This sign was on a house in Denver on March...

This sign was on a house in Denver on March 17, 2012. Credit: AP / David Zalubowski

Consumer prices in the metropolitan area last month rose the most since January, year over year, on higher costs for housing.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday reported its consumer price index for the 31-county region that includes Long Island increased 1.9 percent in May compared with a year earlier.

The price index also gained 1.9 percent in January, year over year.

In May, housing costs soared 3.2 percent compared with the same period in 2013, and drove the index's overall gain, said bureau economist Lisa Boily.

The cost of groceries and gasoline climbed 2.6 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively.

Electricity prices increased 6.3 percent last month compared with a year ago. Natural gas prices fell 1.8 percent.

The cost of medical care climbed 3.2 percent, year over year.

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Maduro, wife arrive for court ... Kids celebrate Three Kings Day ... Out East: Custer Institute and Observatory ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

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Maduro, wife arrive for court ... Kids celebrate Three Kings Day ... Out East: Custer Institute and Observatory ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

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