Pandemic Fueling Varying Inflation Rates Across U.S. States

Inflation varies widely by state, from 4% in Florida to 1.8% in Pennsylvania, due to differences in migration, industry, and demographics.

Southern and Western states like Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina have seen high inflation due to rapid population growth during the pandemic.

Northeastern states like Pennsylvania, Maine, and Connecticut have lower inflation because of population declines and older demographics that spend less.

Specific industries are driving price increases in some states, like housing in Florida, manufacturing in Alabama, and tourism in South Carolina.

Cumulative price increases since 2021 better capture the inflationary impact on consumers than the latest 12-month data, which shows rapid easing.