Inflation is a monthly/annual measure (at least insofar as most economists are interested in it). Looking at monthly spend is the fair comparison. You're bring

Inflation is a monthly/annual measure (at least insofar as most economists are interested in it). Looking at monthly spend is the fair comparison. You're bringing up an important point about buyers often left unaware of their total outlay, but on the flip side, their home is usually an appreciable asset, they are free to re-fi, and they also get to deduct mortgage interest.