Fuel Efficiency Ratchets Up the Cost of Cars Gas   prices may be falling, but cars that run on it are getting more expensive. Earlier   this year, the Obama administration issued new standards that require automakers   improve fuel efficiency, and the cost of upgraded engines alone is driving up   prices. Toyota hiked prices on its mid-size Camry by roughly $175, and among   best selling luxury vehicles, the 2013 Lexus CT 200h will be almost $3,000 more   than the 2012 model.

Grocery Prices to Increase by as Much as 4% Meat,   poultry, and dairy prices are all expected to rise thanks to this summer’s drought.   Feed corn and grass were most effected, and the impact from their scarcity will   soon be felt at the grocery store: price increases will hit right along with   the new year. Since drought conditions forced farmers to reduce the size of   their herds to combat higher feed costs, the price of beef and chicken is also   slated to rise. The cost of dairy products, too, will be affected, as fewer   and leaner cows produce less milk. Overall, the USDA expects food prices to   rise 3.5% to 4% in 2013.

Grain Prices Affected by Drought Cereal and bakery   product prices will rise too, as a result of the 2012 drought and lower wheat   yields. Prices in this category began creeping up in October, and the USDA's   Economic Research Service forecasts cereal and bakery product prices to rise   2.5% to 3.5% next year.

Health Care Premiums on the Rise Obamacare not   withstanding, employee health care premiums are expected to rise an average   of 6% in 2013. That amount will vary by state and type of plan, but overall,   employers will face higher premiums and the increased cost will be passed along   in part to employees.

High-End TVs and Home Theater Systems Hit New Highs   While there will always be budget home entertainment options, folks who want   the latest and greatest in this department will face some shockingly high price   tags in 2013. Ultra HD TVs — which include an extremely high pixel density —   sell for $20,000 to $25,000. High-end audio manufacturers too aren't holding   back, as they incorporate premium features like Apple Airplay or standard DLNA   that lets users control the entire system wirelessly. These features can drive   up the cost of AV equipment in an instant.

Computers Push High-End Features As tablets continue   to gain momentum in the consumer electronics realm, computers are returning   to their original function as work-related machines — albeit more powerful and   expensive. Apple's new notebooks with retina displays are among the highest-priced   models out there, and Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 8, is driving   the adoption of premium touchscreen PCs.

Copper Will Be in Demand and Beer Prices Will Suffer   Move over gold, it's copper's time to shine! Copper prices could be on the rise   thanks to a move by the SEC to approve a fund to trade the metal. The fund could   lead to scarcity and higher prices, as it did for gold. The problem is that   copper is used in plenty of consumer items, including residential water pipes,   wire, pots, and kettles, as well as equipment for brewing beer, distilling liquor,   and making candy.