US Headline CPI
US Headline CPI stood at 8.1% in Sep 2026, according to Cleveland FED; Atlanta FED; San Francisco FED; BLS. It is one of the indicators in the Alternative inflation measures table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Feb 1967 to Sep 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Alternative inflation measures table
| Indicator | 09-2026 | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-month change, annualized | |||||||||||
| Headline CPI | 8.1 | 4.9 | 0.9 | -5 | 5.8 | 8 | 10.9 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 3.6 | |
| Median CPI | 2.8 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 3.7 | 4.9 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 3.1 |
Understanding US Headline CPI
United States Headline CPI measures the total change in prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services, including volatile food and energy items. Unlike core measures that strip out specific categories, this comprehensive index reflects the actual cost of living experienced by households, capturing every direct purchase from groceries to utility bills.
Interpreting this series requires balancing the twelve-month view, which provides a stable baseline against seasonal effects, with the monthly rate that signals immediate price momentum. Because food and energy costs fluctuate sharply, analysts often cross-reference headline figures with narrower metrics to separate broad economic trends from transitory commodity shocks.