Why Everything Feels So Expensive (The Chart That Explains It)

Some prices fall every year, others keep climbing. Using official U.S. price data from January 2000 to August 2026, we break down why computers got cheaper while rent, hospital care, tuition and childcare got more expensive. Data sources (FRED series): All prices: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAUCSL Hourly pay: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/AHETPI Computers & smart devices: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR000... Toys: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR000... Clothing: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAPPSL New cars: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR000... Groceries: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR000... Rent: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR000... Tuition & childcare: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR000... Hospital services: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR000...