Inflation rises to 3.2% and Torontonians say their paycheques can’t keep up: ‘Groceries are insanely high’

For many Torontonians, even the smallest purchases now feel like a luxury as inflation continues to drive up the cost of living, from gas pumps to grocery aisles – especially with inflation rising to 3.2 per cent in May.

According to Statistics Canada, the annual rate of inflation jumped to 3.2 per cent in May, up from a 2.8 per cent gain the previous month.

Part of that statistic includes the costs of gas, travel, and fresh fruit.

The latest figures show rising costs across several categories, including gasoline, travel and fresh produce.

While economists debate what the numbers mean, many Torontonians say the impact is already showing up in their daily lives.

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What else is getting pricier?

Though gasoline prices rose at a faster pace in May: 33.2 per cent, a 4.6 per cent increase from April.

If you’re looking to travel, it might be a bit more costly than expected. Travel tours rose 0.7 per cent, air transportation rose 7.4 per cent, following a 1.7 per cent decline in April.

Groceries have also been a big talker on costly expenses, especially berries and grapes, now costing 5.3 per cent more, the largest monthly May increase since 2008.

‘You see it with everything’: Toronto locals share their feelings

Toronto resident Christian R. says that the inflation rate increase is evident in everyday purchases.

“You see it with everything, mostly on quick purchases, like if you go buy fast food. It used to be cheap or considered cheap, and now you kind of feel that every time,” he told Now Toronto. “You look at your credit card statement at the end of the month, and you can see the impact.”

He names living downtown and groceries as his biggest expenses.

Tomatoes are now 45.2 per cent more expensive than before, leaving Christian in shock.

“It’s crazy to hear that tomatoes are up, and I’m assuming a lot of other produce is up as well… 45 per cent is a big number,” Christian said.

Groceries and gas remain major concerns

Toronto resident Alexia D. agrees that the cost of living has significantly increased.

“Groceries are insanely high, it’s like a big portion of my bill every month. Gas is a huge expense that’s also been increasing significantly, and yeah, it just makes my monthly budget extremely tight and difficult,” she told Now Toronto.

Due to rising gas prices, Alexia has opted to work from home as much as she can to avoid using her car.

Toronto resident Andres M. says he’s aware of the rising costs, but thankfully, it doesn’t affect him with gas.

“I have an EV (Electric Vehicle), and I have charging at my workplace, though I know it’s been impacting gas a lot… I’m kind of fortunate that my EV has kept my energy costs low,” he told Now Toronto.

But when he hears the price of tomatoes is going up, he’s disappointed because he loves using them in his salad.

“This isn’t good. I use tomatoes in my salads, and I make it at home, and so I’ve noticed it, especially with the little cute cherry tomatoes,” Andres said. “There needs to be more transparency in terms of food pricing, and it’s been challenging for a lot of Canadians, especially over the last few years.

For Toronto resident Matthew Q., everything makes life expensive. “Groceries, gas, everything in between affects your everyday life,” he told Now Toronto.

The worst for him: gas.

“I’ve had to [cut back,] whether I want to or not. I’ll take the GO a little bit more often,” Matthew said.

He finds that tomatoes and raspberries have gotten more expensive.

“They’ve gone up like two to three bucks. That’s kind of insane, makes you change your entire diet,” Matthew said.

Between rent and groceries, Matthew believes groceries are at an all-time high.

“With this bout of inflation, probably grocery prices a little bit more, rents always kind of been pretty rough, it’s gone down just a little bit, but I would, honestly, it’s pick your poison,” Matthew said.

Are Toronto residents still travelling despite high prices?

Christian believes these high prices play into how much money you can save for travel.

“I think it plays into how much money you have to put aside for travel, obviously those are personal decisions, but for sure the more expensive things are throughout your day-to-day life, it’s obviously limiting on the travel side too,” he said.

While Alexia is holding back from travelling.

“I’m not travelling overseas because flight prices have gone up, it’s just too expensive,” she explained.

Andres is travelling, but only because he doesn’t have to pay for accommodation.

“I’m going to places where I have family or friends… I grew up in Vancouver, so I’ll be heading out there this summer with my son, and the airplane ticket wasn’t as expensive as I anticipated,” he said.

But Matthew is holding back from travelling until the end of the year.

Toronto residents say their income doesn’t match inflation

Christian says his inflation bonus does not match how quickly it rises.

“The standard would be for employers to match inflation, but most employers are giving you 2 per cent year over year. You lack a per cent and a half when inflation is this high. So basically, you’re losing money unless you’re getting promoted or getting raises at your job,” he said.

Alexia agrees, saying she doesn’t think income keeps pace with inflation.

Andres has the same opinion.

“I’m very mindful of the fact that most Canadians are living paycheck to paycheck, and so inflation is definitely a concern. Obviously, wars do not help inflation. Hello, people. And I think we definitely have to support our own economy, as well as build systems to be able to ensure people who are struggling have a chance,” he said. “I don’t believe anybody who works should be poor, for example, and you know, we’ve got a lot of great support in this country, and I think we need to keep them strong as we manage the geopolitical world that we’re living in.”

Matthew agrees, saying, “I don’t think many people’s income has been for the longest time either way.”