Summer is almost here. It’s the one time of year that we all anticipate, with the shining sun, the barbecues in the back garden, the day trips to the beach, and so many hours spent with family and friends. But there’s something else to know: prices on everyday things are going up a lot. Some summer items you like might cost twice as much this year! From gas for your car to ice cream on a hot day, your wallet might feel the money drain. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you.
Here are 9 everyday items that will double in price this summer, plus a few tips to save money.
Gasoline
Summer brings road trips to the beach and family getaways. But filling up the tank might sting your wallet. Prices usually climb because vacation drivers flood the roads and gas stations switch to pricier summer blends of gas that have lesser Reid vapor pressure. The problems with tariffs and supplies are also making the price increase. If your summer plans involve a lot of driving, maybe try carpooling or using apps to check gas prices around you before you fill up your tank. Your wallet will thank you.
Ice Cream
Nothing says summer like a scoop (or three) of your favorite ice cream. But this season, the price of your creamy indulgence is set to double. Why? The cost of cow feed and labor shortage is increasing dairy prices. Also, as discussed before, gasoline prices will go up. This means that transporting dairy to process ice cream will increase. So when you crave ice cream, why not try making it? There are ice cream makers you can buy under a hundred dollars. It’s something you and your family can enjoy making, so that it’s less expensive in the long run.
Sunscreen
More people are spending time outdoors whenever summer comes, so sunscreen demand will rise along with its price. Sunscreen ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide now cost extra because of global shortage. It’s not just what’s inside the bottle too. With the new tariff regulations, shipments for plastic bottles have been delayed therefore increasing in price. Still, you can’t skip on sunscreen. Try looking for sales and snatch big family-size bottles which cost less per ounce. Your skin will appreciate the smart move, and so will your bank account.
Bottled Water
When it’s hot outside, we all need to drink more water. However, this summer bottled water will be much more expensive. Plastic bottles can be costly to produce, and companies are also trying packages that are eco-friendly which are a lot more expensive. In order to save money and save the environment, why not purchase a reusable water bottle and water filter to clean the water at home? By doing this, you will be able to consume as much water as you need and at no high cost, not to mention lessen plastic wastage.
Fresh Produce
The best season to eat fresh fruits and vegetables is during summer, yet their prices are also rising rapidly. Poor weather conditions such as droughts and floods have destroyed most of the imported crops this year. There are less farm workers available and transportation of food becomes expensive. In order to save budget, you can go to farming markets early, purchase those fruits and vegetables that are in season and possibly even grow some herbs or vegetables in your backyard. Delicious and healthy food doesn’t need to be expensive as long as you plan wisely.
Bread
This summer, the price of bread is rising significantly higher. Bad weather and an increase in shipping costs have caused the price of wheat to rise. It also costs more to bake and deliver bread from bakers because fuel prices are rising. To save money, try buying bread in larger amounts and freezing what you won’t eat right away. Toasting, or reheating frozen bread isn’t bad as it may seem. They can last up to 3-6 months frozen. Another great idea is to bake your own bread at home. It’s easier than you might think and can save you money over time.
Grilling Supplies
When it is summer, it’s BBQ time. However, this year charcoal and propane tanks are way more expensive. They are more expensive because a lot of people are buying charcoal (for their own BBQ or camping) and there is a bottleneck in distribution for propane gas. As an alternative to save money use an electric grill, or a grill with wood chips. You can also minimize what you spend by buying more grilling supplies at one go. Maybe do a bigger BBQ party where every guest brings meats they want to grill, which will cost less for everyone.
Bug Spray
Nothing kills a pleasant summer night like mosquitoes and ticks, however, bug spray costs are set to skyrocket this 2025. With everyone spending more time outdoors, the demand for bug spray increases, driving the prices higher. Rather than using bug sprays, why not use natural means such as citronella candles or essential oils. You may also plant herbs such as lavender, and basil around your garden to keep the bugs off. These are the natural solutions which are low cost yet effective, and you can enjoy nature without being bitten or wasting money.
Cold Brew Coffee
Many people love cold brew coffee to start their summer mornings. But cold brew prices are going up too. Coffee beans cost more because climate problems in coffee-growing countries make it harder to grow good beans. Labor and shipping costs are also higher. To save money, try making cold brew at home. It’s easy and fun to make, and much cheaper than buying it from a café every day. Plus, you can make just the amount you want and try different flavors to find your perfect summer coffee.