WILLEMSTAD – The cost of living in Curaçao increased in September 2026, driven primarily by higher transportation, communication and housing expenses, according to the latest figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the prices of goods and services purchased by households, rose from 106.9 in August to 107.6 in September. This represents a monthly increase of approximately 0.6 percent.
The figures show that although prices declined in several consumer categories, increases in transportation and housing were sufficient to push the overall price level higher.
Transportation and communication recorded the largest monthly increase, rising by 2.6 percent. This category was the most significant contributor to the upward movement in consumer prices during September.
Housing costs also increased, with the housing category recording a 0.7 percent rise compared with August.
Recreation and development registered a smaller increase of 0.1 percent.
These developments meant that three of the nine expenditure categories monitored by CBS became more expensive during September, while five recorded price decreases and one remained unchanged.
Despite the overall increase, consumers experienced some relief in several categories.
Healthcare prices declined by 0.6 percent, representing the largest percentage decrease among the categories monitored.
Beverages and tobacco products became 0.4 percent cheaper, primarily because beverage prices fell by 0.5 percent.
Food prices decreased by 0.2 percent, partly reflecting a 0.8 percent reduction in the prices of grains and grain products.
Household furnishings and equipment also became 0.2 percent cheaper, while the miscellaneous expenditure category recorded a decline of 0.1 percent.
However, these decreases were not enough to offset the increases in transportation, communication and housing.
The September figures illustrate how households can face higher overall living expenses even when prices for certain everyday products decline.
For residents who depend heavily on transportation or who face substantial housing-related expenses, the increases in these categories may be particularly noticeable.
At the same time, the decline in food prices offers some relief to households managing their grocery budgets, although the figures do not indicate that all food products became cheaper.
The CPI is an important economic indicator because it measures how consumer prices change over time. An increase in the index means that the average price level of the goods and services included in the consumer basket has risen.
The September index of 107.6 is the latest indication that consumer prices in Curaçao remain subject to fluctuations across different expenditure categories.
According to CBS, the overall monthly increase was approximately 0.6 percent, taking into account rounding differences in the published index figures.
The statistics provide an updated picture of the financial pressures facing Curaçao households as the island enters the final quarter of 2026.