The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward area increased by 0.4 percent over the two months ending August 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund stated that “the index for all items less food and energy rose 0.5 percent during the two-month period.” The report also noted a 0.6 percent rise in the food index, while the energy index declined by 2.0 percent.
Over the past year, the overall CPI-U for San Francisco rose by 2.5 percent as of August 2025. The index for all items excluding food and energy increased by 2.4 percent, while food prices went up by 3.5 percent and energy costs saw a smaller increase of 0.7 percent.
Within the food category, prices at grocery stores increased by 0.5 percent over two months, with most major grocery store groups seeing higher prices. Eating out also became more expensive, with a rise of 0.7 percent in restaurant and cafeteria purchases during this period.
Annual figures show that grocery store prices climbed by 4.3 percent and eating out costs grew by 2.7 percent compared to last year.
Energy prices dropped in recent months mainly due to gasoline prices falling by 3.9 percent from June to August; however, on an annual basis, gasoline was down only slightly at -1.8 percent.
Other notable changes include a significant increase in apparel prices (+6.2%) and a modest rise in shelter costs (+0.2%) over two months, while recreation expenses decreased (-1.6%). Over twelve months, household furnishings and operations rose sharply (+5.3%), shelter was up (+1.7%), but apparel fell considerably (-11%).
The next update on consumer price trends for this region is scheduled for November 13, when October’s figures will be released.
The Consumer Price Index tracks average price changes over time for a set basket of goods and services purchased by urban consumers (source). Local indexes like San Francisco’s are published every other month using smaller sample sizes than national reports; therefore they can be more volatile and are not seasonally adjusted (source). These indexes measure how much local prices have changed since their base period but do not compare cost-of-living levels between cities.
Historical data series for these indexes are available through BLS data query tools online (source).
The metropolitan area covered includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties in California.
For additional information about methodology or technical details related to these statistics, refer to resources provided on national CPI releases or consult the Handbook of Methods (source).
