The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in Urban Alaska increased by 0.8 percent over the two months ending in August 2025, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund stated that the index for all items excluding food and energy rose by 0.5 percent during this period. The food index saw an increase of 0.6 percent, while the energy index climbed by 4.8 percent.
Over the past year, the Anchorage area’s all items CPI-U rose by 2.4 percent as of August. The index for all items less food and energy was up by 2.3 percent over twelve months, with the food index rising by 4.0 percent and the energy index advancing by 0.8 percent.
For the two-month period ending in August, grocery store purchases (food at home) decreased slightly by 0.1 percent, with three out of six major grocery store food groups seeing lower prices. However, restaurant, cafeteria, and vending purchases (food away from home) increased by 2.0 percent during this time.
Looking at annual changes, prices for food at home advanced by 2.5 percent with increases seen in four out of six major grocery store categories; meanwhile, food away from home costs rose significantly—up by 7.1 percent over twelve months.
Energy costs increased sharply over two months: gasoline prices were up by 4.4 percent between June and August but showed only a modest annual rise of 0.9 percent.
Among components excluding food and energy, apparel prices grew by 6.1 percent and shelter costs increased by 1.1 percent during the recent two-month period; new and used motor vehicle prices declined slightly (-0.8 percent). Over twelve months, shelter prices rose notably (+4.2%), while recreation expenses fell (-1.7%).
The next scheduled release for Anchorage area CPI data is November 13, covering October figures.
The Consumer Price Index measures average price changes over time based on a fixed basket of goods and services purchased locally in Urban Alaska—which includes Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna Borough—and is published every two months as part of a national program managed by BLS regional offices such as https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/consumerpriceindex_anchorage.htm . Local indexes are more volatile than national or regional ones due to smaller sample sizes and are not adjusted for seasonal influences; they track price changes since their base period rather than comparing levels between cities.
Historical data series on these indexes can be accessed through BLS query tools linked within Table 1 of each release under historical data.
Additional information about CPI methodology is available via technical notes or through resources like the Handbook of Methods on https://www.bls.gov/cpi/questions-and-answers.htm .
For accessibility requests regarding this information release or further inquiries about local economic indicators measured through consumer price trends in Alaska’s urban areas—including those involving individuals with sensory impairments—contact details are provided within each publication.
