Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Short answer: mostly no.

Latest nationwide data show that overall consumer prices in the U.S. were about 3.7% higher in September 2026 than in September 2025. Grocery-store (“food at home”) prices were up 1.8% year over year, while restaurant prices were up 3.5%. October figures aren’t out until November 10, 2026.[1]

That said, some specific items are cheaper than a year ago—for example, dairy products (about −0.7% y/y) and eggs (roughly −20.6% y/y). Used cars and trucks were also down around −1.5% y/y.[1]

If you had certain stores or categories in mind (groceries, electronics, clothing, etc.), tell me which and I can pull the latest specifics.