Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

On average, prices in stores are not lower than they were a year ago. Instead, we are experiencing disinflation—meaning prices are still rising, just at a slower and more stable pace than in previous years.

Overall consumer prices in the U.S. are 3.4% higher compared to the same time last year. However, this average hides a significant split: while your overall shopping trip will likely cost more, certain specific store categories and products have actually seen price drops.

1. What is actually cheaper than a year ago?

If you are looking for actual price drops (deflation) compared to last year, you will find them primarily in big-ticket home goods, electronics, and select grocery staples:

•Electronics & Appliances: Televisions are about 1.0% cheaper than last year.

•Home Furnishings: Furniture and bedding prices have dropped by about 0.8%.

•Used Vehicles: If you are shopping for a used car or truck, prices are about 2.3% lower than they were a year ago.

•Eggs & Dairy: After hitting historic highs in 2025 (averaging over $4.70 a dozen), egg prices have experienced a massive correction, falling closer to the $2.20 range. Dairy and related products have also dipped slightly (down 0.3%).

•Targeted Retail "Price Wars": In response to consumer fatigue, several major retail and grocery chains—including Walmart, Aldi, Target, and Giant Eagle—have aggressively cut prices on hundreds of everyday store-brand items and frozen goods (like seafood) to attract budget-conscious shoppers.

2. What is more expensive than a year ago?

Many everyday essentials continue to rise in price, offsetting the deals found elsewhere:

•Overall Groceries (Food-at-Home): Grocery store prices are up 2.2% on average compared to last year.

•Meats and Produce: Some specific food items have jumped dramatically. For example, the average price of ground beef has climbed to over $6.80 per pound (a steep increase from around $6.12 last year). Bakery products (up 2.6%) and fresh fruits and vegetables (up 3.2%) are also pricier.

•Apparel: Clothing and footwear are roughly 3.6% more expensive than they were a year ago.

•Energy and Gas: This is the largest driver of increased household costs. Gasoline prices are up more than 27% year-over-year, which also inflates the shipping and delivery costs of the goods you buy in stores.

Summary

While you will find relief on select items like eggs, TVs, furniture, and specific store-brand staples, your overall checkout total at retail and grocery stores is still higher than it was a year ago. To save money, shopping expert recommendations suggest leaning heavily toward store-brand (private label) items, taking advantage of major retail promotional cycles, and delaying major apparel purchases unless they are on clearance.

Citations (6)

1dealsdmv.comNot yet classified
dealsdmv.com
Backs: “Overall consumer prices in the U.S. are 3.4% higher compared to the same time last year. However, this average hides a significant split: while your overall shopping trip will likely cost more, certain specific store categories and products have actually seen price drops.”
2tradingeconomics.comData and tools
tradingeconomics.com
Backs: “Overall consumer prices in the U.S. are 3.4% higher compared to the same time last year. However, this average hides a significant split: while your overall shopping trip will likely cost more, certain specific store categories and products have actually seen price drops.”
3keepingupwithinflation.comNot yet classified
keepingupwithinflation.com
Backs: “Eggs & Dairy: After hitting historic highs in 2025 (averaging over $4.70 a dozen), egg prices have experienced a massive correction, falling closer to the $2.20 range. Dairy and related products have also dipped slightly (down 0.3%).”
4bls.govGovernment
bls.gov
Backs: “Dairy and related products have also dipped slightly (down 0.3%). Targeted Retail "Price Wars": In response to consumer fatigue, several major retail and grocery chains—including Walmart, Aldi, Target, and Giant Eagle—have aggressively cut prices on hundreds of everyday store-brand items and frozen goods (like…”
5seafoodsource.comNot yet classified
seafoodsource.com
Backs: “Targeted Retail "Price Wars": In response to consumer fatigue, several major retail and grocery chains—including Walmart, Aldi, Target, and Giant Eagle—have aggressively cut prices on hundreds of everyday store-brand items and frozen goods (like seafood) to attract budget-conscious shoppers. 2.”
6foodtradenews.comNews and media
foodtradenews.com
Backs: “To save money, shopping expert recommendations suggest leaning heavily toward store-brand (private label) items, taking advantage of major retail promotional cycles, and delaying major apparel purchases unless they are on clearance. 1.”