Economy · Everyday life
The cost of groceries, housing and energy is felt in everyday life. This guide connects economic indicators with the questions they raise for households.
Behind the headlinesGuide updated
Inflation describes changes in prices. Purchasing power also takes income into account. A price rise alone therefore cannot describe every household’s situation. Definitions and statistical series from Insee help distinguish these measures.
The share spent on rent, food, travel or heating varies between households. When reading a national figure, look at the items involved and the comparison period: a month, a year or several years.
A provisional figure, a final observation and a forecast are not interchangeable. Published articles in this guide retain their dates and sources; announcements are distinguished from measures that have actually taken effect.
Articles appear here after editorial review and publication. In the meantime, explore the context and reference sources.