How much did bacon cost in 1980?
Bacon averaged $1.46 per lb in 1980 — about $5.94 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1980
In 1980, bacon averaged $1.46 per lb at the U.S. city average, across all twelve months, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $1.27 in May to $1.71 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.45 in January to $1.71 in December, a 17.8% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.46 in 1980 is worth about $5.94 in 2026 dollars. Today bacon averages $6.71 per lb, so in real terms it is 13% more expensive than it was in 1980. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 360% versus the 1980 average.
1980 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.45 | — |
| February | $1.41 | ▼ 3.0% |
| March | $1.36 | ▼ 3.5% |
| April | $1.32 | ▼ 2.8% |
| May | $1.27 | ▼ 4.3% |
| June | $1.27 | ▲ 0.4% |
| July | $1.37 | ▲ 7.9% |
| August | $1.47 | ▲ 7.2% |
| September | $1.62 | ▲ 10.1% |
| October | $1.64 | ▲ 1.5% |
| November | $1.68 | ▲ 2.6% |
| December | $1.71 | ▲ 1.6% |
| 1980 average | $1.46 |
FAQ
What was the average price of bacon in 1980?
Bacon averaged $1.46 per lb in 1980, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.46 of 1980 bacon worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.46 in 1980 is about $5.94 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1980 price of bacon compare to now?
Bacon now averages $6.71 per lb, up 360% from the 1980 average of $1.46.