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U.S. inflation excluding food and fuel was below estimates for the sixth time in seven months, even as a hurricane-driven spike in energy prices boosted the overall cost of living by the most since January, a Labor Department report showed Oct. 13.

WASHINGTON — Consumer prices posted a slight gain in July, with higher costs for medical care and clothing offsetting declines for hotel stays and consumer cellphone plans.

The cost of living in the United States rose in July at the slowest pace in three months, casting doubt on how quickly inflation will return toward the Federal Reserve’s goal.

The cost of living in the United States excluding food and fuel rose less than forecast in May, a sign inflation may take time to meet the Federal Reserve’s goal.

The recent slump in fuel prices is so far failing to ripple through the U.S. economy as the cost of services such as rents climbs, bolstering the Federal Reserve’s view that inflation will eventually reach their goal.

The cost of living in the U.S. was little changed in October, reflecting a drop in energy prices that has yet to filter through to other goods and services.

The consumer-price index climbed 0.1% after decreasing 0.2% in August, a Labor Department report showed in Washington.

The cost of living in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in August for the first time in more than a year.

Consumer prices increased in January, the Labor Department reported Feb. 20.