It is important to understand that the CPI is based on the experience of an average household, not of any specific family or individual. It is unlikely that your experience will correspond precisely with the national average.

For example, if you or your family spend a larger than average share of your budget on medical expenses; and medical care costs are increasing more rapidly than other items in the CPI market basket, your personal rate of inflation (or experience with price change) may exceed the CPI. Conversely, if you heat your home with solar energy; and fuel prices are rising more rapidly than other items, you may experience less inflation than the general population.

This is one reason why people sometimes question the accuracy of the calculator. Our calculator reflects all the ups and downs of millions of individual price experiences. It seldom mirrors a particular consumer's experience.