Travel Price Index

The Travel Price Index (TPI) tracks the cost of travel in the United States using U.S. Department of Labor data from the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI). Released monthly, the TPI is comparable to the CPI while focusing on travel-related expenses.

Key Insights

For the second consecutive month, travel prices rose faster than the overall CPI on a monthly basis, though they remain below broader inflation trends year-over-year.
 

• CPI: Up 0.3% in September—slightly slower than August—with annual inflation ticking up to 3.0% (from 2.9%).
• TPI: Increased 1.2% in September, higher than overall price growth. On an annual basis, travel prices were up 1.9%, continuing a pattern of more moderate increases relative to the broader economy.

Category Highlights

• Gasoline: The largest driver of the monthly gain, rose 4.0% in September. Despite the jump, gas prices remain 0.4% below last year’s levels after a year of relative stability.
• Airfares: Up 2.7% in September—the third straight monthly rebound higher—bringing fares to 3.2% above last year.
• Hotels: Increased 1.7%, marking the second month of increase, though still 0.8% below September 2024 levels.
• Other travel-related goods and services—including recreation, bars, and restaurants—showed little change month to month but continue to reflect higher overall inflation year-over-year.

Explore additional data and insights via the U.S. Travel Insights Dashboard.