How much did bananas cost in 1985?
Bananas averaged $0.37 per lb in 1985 — about $1.15 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000711211.
In 1985, bananas averaged $0.37 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 $0.32 in November to $0.42 in April. Over the year it fell from $0.35 in January to $0.32 in December, a 8.3% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.37 in 1985 is worth about $1.15 in 2026 dollars. Today bananas averages $0.65 per lb, so in real terms it is 44% cheaper than it was in 1985. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 75% versus the 1985 average.
1985 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.35 | ▲ 10.4% |
| February | $0.38 | ▲ 8.0% |
| March | $0.39 | ▲ 4.2% |
| April | $0.42 | ▲ 7.1% |
| May | $0.39 | ▼ 7.1% |
| June | $0.40 | ▲ 1.8% |
| July | $0.35 | ▼ 12.8% |
| August | $0.36 | ▲ 3.7% |
| September | $0.38 | ▲ 4.2% |
| October | $0.35 | ▼ 8.0% |
| November | $0.32 | ▼ 8.7% |
| December | $0.32 | ▲ 1.6% |
| 1985 average | $0.37 |
FAQ
What was the average price of bananas in 1985?
Bananas averaged $0.37 per lb in 1985, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.37 of 1985 bananas worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.37 in 1985 is about $1.15 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1985 price of bananas compare to now?
Bananas now averages $0.65 per lb, up 75% from the 1985 average of $0.37.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Bananas price in 1985 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/bananas/1985/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000711211. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/bananas/1985/">Bananas price in 1985 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000711211; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Bananas price in 1985 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/bananas/1985/