I know inflation numbers are based on a mix of items, presumably weighted by cost and volume. What might be most relevant here is to filter specifically things that tend to be bought using credit carts: most shopping, but not apartments, houses, cars (I assume)...
Of course, if I have to spend more to my rent, I have less for paying off my credit card. But it makes sense to me that if, e.g. rent went up $1000 and food $100, my credit card debt might rise more than if it were the other away around.
Inflation is weighted by the average of what people buy (although it is not quite that simple, because it needs to be the same year-to-year). Inflation less housing is still not even close to 18.5%. The only categories over 18% are energy (e.g. fuel).
Of course, if I have to spend more to my rent, I have less for paying off my credit card. But it makes sense to me that if, e.g. rent went up $1000 and food $100, my credit card debt might rise more than if it were the other away around.