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Overview
The cost of living has been rising in recent months in the UK and across the world.
Food and energy prices have been rising markedly over the past year, particularly gas prices, largely in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Global recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is putting further pressure on prices.
In the UK, the price of consumer goods and services rose at the fastest rate in four decades in the year to October 2022. The annual inflation rate fell to 7.8% in the 12 months to April 2023, down from 8.9% in March 2023.
You can explore how the prices of over 450 items in the inflation basket have increased over the past year with our shopping prices comparison tool.
You can use our Personal Inflation Calculator to get your own, personalised inflation rate based on what you spend your money on.
Energy: Around half of adults using less fuel in their homes
More than half (56%) of adults are using less fuel in their homes because of increases in the cost of living.
That is according to our latest Public opinions and social trends bulletin for the period 17 to 29 May, 2023.
This was an increase from 49% when the question was last asked (between 4 and 14 May 2023).
Around two-thirds (67%) of adults say their cost of living has increased when compared with a month ago.
- Read more about the cost of living and energy
Spending: Retail sales volumes rebound after March bad weather
Retail sales volumes (the amount of stuff bought) in Great Britain have bounced back after poor weather resulted in a decline in March 2023.
Our latest data show that sales volumes increased by 0.5% in April 2023, compared with a fall of 1.2% (revised from 0.9%) in March.
Sales volumes have also risen an estimated 0.8% in the three months to April 2023 – the highest three-monthly increase since August 2021 (1.3%).
When compared with their pre-coronavirus February 2020 level, total retail sales were 16.5% higher in value terms but volume was 0.8% lower.
- Read more about the cost of living and spending
How this affects you
Related links
We also regularly publish a newsletter with updates on the rising cost of living. To subscribe, visit our sign-up page and click 'Cost of living newsletter' under our Subscription topics.
Read our summary of ONS' current and future analytical work related to the cost of living.
The government is offering help for households. See what cost of living support you could be eligible for.