This inflation calculator lets you see how much the rising cost of living has impacted you

Want to know how much soaring costs have actually impacted your household? This inflation calculator will work out how increases in the cost of living have affected you in the past year. 

The calculator created by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) takes into account your monthly salary and spending habits. 

It then estimates how much your monthly spend has increased over the past year, shows you how it compares to previous years, and breaks down which items are contributing most to increases in your cost of living.

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It comes as inflation soars to highs not seen in 41 years, hitting 11.1 per cent in the 12 months up to October 2022. Low-income families are hit hardest, because the cost of essentials like food and energy bills are rising most and the poorest families spend more of their income on them.

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Low-income groups spend around 15.2 per cent of their total expenditure on food, drink and energy, while it’s around 10.4 per cent for high-income groups.

The chancellor is due to announce the Autumn Statement tomorrow, while campaigners call for targeted support for low-income families. 

The calculator estimates a personal inflation rate based on your household spending patterns and compares this with headline inflation. You will be asked how much your household spends on things like groceries, housing, leisure and transport. 

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The calculator will also estimate your spending on other areas, based either on the UK average spend or on the average spending for a household on your income level – depending on whether you put your monthly income into the calculator. 

The ONS advises you to think about the spending of every person you live with, including partners and children. If you live in shared accommodation, just provide your personal share of expenses.

The most accurate estimate will come from giving as much information as possible and consider irregular purchases too – like household appliances or a new car. But don’t worry if your figures are not exactly accurate, it’s just an estimation and the calculator gives you average monthly spending too so you should be able to work it out from there. 

Find out your personal inflation rate using the calculator here.