Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
No, overall prices in stores are not lower compared to a year ago.
While the rate of inflation has cooled significantly from its pandemic-era peaks, prices are still climbing, meaning consumers are paying more today than they were at this time last year.
According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in September 2026), overall consumer prices are 3.4% higher than they were a year ago.
The price trends across different in-store categories show what is more expensive, what has stayed flat, and the few items that have actually gotten cheaper:
1. Groceries (Food at Home) — Up 2.2% overall
While grocery inflation is rising at a slower pace than in previous years, overall food-at-home prices are still 2.2% more expensive than they were a year ago. The impact on your wallet depends heavily on what you put in your cart:
2. Apparel and Shoes — Up 3.6% overall
After nearly two years of flat clothing prices, apparel has gotten noticeably more expensive over the last year, rising 3.6%. This is largely driven by adult clothing and footwear, with men’s footwear seeing a significant 5.7% jump. Analysts attribute some of these increases to the compounding effects of tariff changes on import goods implemented throughout 2025 and 2026.
3. Electronics — Up significantly
If you are shopping for a new smartphone, laptop, or gaming console, you will likely find much higher price tags than a year ago. Due to massive corporate investments in artificial intelligence, memory semiconductor chips (DRAM and NAND) have faced extreme supply shortages, with wholesale chip prices skyrocketing. As a result, the average price of a smartphone has jumped by nearly $94 over the past year, and major manufacturers of PCs and gaming consoles have steadily raised their retail prices.
4. Gasoline and Energy — Up 16.3% overall
Fueling up to go to the store is also costing more. Energy prices have surged, with gasoline prices up more than 27% compared to a year ago. This has not only affected consumers at the pump but has also increased shipping and logistical costs for retail stores, putting upward pressure on the goods they sell.
What is cheaper?
There are a few areas where store prices have declined over the past year:
Summary
Because inflation is cumulative, even though prices are rising more slowly than they were during the height of the inflation crisis, they are still rising on top of already elevated baselines. Unless you are specifically buying eggs or used cars, you are likely spending more during your shopping trips today than you were a year ago.
Citations (13)
- thestreet.com
Backs: “No, overall prices in stores are not lower compared to a year ago.”
- in2013dollars.com
Backs: “No, overall prices in stores are not lower compared to a year ago.”
- bls.gov
Backs: “According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in September 2026), overall consumer prices are 3.4% higher than they were a year ago.”
- usinflationcalculator.com
Backs: “According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in September 2026), overall consumer prices are 3.4% higher than they were a year ago.”
- agbull.com
Backs: “The impact on your wallet depends heavily on what you put in your cart: What is more expensive: Beef and veal prices have climbed steeply (averaging a 9% to 10% increase due to tight cattle supplies). Fresh vegetables are up 6.3% (with tomatoes up 12.8% and lettuce up 7.5%).”
- facebook.com
Backs: “The impact on your wallet depends heavily on what you put in your cart: What is more expensive: Beef and veal prices have climbed steeply (averaging a 9% to 10% increase due to tight cattle supplies). Fresh vegetables are up 6.3% (with tomatoes up 12.8% and lettuce up 7.5%).”
- usda.gov
Backs: “What is cheaper: Eggs have seen a massive price correction, dropping roughly 30% from their previous highly inflated bird-flu peaks. Dairy products have also dropped slightly (down about 0.3%).”
- trendtrailmarket.com
Backs: “Apparel and Shoes — Up 3.6% overall. After nearly two years of flat clothing prices, apparel has gotten noticeably more expensive over the last year, rising 3.6%. This is largely driven by adult clothing and footwear, with men’s footwear seeing a significant 5.7% jump.”
- shenglufashion.com
Backs: “Analysts attribute some of these increases to the compounding effects of tariff changes on import goods implemented throughout 2025 and 2026. 3.”
- 36kr.com
Backs: “Electronics — Up significantly. If you are shopping for a new smartphone, laptop, or gaming console, you will likely find much higher price tags than a year ago. Due to massive corporate investments in artificial intelligence, memory semiconductor chips (DRAM and NAND) have faced extreme supply shortages, with…”
- biggo.com
Backs: “Due to massive corporate investments in artificial intelligence, memory semiconductor chips (DRAM and NAND) have faced extreme supply shortages, with wholesale chip prices skyrocketing. As a result, the average price of a smartphone has jumped by nearly $94 over the past year, and major manufacturers of PCs and gaming…”
- bls.gov
Backs: “There are a few areas where store prices have declined over the past year: Used Cars and Trucks: Down roughly 1.9%. Medical Care Commodities: Over-the-counter and prescription medical products are down about 2.7%.”
- americanchemistry.com
Backs: “Major Appliances and Home Furnishings: Some home goods have seen slight dips as demand has slowed. Summary”