Inflation is measured every month as the development of the consumer price index (CPI) compared to the same month in the previous year. The CPI also provides insight into price developments compared to a month earlier. Consumer goods and services were 0.2 percent more expensive in August than in July.
The price development of furniture for the home contributed to the decline in inflation. In August, furniture prices were 1.2 percent higher than a year earlier, while furniture in July was 5.0 percent more expensive than last year. The price development of international flights also affected inflation. Tickets for international flights were 11.8 percent cheaper than last year in August. In July, flights were 7.0 percent cheaper than a year earlier.
In August, the price development of clothing had an upward effect on inflation. Clothing was 3.5 percent more expensive than in the same month a year earlier. In July, prices were 1.6 percent lower than last year. The prices of motor fuels also had an upward effect on inflation development.
Compared to July, prices for consumers rose by 0.2 percent in August. One note when comparing two different months in the year is that account must be taken of seasonal influences. For example, air tickets are more expensive in holiday months than in other months. Prices are temporarily higher, but this is not a structural price increase.
CBS publishes two different figures for inflation. One based on the consumer price index (CPI) and one based on the European Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HICP). According to the HICP, consumer goods and services in the Netherlands were 2.4 percent more expensive in August than in the same month last year. In July, inflation according to the HICP was 2.5 percent. Inflation in the eurozone rose from 2.0 percent in July to 2.1 percent in August.
Energy prices were lower in the eurozone in August 2025 than in August last year, while in the Netherlands prices were higher. Additionally, the price increase for industrial goods and food, beverages, and tobacco in August on a year basis in the Netherlands was larger than the average in the eurozone.
To compare inflation between countries, EU member states calculate a consumer price index according to internationally agreed definitions and methods. The European Central Bank uses the HICP for monetary policy in the eurozone. Additionally, most countries also have their own national price index.
The main difference between the CPI and the HICP for the Netherlands is that the HICP, unlike the CPI, does not take into account the costs of living in ones own home. In the CPI, these costs are calculated based on the development of rent prices. However, this is not the only difference. These differences are further explained in a publication.
From 2026, the CPI and HICP will switch to a new base year, from 2015=100 to 2025=100. Previously published inflation figures will not be revised. The transition will also involve an update of the classification of goods and services in use, which better aligns with changing consumption patterns. Moreover, the CPI from 2026 will align more with the HICP. The first results according to the new series with reference year 2025 will be published in early February 2026. More information can be found in the method document The Consumer Price Index from 2026.
In the long research description, CBS explains what the CPI measures and how the index is calculated. The consumer prices dashboard shows inflation according to the CPI and HICP. Additionally, the dashboard highlights the price developments of several consumer goods and services in more detail. The personal inflation calculator provides insight into the development of consumer prices for an individual consumption profile.