The inflation number is specifically high because used cars got expensive due to the chip production supply crunch, it’s not those other things. (Except insofar as those other people want to buy used cars, which some of them do.) You’re reading as if it applied to the entire economy just because you’ve been given a single number.

My rent hasn’t gone up either. Which is kind of weird since I don’t think we have rent control here.

My point is that people feel the way they do because they see their goals become less achievable (even if maybe they were not very achievable in the first place).

You make the best point on this thread I think. Inflation numbers don't really correspond easily to quality of life or day2day expenses, especially if you're making well above what's required to afford the necessities.

Getting a 4% raise on 150k salary in an uneven 8% inflation environment is a genuine meaningful increase, and will have you "keep up" fine in the short/mid term.