Inflation United States 2026
Average inflation: 2.7%
Current Inflation
Inflation is normal at 2.7%, around the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in March at 3.3%. The lowest inflation was in January at 2.4%.
- Highest month
- March: 3.3%
- Lowest month
- January: 2.4%
- Difference
- 0.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 3 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 2.1%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 2.1%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.1%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.1%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.4% lower than the 5-year average of 4.1%.
- 5-year average
- 4.1%
- 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 (+0.0 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.0 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- March: +0.9 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 0.7% 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 €102.70 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 |
| Average | 2.7% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 14/04/2026.Not all months available yet.