Tight cattle supply keeps ground beef expensive.
Ground beef averages $6.75 per pound in May 2026, +12.8% year over year.
Where ground beef stands
Ground beef is near record territory: Ground beef averaged $6.75 per pound in May 2026, −2.2% month over month and +12.8% year over year. It is about 2% below the BLS record of $6.90 set in April 2026.
Why beef responds slowly
Cattle are not a quick-turnaround protein. When drought or feed costs push ranchers to shrink herds, rebuilding supply takes years because retained heifers reduce today's slaughter supply before they add future calves. That slow cattle cycle can keep retail beef prices firm even when other grocery categories cool.
What this page measures
Basket Report uses the BLS average retail price for 100% ground beef at the U.S. city average. It is a national average and will differ from individual store prices, packages and fat percentages.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ground beef cost right now?
Ground beef averaged $6.75 per pound at the U.S. city average in May 2026.
Why does beef stay expensive when inflation cools?
Beef supply responds slowly because cattle herds take years to rebuild. That can keep retail beef prices high even when the overall grocery inflation rate slows.
Is ground beef at a record high?
As of May 2026, ground beef is about 2% below its BLS record of $6.90.
Sources and methodology
- BLS CPI Average Price Data factsheet
- USDA ERS Cattle and Beef
- Basket Report methodology
- Basket Report data downloads
Reviewed May 2026 · Source data is independently analyzed by Basket Report and does not imply BLS endorsement.
Explore ground beef prices
See the full BLS series, chart, downloads and historical year pages.