High prices remain a fact of life in 2026. Yet, last year provided a few glimmers of hope that at least some products may be getting more affordable.
Yes, it’s true that the overall annual inflation rate was up 2.7% as of November, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is one of the federal government’s gauges of inflation.
However, despite that reality, some costs actually decreased considerably during 2025.
Here are things that actually got a lot cheaper in 2025. All price data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index reading for November 2025.
Many types of debt
The Federal Reserve cut its target range for the federal funds rate three times in 2025. That dropped the rate from 4.5% at the start of the year to 3.75% at the end.
When the Fed cuts rates, it typically ends up filtering down to other types of interest rates, lowering the cost of debt on credit cards and other types of borrowing. So, if you carry debt, there is a good chance your bills were a little lower in 2025.
For more on how Fed rate moves impact borrowing costs, check out “7 Things That Get Cheaper When the Fed Cuts Rates.”
Eggs
In early 2023, the price of a dozen eggs was a whopping $4.33. Thankfully, that cost has dropped sharply in recent months.
In 2025, egg prices dropped 13.2%. If you’ve been suffering without your favorite omelet over the past few years, now is the time to get cracking and head back to the grocery store.
3 types of IT products
In 2026, it’s difficult to imagine life without smartphones, computers and the other types of technology we rely on every day. Fortunately, the cost of tech items dropped sharply last year in three key information technology product subcategories:
- Smartphones: 9.4% decrease
- Computer software and accessories: 5.3% decrease
- Non-smart telephone hardware, calculators and other consumer information items: 5.2% decrease
Televisions
Many products that rely on technology become cheaper over time as manufacturers learn to make them more efficiently. Televisions are no exception to this rule.
In 2025, the price of TVs fell by 7.3%. Whether you love to watch movies at home or can’t get enough of the college football and NFL playoffs, now might be the time to pick up a new TV.
Pork chops
The price of meat generally surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Fortunately, one type of meat saw costs fall in 2025.
Pork chops became 6.3% cheaper last year. In truth, pork is usually cheaper than beef, as the cost of raising and caring for pigs is relatively cheap compared to the larger cost burden of maintaining cattle.
Dishes and flatware
Most dishes are made outside the U.S., chiefly in China and Mexico. Utensils typically originate in China and Vietnam. One would think the Trump administration’s tariffs would have caused a price spike in these goods.
And yet, prices of dishes and flatware fell 5.9% in 2025. It was just another example of how the introduction of tariffs has confounded expert forecasts.
Will the tariffs eventually cause the cost of dishes, flatware and other products to finally spike in 2026? Stay tuned.
Propane, kerosene and firewood
High levels of propane are keeping prices in check. Meanwhile, a glut of wood has pushed down timber prices, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Overall, the price of propane, kerosene and firewood slipped 5.9% in 2025.
3 travel expenses
First, the bad news for all of you with incurable wanderlust: Prices did not drop for all types of travel in 2025. And as we have reported, some travel freebies are disappearing fast.
However, costs did fall significantly in 2025 for three common travel expenses:
- Hotels and motels: 5.7% decrease
- Airfare: 5.4% decrease
- Ship fare: 5.1% decrease
If you are ready for a getaway, read about “10 of the Best Travel Freebies to Help You Save in 2026.”
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