Responses

No, prices in stores are generally not lower than a year ago—they are modestly higher on average, though the picture varies by category, item, retailer, and location, with some relief on specific goods and at discounters.[[1]](https://chart.ly/inflation-report/september-2026) Overall Consumer Prices (US) As of the latest detailed data (September 2026 CPI from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics):

No, overall prices in stores are generally not lower than a year ago—they are modestly higher on average—though the rate of increase has slowed substantially from the high-inflation period of 2021–2023, some specific items and categories are cheaper or flat, and retailers continue heavy promotions and selective price cuts.[[1]](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/charts/cpi-cpirc1cpibycat.stm) Late