Your Real Pay
Is your pay keeping up with prices?
See what your pay buys in last year’s money, and the rise you need to stand still.
UK CPI: 3.1% in the twelve months to August 2026. ONS published 2026-09-16; verified 2026-09-22. Next release expected 2026-10-21.
What does “stand still” mean?
We divide your current pay by the CPI price factor to express it in last year’s money. We multiply previous pay by that factor to find inflation-matching pay. If you leave previous pay out, the result explicitly assumes your pay has not changed.
This is a comparison with the standard UK basket, not a household budget or a prediction. If pay already exceeds the inflation-matching amount, we show the surplus and no further required rise.
Sources and assumptions
Uses the standard UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) basket. Your own spending may rise at a different rate. CPI does not include mortgage interest or owner-occupiers’ housing costs. Gross-pay comparisons are not estimates of disposable income.
Methodology reviewed 23 September 2026. Results are estimates, not financial advice.