Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Short answer: No—on average, prices are higher than a year ago.

•Overall U.S. consumer prices were up about 3.4% year over year in August 2026 (the latest data available as of October 8, 2026).[1]

•If you meant grocery stores specifically, “food at home” prices were up 2.2% versus August 2025.[1]

•A few categories are lower than a year ago (for example, used cars −2.3% and dairy −0.3%), but most categories are flat to higher.[1]

Note: The next CPI report (covering September 2026) is due October 14, 2026.[1]

Citations (1)

1bls.govGovernment
Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “Overall U.S. consumer prices were up about 3.4% year over year in August 2026 (the latest data available as of October 8, 2026).”