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 0.3 percent more expensive in October than in September.
Inflation fell in October partly due to price developments in clothing. Clothing items were 0.4 percent more expensive in October than in October 2024. In September, the annual price increase was 2.7 percent. The price development of gas also had a downward effect on inflation. Gas was 1.0 percent more expensive in October than a year earlier; in September, it was 4.3 percent.
The price development of airfares had an upward effect on inflation in October. Airfares were 1.7 percent more expensive in October than in the same month last year. In September, prices were on average still 17.2 percent lower than a year earlier.
Compared to September, consumer prices rose by 0.3 percent in October. 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.
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 according to the HICP 3.0 percent more expensive in October than in the same month last year. In September, inflation according to the HICP was also 3.0 percent. Inflation in the eurozone fell from 2.2 percent in September to 2.1 percent in October.
Energy prices were lower in the eurozone in October 2025 than in October last year, while they were higher in the Netherlands. In addition, the price increase for food, beverages, tobacco and services in October on an annual basis was higher 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 owner-occupied housing. In the CPI, these costs are calculated based on the development of housing rents. However, this is not the only difference. A publication further explains these differences.
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 reflecting changed consumption patterns. Moreover, the CPI will align more closely with the HICP from 2026. 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.
The long research description 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 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.
For the consumer price index of Caribbean Netherlands see Caribbean Netherlands; consumer price index (CPI) 2017=100.
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