In August 2026, the cost of living fell 0.32 % according to the overall consumer price index, indicating slight deflation for the month. This drop reflects the sum of price adjustments, although some items still rose, such as personal expenses, which increased 1.30 % in the period.

Consumer price index for August by expense group

Expense groupMonthly change12-month accumulated
Overall index (consumer price index)-0.32%4.22%
Food and beverages-0.34%3.53%
Housing-1.87%4.90%
Household articles0.64%1.40%
Apparel0.12%3.25%
Transportation-0.86%3.04%
Health and personal care0.23%5.84%
Personal expenses1.30%6.16%
Education0.47%5.98%
Communication-0.09%1.96%

Exchange rates at the close of August

CurrencyMonth close
Dollar (USD)$1.02
Euro (EUR)$1.18

Sources: consumer price index/national statistics office (change by expense group) and AwesomeAPI month-close exchange rates. Editorial index produced by FinMoovi.

Highlights of the month

Personal expenses: +1.30 %

The biggest increase was in personal expenses, which rose 1.30 % in August. This impacts the wallet with costs such as leisure, personal care and services, requiring attention when planning monthly spending.

Housing: -1.87 %

The biggest decline was in housing, which fell 1.87 % in the same period. Lower rents and electricity bills can ease the budget, but the trend may vary depending on the region.

How to protect yourself

  • Review your monthly budget using the Budget Calculator and adjust categories that have risen, such as personal expenses.
  • Reassess your emergency reserve with the Emergency Reserve Calculator to ensure it covers unexpected increases.
  • Use the Currency Converter to monitor the dollar rate ($1.02) and the euro rate ($1.18) when planning international purchases.
  • Simulate investments that outpace inflation with the Investment Simulator and protect your purchasing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the overall consumer price index for August 2026 rise or fall?

It fell 0.32 % for the month, indicating a slight deflation in the cost of living.

Which category had the biggest increase in August?

Personal expenses recorded the biggest increase, +1.30 %, putting pressure on the family budget.

Why did housing drop more than other items?

The drop of 1.87 % reflects adjustments in rents and electricity bills, possibly due to seasonality or tariff policies.

How does the exchange rate variation affect my wallet?

With the dollar at $1.02 and the euro at $1.18, imported products become more expensive; tracking the rates helps plan purchases and protect income.

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Note: this is an evolving editorial index — future editions may add new breakdowns and public sources.