Money Food, cars and gas cost more with inflation at a 39-year high. Here’s how much they’ve increased. December 10, 2021 Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY Comments Off on Food, cars and gas cost more with inflation at a 39-year high. Here’s how much they’ve increased. Why is everything so expensive? Because inflation is at a 39-year high, meaning the majority of items and services have had a price increase.