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The cost increases are particularly stark in essentials like food and energy. Food prices in the Seattle metropolitan area have risen by 4.8% over the past year, a staggering figure that affects grocery shopping and dining out alike. Specifically, the cost of food at home (groceries) increased by approximately 1.4% in just June, while food away from home—including restaurant meals and takeout—climbed by 1.6%.
This surge means that a typical family of four, spending around $1,000 monthly on food, is now shelling out an extra $576 annually solely because of inflation—a burden that isn't offset by increased wages. The situation isn't better for energy costs, which have surged by 5%, putting additional strain on household budgets.