Inflation United States 1985

Average inflation: 3.5%

Current Inflation

Inflation is high at 3.5%, well above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in May at 3.8%. The lowest inflation was in September at 3.1%.

Highest month
May: 3.8%
Lowest month
September: 3.1%
Difference
0.7 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 1.4%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 1.4%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 1.4%
Lowest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 1.4%

Historical Context

Current inflation is 2.0% lower than the 5-year average of 5.5%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (3.2% in 1983).

5-year average
5.5%
10-year average
7.5%
All-time high (1980)
13.6%
All-time low (1983)
3.2%

Trend

Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1984, the difference is minimal (-0.8 percentage point).

Change vs. previous year
-0.8 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
September: -1.2 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 1.5% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.

Purchasing Power

At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €103.50 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1985

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
1.4%
-2.0vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 1984
January 3.5% -0.7
February 3.5% -1.1
March 3.7% -1.1
April 3.7% -0.9
May 3.8% -0.4
June 3.8% -0.4
July 3.6% -0.6
August 3.3% -1.0
September 3.1% -1.2
October 3.2% -1.1
November 3.5% -0.6
December 3.8% -0.1
Average 3.5%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.

See also