4 Things That Have Got Cheaper Since Trump Took Office – and 4 That Are Really Expensive
When President Donald Trump begins his second term in late January 2025, managing living expenses has become a major problem for many families. A full year into his administration, the economic picture is a mixed bag of falling prices and rising costs.
The latest data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows exactly how prices have fallen. Although the overall inflation rate shows that consumer prices rose by 2.4% between February 2025 and February 2026, that broad estimate masks a significant change.
Some sectors have finally calmed down, while others continue to put pressure on the monthly budget.
Here’s a look at the things that cost less today than they did in early 2025, followed by some that saw price increases that easily outpaced the rate of inflation last year.
1. Fuel
Drivers get a lot of relief when they step up to the pump. The cost of all types of fuel decreased by 5.6% between February 2025 and February 2026. This decrease in fuel prices helps to reduce the burden of daily trips and road trips.
Energy stocks have fallen sharply, but the trend may not last for fuel as the country is at war with Iran – as evidenced by gas spikes this month.
2. Used cars and trucks
The auto market is much more forgiving today than it was during the glut in the early 2020s. Used car prices fell by 3.2% last year.
Inventory is stable, which gives buyers more leverage at the point of sale.
3. Eggs and certain dairy products
Your weekly grocery run offers an unusual bright spot in the dairy area. While overall grocery prices have increased by 2.4% over the past year – in line with overall inflation over that period – the cost of eggs has fallen by 42.1%.
The second biggest price drop in the grocery store over the past 12 months was that of butter, down 7.6%.
In addition, whole milk (-1.9%), cheese (-1.1%) and mixed milk products (-1.3%) saw their price decrease last year. They are modest drops but provide little relief to families who are always loading these goods into their carts.
4. Certain products
Another category of the grocery store where consumers have seen relief since Trump’s inauguration is produce.
Prices for fresh fruit combined fell by 0.3%, oranges and tangerines fell by 2.3% and the category of other fresh fruit (including all fruit except apples, bananas and oranges) fell by 2.9%.
Meanwhile, potato prices fell by 2.2% and frozen vegetable prices fell by 1.7%.
Very expensive things
These things got more expensive in the first year of Trump’s second term, easily outpacing the overall inflation rate of 2.4% during this period.
1. Piped natural gas
Heating your home and cooking your food comes at a very high cost. The cost of natural gas pipeline service has increased by 10.9% since February 2025.
Utility costs take up a significant chunk of the household budget. You may need to adjust your thermostat, close inefficient windows, or invest in energy efficiency upgrades to combat these rising utility costs.
2. Hospital services
The cost of health care remains an ongoing challenge. The price of hospital supplies has decreased by 7.1% in the last 12 months. This exceeds the general rate of inflation by a wide margin.
The high cost of health care underscores the importance of updating your health insurance every year. It is important to ensure that you are protected from unexpected and expensive medical bills.
3. Electricity
The cost of keeping the lights on is also rising fast. Electricity prices rose by 4.8% over the same 12-month period.
Combined with the increase in natural gas, household energy services represent a significant strain on monthly cash flow. Operating appliances, air conditioners, and appliances require strategic planning to avoid debt shock.
4. Restaurant food
Taking a break from cooking has become a luxury. The cost of food eaten away from home increased by 3.9% last year.
Restaurants continue to pass their rising labor and ingredient costs down the menu, making home-cooked meals the smartest financial choice.
