Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

I'll check whether store prices have fallen versus last year.

No, prices in stores are generally higher than a year ago, not lower. Inflation is still positive year-over-year, though the rate has moderated.

Most recent official data is August 2026, released September 11, 2026:

•The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August after rising 0.1 percent in July, and over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment.

> The all items index rose 3.4 percent for the 12 months ending August as it did for the 12 months ending July

•Headline held at 3.4% year-over-year; core eased to 2.4% - specifically The all items less food and energy index rose 2.4 percent over the year.

•Food overall:

•The energy index increased 16.3 percent for the 12 months ending August

•The food index increased 2.7 percent over the last year

•Food prices overall remain about 2.7% higher than a year ago

•Grocery store prices specifically (Food at home):

•| Food at home | 2.2% |

•The food at home index rose 2.2 percent over the 12 months ending in August

Breakdown for August 2026, not seasonally adjusted:

•| Food | 2.7% |

•| Food at home | 2.2% |

•| Cereals and bakery products | 2.6% |

•| Fruits and vegetables | 3.2% |

•| Nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials | 3.7% |

•| Other food at home | 2.4% |

•| Food away from home | 3.4% |

A few categories are lower than a year ago:

•| Dairy and related products | -0.3% |

•| Used cars and trucks | -2.3% |

•| Medical care commodities | -2.7% |

•| Motor vehicle insurance | -5.1% |

In other words, there is no broad deflation - prices are not lower in stores compared to August 2025. The rate of increase has slowed for groceries - described as Grocery price increases slowed in March, offering some relief... but food costs remain higher than a year ago - but prices remain about 2-3% higher year-over-year.

Citations (2)

1bls.govGovernment
Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “Most recent official data is August 2026, released September 11, 2026: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August after rising 0.1 percent in July, and over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.4 percent before seasonal…”
2bls.govGovernment
12-month percentage change, Consumer Price Index, selected categories
Backs: “Food prices overall remain about 2.7% higher than a year ago. Grocery store prices specifically (Food at home):”