Inflation United States 2019
Average inflation: 1.8%
Current Inflation
Inflation is low at 1.8%, below the ECB target of 2%.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 2.3%. The lowest inflation was in February at 1.5%.
- Highest month
- December: 2.3%
- Lowest month
- February: 1.5%
- Difference
- 0.8 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics with an average of 3.3%. The lowest price increase was in Clothing and footwear with an average of -0.9%.
- Highest increase
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 3.3%
- Lowest increase
- Clothing and footwear: -0.9%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 1.5%.
- 5-year average
- 1.5%
- 10-year average
- 1.8%
- All-time high (2008)
- 3.9%
- All-time low (2009)
- -0.3%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2018, the difference is minimal (-0.6 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: -1.3 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is close to the ECB target of 2.0%.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power gradually decreases. The impact on daily expenses is relatively limited.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €101.80 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2019
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1.6% | -0.5 |
| February | 1.5% | -0.7 |
| March | 1.9% | -0.5 |
| April | 2.0% | -0.5 |
| May | 1.8% | -1.0 |
| June | 1.6% | -1.3 |
| July | 1.8% | -1.1 |
| August | 1.7% | -1.0 |
| September | 1.7% | -0.6 |
| October | 1.8% | -0.7 |
| November | 2.1% | -0.1 |
| December | 2.3% | +0.4 |
| Average | 1.8% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 11/01/2026.