San Diego tied for highest inflation in the U.S.

[Zorro]

San Diego County had the highest inflation rate in the nation in March.

Inflation was 3.8%, the same rate as January, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. San Diego tied with New York for highest rate of a metro area in the U.S., followed by Chicago at 3.7% and Los Angeles at 3%.

San Diego metro, which includes all of San Diego County, saw prices rise at a quicker rate than the nation, which averaged 2.4%. The main factors raising San Diego’s rate were gasoline, fruit and vegetables and alcoholic beverages.

San Diego’s rate is still much lower than it has been in recent years. It hit a high of 8.2% in 2022 and has cooled along with much of the nation. Still, its prices are rising higher than most of the U.S., and the latest data will do little to reduce America’s Finest City’s reputation as an expensive place to live.

“People like the lifestyle, like the environment, so they want to come here,” said Alan Gin, economist at the University of San Diego. “But that comes with a price.”

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/10/san-diego-tied-for-highest-inflation-in-the-u-s/