Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Transportation in U.S. City Average

CPITRNSL • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

269.10

Year-over-Year Change

0.17%

Date Range

1/1/1947 - 7/1/2025

Summary

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Transportation in U.S. City Average measures the change in prices paid by urban consumers for transportation-related goods and services. It is a key indicator of inflationary pressures in the transportation sector of the economy.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The transportation CPI tracks the prices of items such as new and used vehicles, gasoline, public transportation, and vehicle maintenance and repair. It is used by economists, policymakers, and the public to understand the impact of transportation costs on consumer budgets and the overall rate of inflation.

Methodology

The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from a sample of households and businesses to calculate the transportation CPI on a monthly basis.

Historical Context

The transportation CPI is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to gauge inflationary trends and inform monetary policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • The transportation CPI has a weight of 16.9% in the overall CPI.
  • Transportation costs account for the second-largest share of the average consumer's budget, behind housing.
  • The transportation CPI reached a record high in June 2022 due to surging gasoline prices.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The transportation CPI measures the change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of transportation-related goods and services, including new and used vehicles, gasoline, public transportation, and vehicle maintenance and repair.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The transportation CPI is a key indicator of inflationary pressures in the transportation sector, which is a significant component of consumer spending. It helps economists, policymakers, and the public understand the impact of transportation costs on overall inflation and consumer budgets.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from a sample of households and businesses to calculate the transportation CPI on a monthly basis.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The transportation CPI is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to gauge inflationary trends and inform monetary policy decisions, such as interest rate adjustments.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The transportation CPI is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a typical release lag of about two weeks after the end of the reference month.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Transportation in U.S. City Average (CPITRNSL), retrieved from FRED.