What is the difference between CPI, CPIH and RPI?

All three are ONS price indices, but they cover different things. CPI is the internationally comparable measure the Bank of England targets. CPIH is CPI plus owner occupiers' housing costs and council tax, and is the ONS's lead measure. RPI is an older index that includes mortgage interest payments and uses a formula the ONS says overstates inflation; it lost its National Statistics status in 2013.

RPI is still used in some contracts, index-linked gilts, rail fares and student loan interest, and is usually higher than CPI. From 2030 RPI will be aligned with CPIH. A claim that compares wages or benefits with "inflation" should name the index, because the choice changes the answer.

Official sources: CPIH annual rate (L55O) · RPI annual rate (CZBH)

The latest figure

The newest value is at Office for National Statistics (ONS). More on it: UK inflation rate (CPI).

When is the next figure out?

Monthly, usually a Wednesday in the middle of the month, 7am; next release 21 October 2026

Every official release due in the next two weeks is on the release calendar.

Terms used in this answer

• Index number
  A number that shows how a value compares with a chosen reference period set to 100. An index of 110 means 10% higher than the reference period.
• CPI (Consumer Prices Index)
  The UK's main measure of consumer price inflation for the Bank of England's 2% target. It tracks the prices of a basket of goods and services bought by households.
• CPIH
  The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs. The ONS's lead measure of consumer price inflation, it adds housing costs and council tax to CPI.
• RPI (Retail Prices Index)
  An older UK price index still used in some contracts, index-linked gilts and student loans. It is not an accredited official statistic and usually runs above CPI.
• Weighted average
  An average in which some values count for more than others, according to their size or importance.
• Core inflation
  Inflation measured without the most volatile items, usually energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, to show underlying price pressure.

Where the figures come from

• HM Land Registry Price Paid Data and the UK House Price Index
  How to use HM Land Registry Price Paid Data, the UK House Price Index and ONS private rent statistics to check claims about house prices and rents.
• UK poverty and household income statistics (DWP, ONS, DESNZ, Low Pay Commission and devolved governments)
  Where to find official UK poverty, household income, inequality, minimum wage and fuel poverty figures, and how to check claims about them.

Related questions

• What is the current UK inflation rate?
• Are wages rising faster than inflation in the UK?
• What is the UK inflation target?

This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about inflation and prices: all Inflation and prices questions.