The housing situation in Catalonia and the Spanish state
The housing crisis has become one of the most significant challenges for both Catalonia and the Spanish state as a whole. In the most recent analysis of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), it has been revealed that the largest increase in prices compared to 2023 has been recorded in the housing sector, with an increase of 4.7% between June this year and last year. This increase has contributed to a 3.6% increase in the CPI during the month of June. Compared to the previous month, prices have remained stable, with a minimum increase of 0.5% in the month-on-month rate.
Price variation by category
In June, the prices that experienced the greatest increase in Catalonia compared to the same month of the previous year were those of housing (4.7%) and those of hotels, cafes and restaurants (4.7%). Likewise, increases were observed in other goods and services (4.3%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (3.9%), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.8%). On the other hand, transportation prices (3.3%), leisure and culture (3.3%), education (3.3%), medicine (2.4%), clothing and footwear (1.9%) , household goods (0.5%) and communications (0.1%) experienced smaller increases.
Comparison with other demarcations
The interannual rate of Catalonia was above the average for Spain, led by Galicia (3.7%), the Balearic Islands (3.6%), Catalonia (3.6%) and Aragon (3.5%). On the other hand, the lowest growth was recorded in Melilla (3.1%), Cantabria (3.1%), the Canary Islands (3.1%) and Ceuta (3.2%). Regarding the demarcations, the interannual variation of the CPI in June stood at 3.7% in Lleida, 3.6% in Barcelona, 3.4% in Tarragona and 3.3% in Girona. Compared to May, prices increased by 0.7% in Lleida, 0.6% in Girona, and 0.5% in Barcelona and Tarragona.
Situation at state level
At the state level, the interannual rate of the CPI stood at 3.4%, two tenths less than the previous month (3.6%). The annual rate of core inflation increased one tenth, reaching 3%. This reduction was due to lower fuel prices and lower oil and grease prices compared to the previous year. Likewise, the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased in June, reaching an interannual rate of 4.2%, two tenths less than in May, mainly due to the reduction in the prices of oils and fats compared to the previous year.
