Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Generally, no—prices in stores are not lower than they were a year ago. Across the board, consumer prices have continued to rise, although the rate of increase varies widely depending on what you are buying.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, overall consumer prices rose 3.7% compared to a year ago.
A Breakdown of Store and Household Prices
1. Groceries and Food
Overall, the food index (which includes groceries and dining out) is 2.5% higher than it was a year ago. However, grocery items represent a mixed bag, with some staples actually dropping in price while others have surged:
2. Non-Food Goods and Core Inflation
Core inflation—which measures the cost of goods and services excluding highly volatile food and energy sectors—increased 2.6% over the past year. Retailers are generally charging more for items like apparel, recreation, and education.
3. Energy and Transportation (The Main Driver of Inflation)
The primary driver of rising costs in 2026 has been energy. Over the past 12 months, energy prices jumped 20.4%, with gasoline prices surging 34.2% and fuel oil up 74.2%. This has been heavily driven by geopolitical conflicts, including shipping bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Will store prices go up even further?
There is a strong chance that store prices could continue to climb. The Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures wholesale inflation (the cost for businesses to produce and acquire goods), rose 6.3% compared to last year. While many stores have absorbed some of these higher shipping and manufacturing costs to keep customers buying, economists warn that businesses may eventually pass these elevated wholesale costs on to consumers in the form of higher price tags on retail shelves.
Citations (7)
- virginiaindependentnews.com
Backs: “Generally, no—prices in stores are not lower than they were a year ago. Across the board, consumer prices have continued to rise, although the rate of increase varies widely depending on what you are buying.”
- cbsnews.com
Backs: “Generally, no—prices in stores are not lower than they were a year ago. Across the board, consumer prices have continued to rise, although the rate of increase varies widely depending on what you are buying.”
- bls.gov
Backs: “Generally, no—prices in stores are not lower than they were a year ago. Across the board, consumer prices have continued to rise, although the rate of increase varies widely depending on what you are buying.”
- cbsnews.com
Backs: “Generally, no—prices in stores are not lower than they were a year ago. Across the board, consumer prices have continued to rise, although the rate of increase varies widely depending on what you are buying.”
- clarin.com
Backs: “Energy and Transportation (The Main Driver of Inflation). The primary driver of rising costs in 2026 has been energy. Over the past 12 months, energy prices jumped 20.4%, with gasoline prices surging 34.2% and fuel oil up 74.2%.”
- kvue.com
Backs: “There is a strong chance that store prices could continue to climb. The Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures wholesale inflation (the cost for businesses to produce and acquire goods), rose 6.3% compared to last year.”
- cnn.com
Backs: “There is a strong chance that store prices could continue to climb. The Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures wholesale inflation (the cost for businesses to produce and acquire goods), rose 6.3% compared to last year.”