Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Short answer: No.
As of September 2026, overall consumer prices were about 3.7% higher than a year earlier, per the U.S. Consumer Price Index. That means the average “basket” of goods and services in stores costs more than it did in September 2025.[1]
Another broad gauge, the PCE price index, was up 3.4% year over year in August 2026, also indicating prices are higher than a year ago.[2]
If you’re thinking about a specific category (groceries, gas, rent, etc.) or a particular city, I can pull those details too.[1]
Citations (2)
- Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M09 Results
Backs: “That means the average “basket” of goods and services in stores costs more than it did in September 2025.”
statistic, official document, points to no. Claim: Overall consumer prices were about 3.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, per the U.S. Consumer Price Index.
- Personal Income and Outlays, August 2026 | U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Backs: “Another broad gauge, the PCE price index, was up 3.4% year over year in August 2026, also indicating prices are higher than a year ago.”
statistic, official document, points to no. Claim: The PCE price index was up 3.4% year over year in August 2026, indicating prices are higher than a year ago.