The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in Urban Alaska rose 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 less food and energy rose 0.5 percent during the two-month period. The food index rose 0.6 percent, and the energy index rose 4.8 percent.” The data are not seasonally adjusted, so bi-monthly changes may reflect seasonal influences.
Over the past year, the Anchorage area’s all items CPI-U increased by 2.4 percent as of August. The index for all items excluding food and energy advanced by 2.3 percent during this period, while the food index saw a rise of 4.0 percent and the energy index went up by 0.8 percent.
For the most recent two-month period, prices for food at home—meaning grocery store purchases—decreased slightly by 0.1 percent, with lower prices reported in three out of six major grocery store food groups. In contrast, prices for food away from home—including restaurants, cafeterias, and vending machines—increased by 2.0 percent.
Year-over-year data show that the food at home index climbed by 2.5 percent due to higher prices in four out of six major grocery store categories, while food away from home increased significantly by 7.1 percent.
Energy costs also showed an increase over the last two months with a rise of 4.8 percent; gasoline prices were up by 4.4 percent during this time frame.
Looking at annual figures, gasoline prices have risen modestly by 0.9 percent since last August.
Among other components tracked within all items less food and energy, apparel prices saw an increase of 6.1 percent and shelter costs went up by 1.1 percent over two months; meanwhile, new and used motor vehicle prices declined by 0.8 percent.
On an annual basis within this category, shelter costs were up by 4.2 percent but recreation expenses fell by 1.7 percent.
The next release for Anchorage’s Consumer Price Index is scheduled for November 13, covering October data.
The Consumer Price Index measures average price changes over time using a fixed basket of goods and services and is published bi-monthly for Urban Alaska—which includes Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna Boroughs in Alaska—as part of national statistical efforts conducted through smaller local samples than those used nationally or regionally; this makes local indexes more volatile due to greater sampling error and lack of seasonal adjustment.
Historical CPI data series can be accessed via BLS data query tools through links provided in Table 1 under historical data on their website.
Further technical details about methodology are available through national CPI news releases or the Handbook of Methods from BLS.
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