Inflation United States 2026
Average inflation: 3.3%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 3.3%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in May at 4.2%. The lowest inflation was in January at 2.4%.
- Highest month
- May: 4.2%
- Lowest month
- January: 2.4%
- Difference
- 1.8 percentage points
- Months with data
- 8 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 2.4%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 2.4%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.4%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 0.9% lower than the 5-year average of 4.2%.
- 5-year average
- 4.2%
- 10-year average
- 3.3%
- All-time high (2022)
- 8%
- All-time low (2009)
- -0.3%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2025, the difference is minimal (+0.6 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- May: +1.8 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 1.3% 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 $103.30 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2026
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.4% | -0.6 |
| February | 2.4% | -0.4 |
| March | 3.3% | +0.9 |
| April | 3.8% | +1.5 |
| May | 4.2% | +1.8 |
| June | 3.5% | +0.8 |
| July | 3.4% | +0.7 |
| August | 3.4% | +0.5 |
| Average | 3.3% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 15/09/2026. Not all months available yet.