How much did bananas cost in 1987?
Bananas averaged $0.36 per lb in 1987 — about $1.06 in 2026 dollars. Based on 10 months of data (partial year).
10 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000711211.
In 1987, bananas averaged $0.36 per lb at the U.S. city average, across the 10 months the series reported that year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $0.34 in November to $0.39 in June. Over the year it was little changed from $0.38 in March to $0.38 in December.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.36 in 1987 is worth about $1.06 in 2026 dollars. Today bananas averages $0.65 per lb, so in real terms it is 39% cheaper than it was in 1987. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 79% versus the 1987 average.
1987 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| March | $0.38 | ▲ 12.9% |
| April | $0.38 | ▲ 1.3% |
| May | $0.36 | ▼ 6.3% |
| June | $0.39 | ▲ 9.2% |
| July | $0.35 | ▼ 10.3% |
| August | $0.37 | ▲ 4.9% |
| September | $0.36 | ▼ 1.1% |
| October | $0.35 | ▼ 4.7% |
| November | $0.34 | ▼ 0.9% |
| December | $0.38 | ▲ 9.3% |
| 1987 average | $0.36 |
FAQ
What was the average price of bananas in 1987?
Bananas averaged $0.36 per lb in 1987, based on 10 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.36 of 1987 bananas worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.36 in 1987 is about $1.06 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1987 price of bananas compare to now?
Bananas now averages $0.65 per lb, up 79% from the 1987 average of $0.36.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Bananas price in 1987 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/bananas/1987/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000711211. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/bananas/1987/">Bananas price in 1987 (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 1987 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/bananas/1987/