Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Short answer: generally no.

•As of the latest data (August 2026), overall consumer prices are up about 3.4% from a year earlier. Grocery “food at home” prices are up 2.2% year over year, while restaurant prices are up 3.4%. Month over month, grocery prices were flat in August, but that still leaves them higher than August 2025.[1]

•Some categories are lower than a year ago (for example, dairy is down 0.3% and used cars are down 2.3%), but most everyday items are not cheaper overall.[1]

Notes on timing: Today is October 4, 2026. The most recent CPI report covers August 2026 (released September 11, 2026). The next report (for September) is scheduled for October 14, 2026.[1]

If you meant a specific type of store (e.g., groceries vs. clothing) or your metro area, tell me which and I’ll pull those figures.

Citations (1)

1bls.govGovernment
Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “Month over month, grocery prices were flat in August, but that still leaves them higher than August 2025.”