Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Short answer: generally no.

Based on the latest available U.S. data, overall consumer prices in August 2026 were about 3.4% higher than in August 2025. Grocery prices (“food at home”) were up 2.2% year over year, and restaurant prices (“food away from home”) were up 3.4%. The next CPI release (for September 2026) is due October 14, 2026.[1]

Some store categories did get cheaper: used cars and trucks were down 2.3% year over year; furniture and bedding were slightly lower; and televisions were roughly 1% lower. On the other hand, energy prices rose sharply over the year, led by gasoline.[1]

If you’re thinking about a specific type of purchase (groceries, clothing, appliances, etc.), tell me which and I can pull the latest figures for that category.[2]