Inflation climbs for sixth consecutive month

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Catalonia reached 4.8% year-on-year in October 2026, up from 4.5% in September, according to data published on Friday 13th November by the National Statistics Institute (INE). This marks the sixth straight month of rising inflation since April, when the rate stood at 3%. The latest figure, while slightly below the national Spanish average of 4.9%, continues a sustained upward trend in the cost of living across the region. Core inflation, which excludes unprocessed food and energy, remained steady at 3.1%, as reported in the INE’s flash estimate.

Transport and housing drive price increases

Transport costs surged by 8.6% compared to October 2025, making it the largest contributor to inflation. Housing expenses followed closely, rising 6.6%, while restaurants and accommodation increased by 5.9%. Other notable rises include information and communications (+5%), insurance and financial services (+4.2%), and personal care (+3.3%). Non-alcoholic food and beverages rose 2.4%, matching the increase in education costs. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco were up 2.2%, leisure and culture by 1.6%, and household goods by 1.3%.

Clothing and footwear prices fall

  • Clothing and footwear prices dropped 2.6% year-on-year, offering some relief to household budgets.
  • This decline aligns with broader national trends, where clothing prices are rising more slowly than in 2025, according to the INE.

Despite a 20-cent-per-litre subsidy on gasoline and diesel, fuel prices continue to exert upward pressure on transport costs.

Regional disparities in inflation

Inflation varies significantly across Catalonia’s provinces. Girona recorded the highest annual increase at 5.7%, followed by Lleida at 5.6%. Tarragona saw a 4.9% rise, while Barcelona province stood at 4.7%. On a monthly basis, Lleida (+0.9%) and Barcelona (+0.8%) experienced the sharpest increases in consumer prices from September to October, while Girona and Tarragona both rose by 0.5%.

The purchasing power of Catalan households continues to decline month after month, as inflation outpaces income growth.

Sources: CatalunyaPress, ine.es, Ara.