Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Short answer: No. In the U.S., overall consumer prices were 3.4% higher in August 2026 than in August 2025.[1]
For “in-store” grocery prices specifically, the food-at-home index was 2.2% higher year over year in August 2026 (and roughly flat versus July 2026).[2]
Some individual categories are cheaper than a year ago—for example, used cars and trucks were about 1–2% lower in August 2026—but that’s the exception, not the rule.[3]
If you had a particular category or region in mind, I can pull the latest numbers for that.
Citations (3)
- Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “In the U.S., overall consumer prices were 3.4% higher in August 2026 than in August 2025.”
- Food Price Outlook - Summary Findings | Economic Research Service
Backs: “For “in-store” grocery prices specifically, the food-at-home index was 2.2% higher year over year in August 2026 (and roughly flat versus July 2026).”
- Transportation Consumer Price Index – August 2026 | Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Backs: “Some individual categories are cheaper than a year ago—for example, used cars and trucks were about 1–2% lower in August 2026—but that’s the exception, not the rule.”