Inflation and rising prices were a major theme in 2022.

We’ve paid more for our morning eggs than cups of Joe and been stung by high prices at the gas pumps and grocery stores.

Nationally, prices have risen 7.1% over 12 months ending in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2022, the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate seven times to help curb inflation, and has indicated it’s not done pushing rates upward.

As we gaze into the crystal ball for 2023, it’s hard to predict exactly how the economy will play out. Unfortunately, experts say the new year will begin with even more uncertainty than usual.

Here’s a look at everything from car insurance to internet and cable to warehouse club memberships.

Comcast

Comcast subscribers are paying more for cable and internet services.

The company increased prices on average nationally by 3.8%. As of Dec. 20, Comcast raised its broadcast TV fee from $19.15 to $23.20 and its regional sports fee from $15 to $17.25, according to customer bills.

The “Broadcast TV” and “Regional Sports Network” fees are itemized charges that are not government-mandated fees. Both fees are based on Comcast’s costs to provide either the local broadcast stations or the regional sports networks. These costs include the fees that the broadcast stations or sports networks charge Comcast to carry them on its cable systems.

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Gas prices

Just as gas prices dropped after peaking around $5 a gallon in June, they are likely going to rise after Jan. 1.

The reason has more to do with the Pennsylvania gas tax. It is assessed at the wholesale level and increased on Jan. 1 thanks to Act 89 of 2013, which was signed into law during the Corbett administration and mandates this increase to pay for road and bridge projects.

This does not mean the taxes are automatically passed onto the consumers at the pump, as this is an increase for the wholesaler. But that’s the expected outcome.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the gas tax in Pennsylvania will be going up from just under 58 cents per gallon to more than 61 cents per gallon.

Costco memberships

The annual price for a membership to wholesale retailer Costco soon will increase, although it’s unclear exactly when the increase will occur.

Yahoo! Finance reported in December that Costco Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti said “It’s a question of when, not if” during an earnings call. Galanti did not say how much the increase might be.

According to USA Today, Galanti said that, on average, Costco usually increases its membership costs every five years and seven months. The price increase would come in January if the retailer sticks to that timeline.

Municipal wastewater rates

Capital Region Water will raise wastewater rates in 2023 but won’t make any changes to drinking water rates or the stormwater fee.

Capital Region Water is a municipal authority that provides services for the city of Harrisburg and portions of Penbrook, Paxtang, and Steelton as well as Susquehanna, Swatara, and Lower Paxton townships.

Capital Region Water’s board of directors voted on Nov. 30 to approve its 2023 budget and rates.

The board has approved a roughly $2.55-per-month increase to wastewater rates for a typical residential property in the city.

Turnpike tolls

It seems like a broken record. Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike are going up, again.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission last summer approved a 5% toll increase for 2023 for all E-ZPass and Toll By Plate customers. The new rates will take effect across the toll-highway system at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2023, the PTC said in a press release.

This will be the 15th consecutive year the commission has approved a roll hike. Prior to 2009, the commission had raised tolls only five times since 1940.

Restaurant meals out

It’s not a given, but expect to pay more in 2023 at restaurants. The main reason is operators are paying more for labor and food costs.

About 73% of operators surveyed by Restaurant365, a restaurant software management company as part of its 2022 State of the Industry Customer Survey, said they plan to raise prices in 2023.

The reason boils down to the fact independent restaurant industry owners raised prices less aggressively in the past year than grocery stores and fast food eateries.

Energy costs

Paying for gas and electric might will become more expensive this winter as several utility companies in Pennsylvania have increased prices.

Most electric utilities in the state adjusted their “price-to-compare” rate on Dec. 1. This charge averages 40% to 60% of the customer’s total utility bill. However, this percent varies by utility and by the level of individual customer usage.

PP&L has increased its rate by 18%, and UGI said on average residential heating customer’s bill will rise by 3.1% percent, increasing from $119.54 per month to $123.28 per month.

Disney World

For those planning trips to the Magic Kingdom, prepare to pay more.

Starting in December, Disney increased its single-day tickets, multi-day passes and annual pass renewals to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the first time since 2019. Only Animal Kingdom keeps the current price range of $109 to $159.

“We continue to focus on providing guests with the best, most memorable Disney experience, and we’re doing that by growing our theme parks with incredible new attractions and offerings,” Disney said in a statement in November.

One-day one-park tickets to EPCOT are priced $114 to $179, Disney’s Hollywood Studios from $124 to $179 and Magic Kingdom from $124 to $189.

Car insurance

Anticipate higher car insurance premiums in 2023 due to more expensive vehicles and higher rates of crashes.

On average, drivers can expect to pay about $1,895 per vehicle for car insurance in 2023, up 7% from 2022 and up 29.5% from 2020, according to a study by Insurify, a virtual insurance agent company. This marks the first time average premiums will likely top $150 a month.

The company said by the end of 2023 drivers will pay 16% more for car insurance than they did at the beginning of this year. It noted factors behind the rate hikes include higher driving rates, more severe accidents, inflation’s impact on vehicle repairs and medical costs, and the potentially increased frequency of wildfires and hurricanes.

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