Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Short answer: generally no.

Latest official data show overall consumer prices were 3.7% higher in September 2026 than in September 2025. Grocery-store prices (“food at home”) were up 1.8% year over year; restaurant prices (“food away from home”) rose 3.5%. A few store categories did decline, such as used cars and trucks (down about 1.5%) and medical care commodities (down about 3.3%), but most everyday items cost the same or more than a year ago.[1]

If you’re thinking about a specific type of purchase (e.g., groceries, electronics, clothing), tell me and I’ll break it down.