Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Short answer: No. On average, in-store prices in the US are still higher than a year ago.

What the latest data show (as of August 2026, released September 11, 2026):

•Overall consumer prices (CPI-U): up 3.4% year over year.[1]

•Grocery prices (“food at home”): up 2.2% year over year.[1]

•Core goods often bought in stores (commodities excluding food and energy): up about 0.7% year over year.[1]

There are a few exceptions: for example, dairy prices were slightly lower than a year earlier (down 0.3%). But most categories are still higher than last year.[1]

Note: The September 2026 CPI report is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026; until then, August is the latest official reading.[2]

If you’re thinking about a specific type of store or product (e.g., groceries vs. electronics), tell me which and I can pull the exact comparison.

Citations (2)

1bls.govGovernment
Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “Overall consumer prices (CPI-U): up 3.4% year over year.”
2bls.govGovernment
Schedule of Releases for the Consumer Price Index
Backs: “The September 2026 CPI report is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026; until then, August is the latest official reading.”