22 Everyday Essentials That Got Pricier During Biden’s Presidency

As President Joe Biden nears the conclusion of his term, one key aspect of his legacy remains front and center: inflation. Despite Biden’s claims of a substantial reduction in the inflation rate, from a peak of 9% earlier in his presidency to around 2.5% today, the overall cost of living has surged since he took office. Prices have risen by over 20% since January 2021, with everyday expenses hitting American households particularly hard. The White House / Wikimedia

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI), $100 in January 2021 has the same purchasing power as $120 today. Groceries, in particular, have seen price hikes exceeding the general inflation rate, increasing by more than 22% during Biden’s tenure. This upward trend in costs has been a focal point for political debate and criticism. Pixabay / Pexels

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s parting gift to the American people is as welcome as a lump of coal at Christmas: higher prices that keep rising,” said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.).

Here are 22 items that saw noticeable price increases during Biden’s presidency: The White House / Wikimedia

Eggs

Prices soared due to inflation and a devastating avian flu outbreak that decimated chicken populations, leading to supply shortages. Estudio Gourmet / Pexels

Milk

Increased production and transportation costs pushed milk prices higher, leaving families feeling the pinch. Rlsheehan / Wikimedia

Chicken

Rising feed costs and labor shortages caused chicken prices to jump, making even simple meals more expensive. Leelo The First / Pexels

Beef

Premium cuts of beef saw sharp increases, with ranchers citing droughts and higher feed prices as contributing factors. Los Muertos Crew / Pexels

Bread

Wheat prices spiked due to global supply chain disruptions, making bread and other baked goods more costly. cottonbro studio / Pexels

Coffee

Coffee futures surged as a result of weather issues in Brazil and supply chain delays, adding pressure to morning routines. Igor Haritanovich / Pexels

Gasoline

Gas prices skyrocketed, hitting a national average of $5 per gallon at one point, driven by supply chain issues and global energy instability. Engin Akyurt / Pexels

Electricity

Utility bills climbed as energy production costs rose, affecting nearly every household. Tim Mossholder / Pexels

Natural Gas

The cost of heating homes jumped, particularly in colder regions, as demand outpaced supply. Loïc Manegarium / Pexels

Rent

A housing shortage and increased demand caused rents to rise steeply, leaving many Americans struggling to afford shelter. Kindel Media / Pexels

Used Cars

Semiconductor shortages for new vehicles drove up demand for used cars, creating an unprecedented spike in prices. Tom Fisk / Pexels

Airfare

The cost of jet fuel and pent-up demand for travel led to sharp increases in ticket prices. Pixabay / Pexels

Furniture

Supply chain bottlenecks caused delays and price hikes for couches, tables, and other household essentials. Pixabay / Pexels

Building Materials

Lumber prices more than doubled during parts of Biden's presidency, making renovations and new builds significantly pricier. Pok Rie / Pexels

Prescription Drugs

Rising production and distribution costs for pharmaceuticals contributed to higher healthcare expenses. Pixabay / Pexels

Household Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning staples like paper towels and sanitizers became more expensive due to raw material shortages. Kaboompics.com / Pexels

Toiletries

Essentials such as toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant saw consistent price increases, partly due to packaging costs. AS Photography / Pexels

Clothing

Apparel costs rose as manufacturing and transportation expenses trickled down to consumers. Willo M. / Pexels

Dining Out

Restaurants increased prices to manage higher food and operational costs, making dining out more expensive. Valeria Boltneva / Pexels

Cooking Oil

Prices for essentials like vegetable and olive oil increased significantly due to disruptions in global agricultural production and rising transportation costs. RF._.studio / Pexels

Pet Food

Feeding furry friends became more expensive as the cost of raw materials, packaging, and transportation surged, leading to higher prices across the board. Cup of Couple / Pexels

School Supplies

Items like notebooks, pencils, and backpacks saw price hikes, partly driven by increased demand after pandemic-related school closures and supply chain challenges. Pixabay / Pexels