Consumers in the US have seen inflation drive up the price of the things they need the most, including food, housing, and gas. Now, a key economic indicator shows just how much the rising prices are costing them.

The Department of Commerce keeps track of consumer activity with a monthly report detailing personal income and expenditures. The report for September, released on Friday, found that prices rose 6.2 percent compared to last year.

The report also found that, without volatile food and fuel costs added in, prices rose by 5.1 percent. This suggests that inflation is affecting a wide range of sectors.

Still, President Joe Biden says his administration's economic plan is starting to work. He released a statement Friday pointing out that inflation in the third quarter of the year was down overall, and that workers are enjoying higher incomes and solid economic growth.

Policymakers at the Federal Reserve Board are looking at the numbers as well. They have responded to persistent inflation by hiking their key interest rate. However, the consumer-pricing figures for September show that their efforts, so far, have fallen short.