Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Checking if store prices are lower than a year ago — I'll pull the latest inflation data.

No - in the U.S., store prices are not lower than a year ago - they are higher, though the rate of increase has slowed.

Overall consumer prices:

•The Consumer Price Index increased 3.0% in September from year-ago levels, after increasing 2.9% the prior month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index increased 3.0% in September from year-ago levels

•In August, the Consumer Price Index rose 3.4% in the 12 months to August 2026, according to the BLS release of September 11, 2026. Other reporting noted U.S. consumer prices rose 3.4% in August from a year earlier

Grocery / food-at-home prices in stores:

•In August 2026, grocery prices were unchanged from July and 2.2% higher than a year earlier. Restaurant prices rose 0.3% for the month and 3.4% over the year.

•The same breakdown was summarized as: all items 3.4 percent, core 2.4 percent, food at home 2.2 percent

•Other trackers show grocery inflation still positive: average grocery prices were 2.7% up in September compared with last year, and grocery prices have increased 3.4% on average since January 2025

•Everyday household purchases are up 1.8% vs. year ago

What is happening is disinflation, not deflation:

•In August 2026, grocery prices were unchanged from July - a flat month does not mean prices returned to earlier levels

•In January 2026, prices for everyday household purchases declined 0.23% in January 2026, its first month-over-month decline in nearly a year, but still up 1.8% over 12 months.

•USDA Economic Research Service predicts that food prices for at-home consumption will rise by 2.5% in 2026

A 2-3% annual grocery rate means the average basket still costs more than it did a year ago; it simply rose more slowly.

Citations (2)

1morningstar.comData and tools
Long-Awaited CPI Report Shows September Inflation at a Lower-Than-Expected 3.0% Annual Rate
Backs: “No - in the U.S., store prices are not lower than a year ago - they are higher, though the rate of increase has slowed. Overall consumer prices:”
2summitplate.comNot yet classified
Latest Grocery Price Index 2026: BLS Food CPI + USDA Outlook
Backs: “consumer prices rose 3.4% in August from a year earlier. Grocery / food-at-home prices in stores: In August 2026, grocery prices were unchanged from July and 2.2% higher than a year earlier.”