Cost of Living When it comes to inflation, it's personal
Nov 28, 2025
In this discussion, reporter Danielle Nerman shares insights on why Canadians are opting to repair their aging cars amid soaring new vehicle prices. Economist Mark Blyth analyzes the unequal impacts of inflation across different demographics, linking personal inflation experiences to rising political polarization. Journalist Leah Hendry guides listeners through using a personal inflation calculator, highlighting real stories from Canadians like Sarah and Richard, whose experiences illustrate the profound effects of inflation on everyday life.
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Choosing Repairs Over A New Car
- Cassie Struick keeps repairing her 2011 Jeep because new cars cost about $63,000 on average in Canada.
- She prefers fixing an older reliable vehicle than paying $400–$600 extra monthly for a new one.
CPI Hides Personal Inflation Realities
- The official CPI is an average and masks big differences in personal inflation experiences.
- Your personal inflation depends on what you buy, where you live, and whether you rent or own.
Young Renter's Inflation Shock
- Sarah, 25, rents near Montreal and saw her rent jump from $800 to over $1,500 after moving.
- Her StatsCan personal inflation calculator result was 4.8%, far above the official 2.2%.
