Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Short answer: generally no.

•Overall prices: As of September 2026, the Consumer Price Index was up 3.7% versus September 2025 (BLS release on October 14, 2026).[1]

•Store-bought goods (nonfood, nonenergy commodities): roughly flat-to-slightly higher, up 0.7% year over year.[1]

•Groceries (food at home): up 1.8% year over year overall, though some items are cheaper: eggs about −20.6% and dairy −0.7%.[1]

•Certain household goods are lower: furniture about −2.4% and major appliances about −2.3% year over year.[1]

If you had specific categories (e.g., groceries vs. household items) or a particular region in mind, tell me and I can narrow it down.

Citations (1)

1bls.govGovernment
Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M09 Results
Backs: “As of September 2026, the Consumer Price Index was up 3.7% versus September 2025 (BLS release on October 14, 2026).”