US Inflation Rate 2026: Today’s Latest CPI Update and Inflation Data

The latest U.S. inflation figures show that consumer prices continued to rise in August 2026. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.4% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis. Over the 12 months through August, overall consumer prices increased 3.4%. This annual inflation rate was unchanged from July, meaning inflation remained at the same yearly pace even though prices moved higher during the month.

For households, an inflation rate of 3.4% means that the overall cost of the goods and services measured by the CPI was higher than it was a year earlier. However, inflation does not affect every category equally. Some prices increased much faster than the overall rate, while others moved only slightly or even declined. This is why individual families may experience a different change in their everyday expenses depending on what they regularly buy.

What the Latest CPI Data Shows

The August CPI report provides a closer look at where price pressures came from. Energy was one of the most noticeable contributors, with the energy index increasing 2.1% during August. Gasoline prices rose 3.9% during the month and accounted for more than one-third of the overall monthly increase in consumer prices. Over the year, the energy index was up 16.3%, while gasoline prices were 27.4% higher than a year earlier.

Food prices, in comparison, showed a much smaller increase. The food index rose 0.1% in August and was 2.7% higher over the previous 12 months. Prices for food consumed at home were unchanged during August and increased 2.2% over the year. Food purchased away from home increased 0.3% during the month and was 3.4% higher than a year earlier.

Core Inflation Remains Important

Economists and policymakers also watch core inflation, which excludes food and energy because these categories can experience significant short-term price movements. In August, the index for all items less food and energy increased 0.3%. Over the 12 months ending in August, core inflation increased 2.4%, down from the 2.5% annual increase recorded in July.

Shelter costs continued to be an important part of the inflation picture. The shelter index increased 0.3% in August and was 3.0% higher than a year earlier. Other categories with notable annual increases included airline fares, recreation, and personal care. At the same time, some areas, such as motor vehicle insurance and certain medical-care categories, recorded declines during the month.

Why the Inflation Rate Matters

Inflation matters because it affects purchasing power. When prices rise, consumers generally need more money to purchase the same goods and services. The impact can be especially noticeable in areas such as transportation, housing, food, and other regular household expenses.

The CPI is designed to measure the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a broad market basket of goods and services. It is therefore an important economic indicator, although it does not represent the exact spending pattern of every household.

What to Expect From the Next CPI Report

The August 2026 CPI report was released on September 11, 2026. The next U.S. CPI report, covering September 2026, is scheduled for October 14, 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For now, the latest data show a 3.4% annual headline inflation rate, while core inflation stands at 2.4%. Future reports will help show whether price pressures continue at a similar pace or begin moving higher or lower. Consumers, businesses, and policymakers will continue watching categories such as energy, shelter, food, and other services to understand how the inflation picture develops through the remainder of 2026.

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