic, supply chain issues, labor and material shortages, out-of-control housing prices, consumer demand, geopolitical events, bird flu, and even crazy weather over the last three years continue to raise the prices of goods and services nationwide. Whether it’s dining out, buying a car, building a home, or eating eggs, higher costs will continue to hang around. Here’s where some of the major pain points lie.

 

Foods That Are More Expensive Now

Now that triple-digit increases on some groceries have disappeared, these food items have gotten more expensive over the last 12 months. We retrieved the prices for this section from Federal Reserve Economic Data unless otherwise noted.

 

1. Grade A Eggs

• Feb 2022: $2/dozen
• Feb. 2023: $4.21/dozen
• Percentage increase: 110.5%

Save with the latest egg coupons. You can also find out where to buy cheap eggs.

 

2. White Bread

• March 2022: $1.61/lb
• March 2023: $1.94/lb
• Percentage increase: 20.5%

You’re gonna need our bread coupons.

 

3. Butter

• March 2022: $4.07/lb
• March 2023: $4.66/lb
• Percentage increase: 14.5%

Save with the latest butter coupons. We also know where to buy cheap butter.

 

4. Dog Food

• March 2022: $164.71/month per household
• March 2023: $188.38/month per household
• Percentage increase: 14.4%

Save with the latest dog food coupons and deals. You can also find cheap dog food with our tips.

 

 

5. Ground Roast Coffee

• March 2022: $5.41/lb
• March 2023: $6.18/lb
• Percentage increase: 14.2%

Save with the latest coffee coupons and deals.

 

6. Chicken Breast

• March 2022: $3.87/lb
• March 2023: $4.32/lb
• Percentage increase: 11.6%

Save with the latest chicken coupons.

 

7. Milk

• March 2022: $3.92/gallon
• March 2023: $4.10/gallon
• Percentage increase: 4.6%

Save with the latest milk coupons. You can also find out where to buy cheap milk.

 

8. Ground Beef

• March 2022: $4.75/lb
• March 2023: $4.78/lb
• Percentage increase: 0.6%

It’s not a big jump over last year, but beef has been spendy since the pandemic, and isn’t coming down. You’ll want our meat coupons and to find out the best ways to get meat cheap.

 

 

Non-Food Items That Are More Expensive

Prices on everyday household essentials remain costly in 2023. These figures are based on KCL’s historical prices.

 

9. Garbage Bags

Glad Force Flex (40 ct) at Home Depot

• April 2022: $8.47
• April 2023: $11.47
• Percentage increase: 35.4%

Save with Glad coupons.

 

10. Laundry Detergent

All Mighty Pacs (120 ct) at Sam’s Club

• April 2022: $18.48
• April 2023: $21.98
• Percentage increase: 18.9%

Save with Tide coupons and tips for getting cheap laundry detergent.

 

11. Paper Towels

Bounty Paper Towels (6 rolls) from Home Depot

• April 2022: $17.98
• April 2023: $19.98
• Percentage increase: 11.1%

Save with Bounty coupons and our tips for finding the cheapest paper towels.

 

 

12. Batteries

Energizer Batteries (24 ct) on Amazon

• April 2022: $15.90
• April 2023: $16.99
• Percentage increase: 6.8%

Save with battery coupons.

 

13. Dishwashing Detergent

Cascade Platinum Action Pacs (92 ct) at Sam’s Club

• April 2022: $21.98
• March 2023: $23.48
• Percentage increase: 6.8%

Save with Cascade coupons.

 

14. Toilet Paper

Quilted Northern (32 rolls) at Sam’s Club

• April 2022: $21.18
• April 2023: $22.28
• Percentage increase: 5.2%

Save with toilet paper coupons.