Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
No, overall prices in stores are generally not lower than a year ago—they are higher on average, though the picture varies by item, category, and month, with some relief in specific groceries.[1]
This is based primarily on U.S. data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) and related trackers (as of the latest September 2026 figures, released in mid-October 2026). The situation can differ by country, region, store type (e.g., discount vs. premium), or private-label vs. brand-name goods, and individual shoppers may notice differences due to sales, switching brands, or local factors. Inflation has moderated from post-pandemic peaks but remains positive year-over-year for most consumer goods.
Key Overall Metrics (U.S., September 2026)
These figures mean a typical basket of goods bought in stores costs more than it did in September 2025. Retail sales have remained resilient despite the pressure on budgets.[4]
Grocery and Food Category Details
Prices are mixed within the store:
Independent trackers (e.g., local “price patrols” of common household items) have also found full-cart totals higher than a year prior even after some recent dips.[7]
Other Store Categories
Context and Caveats
In summary, while shoppers may find bargains on specific items (eggs, some dairy, promotional deals) and monthly grocery prices occasionally ease, the data shows store prices for a typical basket are higher than a year ago. For the most current details, check the latest BLS CPI release or store-specific apps/price trackers, as figures update monthly.
Citations (10)
- https://www.bls.gov/cpi/news.htm
Backs: “No, overall prices in stores are generally not lower than a year ago—they are higher on average, though the picture varies by item, category, and month, with some relief in specific groceries.”
- https://www.grocerytradenews.com/us-grocery-inflation-september-2026/
Backs: “It edged down 0.1% month-over-month in September (after being flat in August), providing some short-term relief. Overall food (including restaurants) was up 2.5% YoY.”
- https://www.supermarketnews.com/grocery-trends-data/price-for-household-purchases-rises-in-september
Backs: “Up 2.1% YoY in September (essentially flat from the prior month’s rate; up ~34% cumulatively since early 2018).”
- https://www.investopedia.com/americans-keep-shopping-but-their-budgets-are-feeling-the-pain-12176140
Backs: “Retail sales have remained resilient despite the pressure on budgets.”
- https://abcnews.com/Business/grocery-prices-rising-fastest-falling/story?id=137283561
Backs: “Specific items like apples, tomatoes, coffee, and some meats have seen notable increases.”
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/price-of-food
Backs: “Earlier in 2026 or comparisons from late 2025/early 2026 showed similar modest grocery inflation (around 1.8–2.4% in various periods), with eggs and certain dairy often providing the biggest individual drops.”
- https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/03/grocery-and-household-prices-in-2026-what-it-costs-now-vs-last-year.html
Backs: “Independent trackers (e.g., local “price patrols” of common household items) have also found full-cart totals higher than a year prior even after some recent dips.”
- https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/14/cpi-inflation-report-september-2026.html
Backs: “Energy costs (gasoline, etc.) have spiked and can indirectly pressure store prices via transportation/shipping.”
- https://www.fooddive.com/news/food-prices/808312/
Backs: “However, the sustained YoY increases mean the overall price level is higher.”
- https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/28/politics/fact-check-trump-grocery-prices
Backs: “Some statements have highlighted drops in specific items or indices, but official BLS and broad trackers show net increases for groceries and the overall basket since early 2025 or over the full year.”