Inflation is measured monthly 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 the previous month. Consumer goods and services were 0.8 percent cheaper in November than in October.
The price development of international flights had a downward effect on inflation development. In November 2025, airline tickets were 11.9 percent cheaper than in the same month last year. In October, they were still 1.7 percent more expensive than in October 2024. The price development of food also contributed to the decline in inflation. In November, food was 2.8 percent more expensive than the year before, in October it was 3.6 percent.
Compared to October, consumer prices fell by 0.8 percent in November. A caveat when comparing two different months in the year is that seasonal influences must be taken into account. For example, clothing is cheaper during sales. Prices are temporarily lower then, but this is not a structural price decrease.
The CBS publishes two different inflation figures. One based on the consumer price index (CPI) and one based on the European harmonized consumer price index (HICP). Consumer goods and services in the Netherlands were 2.6 percent more expensive in November according to the HICP than in the same month last year. In October, inflation according to the HICP was 3.0 percent. Inflation in the eurozone rose from 2.1 percent in October to 2.2 percent in November.
Energy prices were lower in the eurozone in November 2025 than in November last year, while they were higher in the Netherlands. In addition, the price increase for food, beverages, tobacco, and services in November on an annual basis was greater in the Netherlands 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. In addition, most countries still 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 housing rents. However, this is not the only difference. These differences are further explained in a publication.
From 2026, the CPI and the 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 include an update of the classification of goods and services used, better matching changed consumption patterns. Moreover, from 2026 the CPI will more closely align with the HICP. The first results according to the new series with reference year 2025 will be published in early February 2026. More information is available in the methodological 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 the HICP. In addition, the dashboard highlights price developments of a number of consumer goods and services in more detail. The personal inflation calculator provides insight into the development of consumer prices for an individual consumption profile.
For the consumer price index of Caribbean Netherlands see Caribbean Netherlands; consumer price index (CPI) 2017=100.
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