Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Are prices down from a year ago? I'll check the latest inflation numbers.

No, on average prices in stores are still higher than a year ago, though the rate of increase has slowed and some specific items and chains are lower.

•U.S. national average:

•The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 3.0 percent before seasonal adjustment over the last 12 months through September 2025 .

•The all items index rose 3.0 percent for the 12 months ending September, after rising 2.9 percent over the 12 months ending August .

•The food index increased 3.1 percent over the last year .

•The index for food at home rose 2.7 percent over the 12 months ending in September .

Other measures show similar:

•According to Numerator, prices for everyday household purchases are up 2.68% versus a year ago in October 2025 .

•Despite September's modest improvement, grocery prices remained 1.8% higher than a year earlier .

Some exceptions where prices ARE lower than a year ago:

•At the retailer level: Nearly one-third of the everyday in-store assortment at ALDI is priced lower than last year .

•For specific categories/countries: The negative food inflation rate implies food prices in the retail market in October were 5 per cent lower compared to a year ago in India , driven by vegetables and other foods.

In plain terms: Inflation slowed to around 3% year-over-year, so a grocery bill that goes up 2-3% instead of 8% is still a grocery bill that went up - prices are not lower overall, they are just rising more slowly.

Citations (2)

1authoritating.comNot yet classified
Consumer Price Index - September 2025
Backs: “No, on average prices in stores are still higher than a year ago, though the rate of increase has slowed and some specific items and chains are lower. U.S. national average: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 3.0 percent before seasonal adjustment over the last 12 months through September 2025 .”
statistic, official document, points to no. Claim: CPI-U rose 3.0 percent over the 12 months through September 2025; food up 3.1 percent and food at home up 2.7 percent.
2robinspost.comLow provenance
Consumer News: Inflation accelerated in September as gasoline prices surged
Backs: “According to Numerator, prices for everyday household purchases are up 2.68% versus a year ago in October 2025 . Despite September's modest improvement, grocery prices remained 1.8% higher than a year earlier .”
statistic, article, points to no. Claim: Everyday household purchases up 2.68% versus a year ago in October 2025; grocery prices remained 1.8% higher than a year earlier despite September's modest improvement.