THE GROCERY PRICE INDEX

How much did bacon cost in 1989?

Bacon averaged $1.77 per lb in 1989 — about $4.78 in 2026 dollars.

Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1989

$1.66$1.74$1.82$1.90$1.98 $1.96 198919891989198919891989

In 1989, bacon averaged $1.77 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 $1.68 in May to $1.96 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.81 in January to $1.96 in December, a 8.4% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.77 in 1989 is worth about $4.78 in 2026 dollars. Today bacon averages $6.71 per lb, so in real terms it is 40% more expensive than it was in 1989. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 279% versus the 1989 average.

1989 monthly prices

MonthPriceMoM
January $1.81 ▲ 0.7%
February $1.80 ▼ 0.3%
March $1.79 ▼ 0.7%
April $1.75 ▼ 2.2%
May $1.68 ▼ 3.8%
June $1.69 ▲ 0.7%
July $1.71 ▲ 1.1%
August $1.72 ▲ 0.6%
September $1.72 ▼ 0.3%
October $1.77 ▲ 3.0%
November $1.82 ▲ 2.9%
December $1.96 ▲ 7.5%
1989 average$1.77

FAQ

What was the average price of bacon in 1989?

Bacon averaged $1.77 per lb in 1989, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.

How much is $1.77 of 1989 bacon worth today?

Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.77 in 1989 is about $4.78 in 2026 dollars.

How does the 1989 price of bacon compare to now?

Bacon now averages $6.71 per lb, up 279% from the 1989 average of $1.77.