These 7 Things Are Getting More Expensive in 2026

The U.S. economy is once again facing inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% as we enter the new year. Several consumer goods and services like coffee, beef, and car repair have experienced significant inflation in 2025, and experts are predicting further price increases in key categories in 2026. The Supreme Court is also deliberating on the legal challenge to the president’s tariffs, adding uncertainty to price forecasts for the year.

Here are seven things that are expected to get more expensive in 2026:

### Home Insurance
Home insurance prices have been on the rise, with premiums increasing by 8.5% for new policies in 2025. Insurers are attributing the price hikes to weather risks in certain states, prompting homeowners to opt for higher deductibles to lower premiums. The average deductible saw a 22% increase last year, according to a report from Matic. Projections suggest an 8% increase in average premiums for home insurance in 2026.

### Streaming Services
Expect your bundle of streaming subscriptions to become more expensive as well. Streaming services like Apple TV+, Disney+, Peacock, HBO Max, and Netflix raised their prices in 2025. Paramount+ is set to increase prices for ad-free and ad-supported plans in January 2026. The trend of price hikes in the streaming industry is likely to continue throughout the year.

### Phones and Computers
Smartphone prices are expected to rise industry-wide in 2026, with memory shortages impacting prices. The International Data Corporation predicts that the ongoing global memory shortage will lead to higher prices, particularly affecting low-to-mid range Android devices. Prices for computers are also expected to increase due to higher memory costs, as seen with Dell raising PC prices for commercial clients.

### Jewelry
The cost of jewelry has increased by 8.3% since November 2024, driven by rising metal prices. Gold and silver prices have reached new highs, making jewelry pieces containing these precious metals more expensive. Entry-level silver jewelry items are becoming harder to find below the $100 price point, with jewelers using less gold to manage costs.

### Eating in Restaurants
While grocery store inflation often makes headlines, the cost of dining at restaurants is actually rising faster. The Consumer Price Index for food away from home increased by 3.7% in the past year, outpacing general inflation rates. Forecasts project a 3% increase in food costs at restaurants in 2026.

### Veterinary Services
The cost of veterinary services rose by 5.4% in the past year, driven by higher costs for medicine, supplies, and labor. Pet owners are increasingly concerned about unexpected vet bills, with veterinary services becoming a significant cost concern for dog owners. The rising costs of veterinary care are expected to continue in 2026.

### Health Insurance
Americans can expect higher health insurance costs in 2026. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums are forecast to rise between 6.7% and 9%, with factors like high prescription drug prices and cancer treatment costs contributing to the increase. Government-sponsored health plans, including Affordable Care Act coverage and Medicare Part B, are also facing premium hikes in the new year.

As we navigate through the challenges of rising prices in various sectors, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared for potential financial adjustments in the coming year.