Two of the most important purchases by consumers are food and gas. We obviously need food to sustain ourselves, but with the added benefit that most of us enjoy eating. And, because we are a mobile ...

NPR's series Cost of Living: The Price We Pay is examining what's driving price increases and how people are coping after years of stubborn inflation. How are higher prices changing the way you live?

Gas prices vary by location due to factors like refinery maintenance, transportation costs and local taxes. The price of crude oil is the most significant factor influencing the cost of gasoline.