More answers like this
GPT-5Sep 19, 2026openai/gpt-5-2025-08-07
Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Short answer: mostly no.
•As of the latest CPI report (August 2026, released September 11, 2026), the overall U.S. price level was 3.4% higher than in August 2025.[1]
•Grocery prices (“food at home”) were up 2.2% year over year; they were flat month to month in August.[1]
•Nonfood retail goods excluding food and energy (“core goods”) were up 0.7% year over year—close to flat but not lower.[1]
There are a few exceptions where prices did fall versus a year ago, such as used cars and trucks (-2.3%) and dairy products (-0.3%). But on average, store prices are still higher than a year earlier.[1]
If you share the specific items you have in mind, I can check how those changed over the past year.
Citations (1)
- Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “As of the latest CPI report (August 2026, released September 11, 2026), the overall U.S. price level was 3.4% higher than in August 2025.”