On average, economists had expected inflation - the annual rate of price increase - to be 2.5 percent in January, according to Bloomberg.
Core inflation, which excludes energy and food prices, fell to 2.5 percent. Economists' expectations were also 2.5 percent.
The US Federal Reserve (Fed), whose key interest rate is currently 3.50-3.75 percent, has an inflation target of 2 percent.
The next interest rate announcement from the Fed, with Chairman Jerome Powell, is scheduled for March 18.
