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One chart shows that low-income Americans get hit hardest by inflation

The lowest-income households have experienced the highest level of inflation in recent years.

  • Lower-income people spend much of their income on items like food and housing, for which costs have spiked.

  • Moderating rental rates and steady wage growth could help these households feel relief.

  • Rising prices across the US economy have impacted every American over the past few years, but the lowest-income households have faced the greatest burden.

    The dynamic is reflected in the chart below, which shows low-income inflation increases outpacing those for the other four quintiles since 2006, and over a nearer-term timeframe.