Inflation United States 1981
Average inflation: 10.4%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 10.4%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 11.8%. The lowest inflation was in December at 8.9%.
- Highest month
- January: 11.8%
- Lowest month
- December: 8.9%
- Difference
- 2.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 7.4%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 7.4%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 7.4%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 7.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.3% lower than the 5-year average of 11.7%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (10.4% in 1981).
- 5-year average
- 11.7%
- 10-year average
- 11.7%
- All-time high (1980)
- 13.6%
- All-time low (1981)
- 10.4%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1980, the difference is minimal (-3.2 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -3.2 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: -4.8 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 8.4% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €110.40 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1981
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1980 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11.8% | -2.1 |
| February | 11.4% | -2.8 |
| March | 10.5% | -4.3 |
| April | 10.0% | -4.7 |
| May | 9.8% | -4.6 |
| June | 9.6% | -4.8 |
| July | 10.8% | -2.3 |
| August | 10.8% | -2.1 |
| September | 11.0% | -1.6 |
| October | 10.1% | -2.7 |
| November | 9.6% | -3.0 |
| December | 8.9% | -3.6 |
| Average | 10.4% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.