Why does everything seem so expensive?

I know the obvious reasons of inflation but in reality why does everything seem to break the bank as an average 40hr/week worker? A few years ago I could work 40-50 hrs & provide for my wife & our dog (who was in the vet a lot when we first got him). We would pay rent & necessary bills but have money left over to go on weekend adventures like hiking, kayaking or lake/beach days. Now it seems like we can barely afford to buy a cart of groceries. We don't go out anymore unless it's the local park for an outdoor walk & we both work now when I used to be able to provide a comfortable living just from my income. Is it just me or has everything just become wildly over priced? If so- how or why? It doesn't make sense to my pea brain & it's starting to drive me crazy- thanks for listening.