How much did bacon cost in 1986?
Bacon averaged $2.08 per lb in 1986 — about $6.36 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1986
In 1986, bacon averaged $2.08 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 $1.87 in May to $2.37 in September. Over the year it rose from $1.94 in January to $2.16 in December, a 11.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $2.08 in 1986 is worth about $6.36 in 2026 dollars. Today bacon averages $6.71 per lb, so in real terms it is 6% more expensive than it was in 1986. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 223% versus the 1986 average.
1986 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.94 | ▲ 0.9% |
| February | $1.96 | ▲ 1.1% |
| March | $1.89 | ▼ 3.3% |
| April | $1.87 | ▼ 1.1% |
| May | $1.87 | ▼ 0.1% |
| June | $1.95 | ▲ 4.5% |
| July | $2.16 | ▲ 10.4% |
| August | $2.33 | ▲ 8.1% |
| September | $2.37 | ▲ 1.8% |
| October | $2.30 | ▼ 3.2% |
| November | $2.19 | ▼ 4.8% |
| December | $2.16 | ▼ 1.3% |
| 1986 average | $2.08 |
FAQ
What was the average price of bacon in 1986?
Bacon averaged $2.08 per lb in 1986, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $2.08 of 1986 bacon worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $2.08 in 1986 is about $6.36 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1986 price of bacon compare to now?
Bacon now averages $6.71 per lb, up 223% from the 1986 average of $2.08.