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Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay is currently experiencing the highest inflation rates among major U.S. metropolitan areas, according to a recent WalletHub study analyzing changes in the Consumer Price Index across 23 cities.
The study measured CPI changes over the last two months and compared them to the previous period, as well as year-over-year shifts.
The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area recorded a 1.10% increase over the last two months and a 3.30% rise compared to the same period in 2024.
WalletHub cited factors contributing to the higher inflation, including labor shortages, global supply chain disruptions related to the war in Ukraine, and recent tariffs.
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The report notes that U.S. inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, at 2.9% as of August 2025.
Inflation has had a notable impact on essential goods, including groceries, fuel, and housing costs.
A 2022 University of South Florida study indicated that rising prices make it increasingly difficult for many residents to afford daily necessities.
Other metropolitan areas facing high inflation include San Diego-Carlsbad, California; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington; Anchorage, Alaska; and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim. Cities with lower inflation pressures include Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas; Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan; Urban Honolulu, Hawaii; and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia.
The study used the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to ensure accurate comparisons across metropolitan areas.