Oregonians Hit By Increased Spending On Necessities

Many this year are finding what really brings a recession home is that of the weekly draining of the wallet on necessary items such as food and gas. Americans over the last five years have allotted more and more of their budgets to such basics as shelter, health insurance, and gas. Food is usually the one necessity that takes up the biggest chunk of the household budget. For lower income families this can be the biggest obstacle to overcome. Consumers this year, have seen a rise in prices on nearly all necessities, with food being the most noticeable.


This year the Oregonian compared the prices on 15 different items that that traditionally make up a holiday meal between 2008 and 2003. The US average for a holiday meal in 2003 was $83.01 and in 2008 it is $103.78. That is a nearly a $21 dollar difference in five years! However, the Portland area this year was below average on the inflation of food and good and services. Ultimately though shopper may have a surprisingly lower receipt for their groceries in the Portland area, but they also notice that the prices have gone up.

So Portland, are you braving this winter weather we are having to spend your hard earned money on necessary items such as food, gas, or shelter? Is it harder for you to get out and plan your holiday meal? Let us know in the comments section below.