The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4% in October 2026, following a 0.6% increase in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Food prices rose 0.5%, while energy costs rose 0.7%, though that was slower than September’s 5.2% jump. Shelter costs also climbed 0.3%, accounting for more than 30% of the overall monthly inflation increase.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3% for the third consecutive month. Higher prices for recreation, medical care, motor vehicle insurance, household furnishings, and education contributed to the increase. Used car and truck prices fell 1.2%, providing some relief.
The report shows that inflationary pressures remain across several major consumer expenses, particularly food, housing, and services. However, the BLS could not calculate most year-over-year inflation comparisons because October 2025 data were unavailable due to last year’s government funding lapse.
