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

Travel prices in the United States increased modestly in February 2026. The Travel Price Index (TPI) rose 1.1% compared with a year ago and 0.7% from January on a seasonally adjusted basis, indicating steady but controlled growth in travel costs. Over the past year, travel prices have increased more slowly than overall inflation, with the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 2.4%, although travel prices rose faster than overall prices in February (0.7% compared with 0.3% for CPI). 

(Note: This report reflects data from February and does not account for impacts from current geopolitical events.)

Several travel components moved in different directions during the month. Airline fares and local transportation costs increased, helping push the index higher, while hotel prices declined slightly compared with a year ago, helping moderate the overall growth. Food and beverage prices also continued to rise, reflecting broader trends in dining and hospitality pricing.

Over the past 12 months, travel prices have generally increased more slowly than overall inflation.

Category Highlights

• Airline fares increased by 7.1% compared with February last year and have been rising steadily since November 2025.

• Food away from home rose 3.9%, continuing a multi-year trend of rising restaurant and hospitality costs.

• Local transportation prices climbed 5.1%, contributing to the upward movement in the overall travel index.

• Hotel prices declined 2.2% year-over-year, partially offsetting increases in other categories.

• Gas prices were up modestly by 0.8% in February but remained 5.5% below levels of a year ago. 

Overall, February’s data shows that travel costs are rising at a measured pace, with transportation and dining driving growth while lodging provides some relief.

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