Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
CPIAUCNS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
323.98
Year-over-Year Change
2.92%
Date Range
5/1/1942 - 8/1/2025
Summary
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average (CPI-U) is a key measure of inflation in the United States. It tracks changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of consumer goods and services.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The CPI-U is a widely-used economic indicator that provides insight into the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar and the overall cost of living. It is a critical input for policymakers at the Federal Reserve and other government agencies when making decisions about monetary policy, cost-of-living adjustments, and other economic matters.
Methodology
The CPI-U is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics based on a survey of prices for a representative basket of consumer goods and services.
Historical Context
The CPI-U is closely watched by economists, investors, and the general public as an indicator of inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy.
Key Facts
- The CPI-U is published monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The CPI-U basket includes over 200 categories of consumer goods and services.
- The CPI-U is a widely-used benchmark for cost-of-living adjustments and wage negotiations.
FAQs
Q: What does the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) measure?
A: The CPI-U measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of consumer goods and services.
Q: Why is the CPI-U relevant for users and analysts?
A: The CPI-U is a key indicator of inflation and the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar, making it crucial for economic policymaking, cost-of-living adjustments, and consumer spending analysis.
Q: How is the CPI-U data collected and calculated?
A: The CPI-U is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics based on a survey of prices for a representative basket of consumer goods and services.
Q: How is the CPI-U used in economic policy?
A: The CPI-U is a critical input for the Federal Reserve and other policymakers when making decisions about monetary policy, cost-of-living adjustments, and other economic matters.
Q: Are there any delays or limitations in the CPI-U data?
A: The CPI-U is published monthly with a short delay, and the basket of goods and services is periodically updated to reflect changes in consumer spending patterns.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average (CPIAUCNS), retrieved from FRED.