How much did bacon cost in 1988?
Bacon averaged $1.88 per lb in 1988 — about $5.33 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1988
In 1988, bacon averaged $1.88 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 $1.79 in December to $1.95 in January. Over the year it fell from $1.95 in January to $1.79 in December, a 8.3% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.88 in 1988 is worth about $5.33 in 2026 dollars. Today bacon averages $6.71 per lb, so in real terms it is 26% more expensive than it was in 1988. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 257% versus the 1988 average.
1988 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.95 | ▼ 3.3% |
| February | $1.94 | ▼ 0.7% |
| March | $1.92 | ▼ 1.1% |
| April | $1.91 | ▼ 0.6% |
| May | $1.90 | ▼ 0.4% |
| June | $1.90 | ▲ 0.2% |
| July | $1.91 | ▲ 0.2% |
| August | $1.88 | ▼ 1.5% |
| September | $1.84 | ▼ 2.3% |
| October | $1.86 | ▲ 1.4% |
| November | $1.80 | ▼ 3.1% |
| December | $1.79 | ▼ 0.6% |
| 1988 average | $1.88 |
FAQ
What was the average price of bacon in 1988?
Bacon averaged $1.88 per lb in 1988, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.88 of 1988 bacon worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.88 in 1988 is about $5.33 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1988 price of bacon compare to now?
Bacon now averages $6.71 per lb, up 257% from the 1988 average of $1.88.