чем в прошлом

than last year

→ чем
phrase Rare #32,307
than last year Used after a comparative when the noun or time period being compared is understood from context. Literally, “than in the past”; the exact meaning may be “than last time” or “than in the previous period.”
RU: В этом месяце я потратил меньше денег, чем в прошлом.
EN: I spent less money this month than last month.