Consumer prices for the Denver-Boulder-Greeley area increased 1.8 percent from the first half of 2011 to the first half of 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Regional Commissioner Stanley W. Suchman said higher costs for shelter and food had the largest upward impact.
Energy costs rose 1.1 percent, and the index for all items excluding food and energy was up 1.5 percent.
The 3.9 percent rise in food prices was led by a 4.2 percent advance in prices for food at home. Also contributing to the higher food costs, prices for food away from home rose 3.7 percent over the year.
Nationally, the price index was up 1.4 percent year over year, with a 0.3 percent decline in the energy index, offsetting 0.1 percent increases in the indexes for food and all items less food and energy.
The report, released Wednesday, said that in the Denver area the cost of shelter increased 2.1 percent over the year; medical care increased 4.9 percent and education and communication rose 2.2 percent.
In contrast, apparel declined 4.4 percent and household furnishings and operations declined 3.3 percent.
