Regional architecture of inflation in Russia

Abstract

Subject. Regional structural and dynamic features of the inflation process in Russia and the mechanisms of spatial differentiation of price dynamics under a unified monetary policy. Objectives. To analyze the regional dimension of the inflation process in Russia based on statistical data as of January 2026, to identify the patterns of inflation formation and the channels through which they are reproduced. Methods. A comparative statistical analysis and structural interpretation were applied. The empirical basis of the study comprises Rosstat publications, as well as comments and documents issued by the Bank of Russia. Results. It has been established that the inflation process in Russia is spatially heterogeneous and cannot be reduced to random deviations of regional indices from the national average. The following regional inflation patterns have been identified: agglomeration‑based, industrial, resource‑based, agri‑food and service‑oriented, and peripheral import‑dependent. It is substantiated that the service sector plays a key role in sustaining price pressure, and to assess the cost of living accurately, it is necessary to distinguish between official, effective, and socially sensitive inflation. Conclusions. Regional inflation in Russia constitutes an independent spatial dimension of the inflation process. The average consumer price index does not provide a comprehensive picture of the actual dynamics of the cost of living, and inflation analysis requires taking into account regional patterns of price formation and differences in the real inflation experience of households.