October Inflation disproportionately impacts lower-income households

Comparing two baskets of goods, excluding tobacco, revealed that the cost of living for the poorest fifth of the population increased by 3.6% over the past year, compared to 3.4% for the average household. The indices rose at the same rate of 0.4% during the month of October alone.

Within the food basket, fresh produce stood out with a significant price increase. Overall food prices rose 1.2% year-on-year, down from 1.4% in September. Fresh products were 8% more expensive than in October 2025, while the rest of the food basket saw a more modest increase of 0.3%. Prices for fresh produce decreased by 2.8% between September and October, narrowing the gap with the previous autumn.

Energy prices have risen for the fourth consecutive month on an annual basis. Prices increased by 24.1% year-on-year, with petroleum products experiencing a steeper rise of 38.5%. Conversely, manufactured goods were, on average, 0.2% cheaper than a year earlier. These national trends impact household budgets differently depending on the proportion spent on heating, transportation, or groceries.

The Insee confirmed a 3.4% annual increase for the general index, including tobacco, matching the estimate released on October 30th. This figure was 3.1% in September.