NY metro consumer prices rise in May led by housing
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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