The cost of living rose by 3,1% in the 12 months to March.
This is according to the latest consumer price index (CPI).
Patrick Kelly, Chief Director of Price Statistics at StatsSA said annual consumer price inflation was 3,1% in March 2026, up from 3,0% in February 2026.
The CPI increased by 0,6% month-on-month in March 2026.
This is slightly up from the 3% recorded in February.
Prices increased by an average of 0,6% in March.
“Six of the thirteen categories in the CPI basket, recorded higher annual rates, including restaurants and accommodation services, housing and utilities, transport, education, information and communications as well as recreation, sports and culture” said Kelly.
Tuition fees went up by 5,4% in March this year, higher than 4,5% in the previous year.
Transport rose from -2,1% to -1,6 in March. The negative represents deflation, meaning transport goods and services were cheaper compared to last year.
Actual rents increased by 4% in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 3,7% in the last quarter of 2025.
Rent for houses increased by 3,7%, while townhouses by 5,1 and flats by 4,2%.
Picture: National Debt Advisors