Executive summary
This report covers transportation costs through Aug 2025, including vehicle prices, fuel, and public transit. Data is sourced from BLS, EIA, and industry sources.
Used vehicle market
Used vehicle prices continued to normalize in 2025 after the pandemic-era surge. Wholesale auction data showed price declines across most segments, though compact and fuel-efficient vehicles held value better than larger vehicles. Retail prices lagged wholesale price movements, as dealers adjusted to changing acquisition costs.
New vehicle pricing
New vehicle prices stabilized as inventory levels returned to normal. Manufacturer incentives, which had been minimal during the inventory shortage, returned to the market. Electric vehicle prices declined as competition increased and production scaled, though adoption rates varied by region.
Public transit costs
Public transit fares increased in many cities as agencies faced operating deficits and reduced ridership. Fare increases varied by system, with some agencies holding fares steady while others implemented significant hikes. Transit costs affect lower-income households disproportionately, as they rely more heavily on public transportation.
Monthly data table
| Month | Transportation CPI (% YoY) |
|---|---|
| Jan 25 | 0.4% |
| Feb 25 | 1.5% |
| Mar 25 | 0.2% |
| Apr 25 | 0.9% |
| May 25 | 2.4% |
| Jun 25 | 1.0% |
| Jul 25 | 2.8% |
| Aug 25 | 1.3% |
| Sep 25 | 2.2% |
| Oct 25 | 2.3% |
| Nov 25 | 2.3% |
| Dec 25 | 1.2% |
| Jan 26 | 1.0% |
| Feb 26 | -0.3% |
| Mar 26 | 1.7% |
| Apr 26 | -0.7% |
| May 26 | 0.1% |
| Jun 26 | 0.8% |
| Jul 26 | -0.9% |
Methodology
The Consumer Price Index measures the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of goods and services. TALLY Insights presents this data in an accessible format. Full methodology details are available on our methodology page.