Arizonans paying more for inflation than anyone else in the country

While inflation is being felt everywhere, those in the Desert Southwest are seeing more of a cost increase than the rest of the country - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A new study finds households in Arizona are paying $500 more a month over the last year, leaving residents to adjust to the increased costs.

It's all part of a joint economic committee report. Showing states in the Mountain West region have seen the highest price increases due to inflation.

Energy, up by 29% last year. Transportation costs, like gas, went up by 22%.

Groceries taking a price hike as well, going up by 7%.

The higher costs are forcing residents like Mary Jayne Ortiz, a single mother of two kids, to adjust.

“What I’ve been doing is I’ve been couponing, and I have to look at the prices when everything goes on sale,” Ortiz said.

Part-time residents, like Arvid Anderson, are also feeling the impact during their limited time in the state, and while he’s had to pay more, Anderson is hopeful things will change soon.

“I know it’s tough on other people so, it’s a problem, but there are ways to solve it, and I think our government’s heading in the right direction,” Anderson said.

Among other price increases were housing costs, which were up eight percent, and for those who talked to us off-camera, gas prices appeared to be the top concern.