While consumer prices generally declined in Antigua and Barbuda over the past year, several sectors recorded notable increases, particularly in education and recreation, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report.

Education costs recorded one of the largest increases, rising 13.3% year-on-year, making it the fastest-growing category in the January 2026 inflation data.

Prices in the recreation and culture category increased by 5.7% over the same period, reflecting higher costs for entertainment and cultural activities.

Meanwhile, the restaurants and hotels category rose 4.9%, pointing to higher prices for dining and accommodation services.

These increases contrasted with broader price declines recorded in several major spending categories, including transport, food and household goods, which helped push overall inflation into negative territory for the period.

Economists often view such mixed price movements as an indication of shifting spending pressures for households, where some essential and lifestyle services continue to rise in cost even as other consumer prices fall.

The Consumer Price Index measures the average change in prices paid by households for a basket of goods and services and is the main indicator used to track inflation and cost-of-living trends in Antigua and Barbuda.