The annual inflation rate in the US rose to 4.2% in May 2026, marking its highest level since April 2023, from 3.8% in April and in line with market expectations. This represents the third consecutive monthly acceleration in headline inflation, with energy costs jumping 23.5% (vs 17.9% in April), due to the energy shock triggered by the conflict with Iran. Gasoline prices soared 40.5%, after a 28.4% gain. Fuel oil also increased 58.9% (vs 54.3%). In addition, inflation accelerated once again for shelter (3.4% vs 3.3%) and food (3.1% vs 2.3%). Compared to the previous month, the CPI was up 0.5%, slightly less than 0.6% in April, and in line with forecasts. Energy prices rose 3.9% and accounted for over 60% of the monthly gain. Meanwhile, the annual core inflation rate went up to 2.9%, a new high since September 2025, compared to 2.8% in April and matching forecasts. Compared to the previous month however, the core CPI rose 0.2%, less than 0.4% in April and below forecasts of 0.3%. source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Inflation Rate in the United States increased to 4.20 percent in May from 3.80 percent in April of 2026. Inflation Rate in the United States averaged 3.29 percent from 1914 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 23.70 percent in June of 1920 and a record low of -15.80 percent in June of 1921. This page provides - United States Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. United States Inflation Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on June of 2026.

Inflation Rate in the United States increased to 4.20 percent in May from 3.80 percent in April of 2026. Inflation Rate in the United States is expected to be 3.90 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the United States Inflation Rate is projected to trend around 3.00 percent in 2027 and 2.50 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-05-12 12:30 PM
Inflation Rate YoY
Apr 3.8% 3.3% 3.7% 3.6%
2026-06-10 12:30 PM
Inflation Rate YoY
May 4.2% 3.8% 4.2% 4.0%
2026-07-14 12:30 PM
Inflation Rate YoY
Jun 4.2% 3.9%



Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Core Inflation Rate YoY 2.90 2.80 percent May 2026
Energy Inflation 23.50 17.90 Percent May 2026
Food Inflation 3.10 3.20 percent May 2026
Shelter Inflation 3.40 3.30 percent May 2026
Services Inflation 3.50 3.40 Percent May 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
CPI 335.12 333.02 points May 2026
Core Consumer Prices 336.12 335.42 points May 2026
CPI Apparel 137.51 138.07 points May 2026
CPI Education 315.41 315.42 points May 2026
CPI Food 349.03 348.50 points May 2026
CPI Housing Utilities 358.39 357.35 points May 2026
CPI Median 2.90 2.80 percent May 2026
CPI Recreation 144.32 143.92 points May 2026
CPI s.a 333.98 332.41 points May 2026
CPI Transportation 298.41 291.75 points May 2026
CPI Trimmed-Mean 2.90 2.80 percent May 2026
Export Prices 166.10 160.80 points Apr 2026
Import Prices 147.60 144.80 points Apr 2026
Consumer Inflation Expectations 3.50 3.60 percent May 2026
3-Year Consumer Inflation Expectations 3.10 3.10 percent May 2026
5-Year Consumer Inflation Expectations 3.00 3.00 percent May 2026
Inflation Rate YoY 4.20 3.80 percent May 2026
Inflation Rate MoM 0.50 0.60 percent May 2026
PCE Price Index 130.90 130.38 points Apr 2026
PPI YoY 6.50 5.70 percent May 2026


United States Inflation Rate
In the United States, unadjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers is based on the prices of a market basket of: Food (14% of total weight); Energy (8%); Commodities Less Food & Energy Commodities (21%) and Services Less Energy Services (57%). The last category is divided by: Shelter (32%), Medical Care Services (7%) and Transportation Services (6%).
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
4.20 3.80 23.70 -15.80 1914 - 2026 percent Monthly
NSA

News Stream
US Inflation Rate Accelerates to Fresh 2023-Highs
The annual inflation rate in the US rose to 4.2% in May 2026, marking its highest level since April 2023, from 3.8% in April and in line with market expectations. This represents the third consecutive monthly acceleration in headline inflation, with energy costs jumping 23.5% (vs 17.9% in April), due to the energy shock triggered by the conflict with Iran. Gasoline prices soared 40.5%, after a 28.4% gain. Fuel oil also increased 58.9% (vs 54.3%). In addition, inflation accelerated once again for shelter (3.4% vs 3.3%) and food (3.1% vs 2.3%). Compared to the previous month, the CPI was up 0.5%, slightly less than 0.6% in April, and in line with forecasts. Energy prices rose 3.9% and accounted for over 60% of the monthly gain. Meanwhile, the annual core inflation rate went up to 2.9%, a new high since September 2025, compared to 2.8% in April and matching forecasts. Compared to the previous month however, the core CPI rose 0.2%, less than 0.4% in April and below forecasts of 0.3%.
2026-06-10
US Inflation Rate Set to Reach Highest Level Since 2023
The annual inflation rate in the US is expected to rise to 4.2% in May 2026, marking its highest level since April 2023, from 3.8% in April. This would represent the third consecutive monthly acceleration in headline inflation, driven largely by higher gasoline prices following the energy shock triggered by the conflict with Iran. However, the broader pass-through to consumer prices is expected to remain relatively limited. On a monthly basis, consumer prices are projected to increase by 0.5% in May, following a 0.6% rise in April. Gasoline prices likely went up around 9%, but the fading impact of a one-off adjustment to rent data should have a moderating effect on inflation. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is expected to edge up to 2.9% year-on-year, a fresh-high since September 2025, from 2.8% in April. On a monthly basis, core consumer prices are estimated to have risen by 0.3%, after increasing 0.4% in the previous month.
2026-06-10
US Inflation Rate Above Forecasts
The annual inflation rate in the US accelerated to 3.8% in April 2026, the highest since May 2023, and compared to 3.3% in March. Figures came above forecasts of 3.7% as the oil shock triggered by the war with Iran continues to push prices higher. Energy costs jumped 17.9%, the steepest annual increase since September 2022, compared to 12.5% in March, mostly due to gasoline (28.4% vs 18.9%) and fuel oil (54.3%). Inflation also accelerated for shelter (3.3% vs 3%) and food (2.3% vs 2.7%). Compared to the previous month, the CPI was up 0.6%, easing from the 0.9% rise recorded in March, which was the largest monthly gain since June 2022, and in line with forecasts. Core inflation rate also edged higher, albeit at a more moderate pace, to 2.8% year-on-year, the highest level since September, from 2.6% in March and above forecasts of 2.7%. On a monthly basis, core consumer prices increased by 0.4%, up from 0.2% in both February and March and forecasts of 0.3%.
2026-05-12