How much did bread cost in 1980?
Bread averaged $0.51 per lb in 1980 — about $2.07 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000702111.
In 1980, bread averaged $0.51 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 $0.50 in January to $0.52 in November. Over the year it rose from $0.50 in January to $0.52 in December, a 3.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.51 in 1980 is worth about $2.07 in 2026 dollars. Today bread averages $1.83 per lb, so in real terms it is 12% cheaper than it was in 1980. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 259% versus the 1980 average.
1980 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.50 | — |
| February | $0.51 | ▲ 1.2% |
| March | $0.50 | ▼ 1.0% |
| April | $0.51 | ▲ 1.0% |
| May | $0.50 | ▼ 0.6% |
| June | $0.50 | ▼ 0.2% |
| July | $0.51 | ▲ 1.6% |
| August | $0.51 | ▼ 0.8% |
| September | $0.51 | ▲ 0.8% |
| October | $0.51 | ▲ 0.6% |
| November | $0.52 | ▲ 1.0% |
| December | $0.52 | — |
| 1980 average | $0.51 |
FAQ
What was the average price of bread in 1980?
Bread averaged $0.51 per lb in 1980, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.51 of 1980 bread worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.51 in 1980 is about $2.07 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1980 price of bread compare to now?
Bread now averages $1.83 per lb, up 259% from the 1980 average of $0.51.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Bread price in 1980 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/bread/1980/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000702111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/bread/1980/">Bread price in 1980 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000702111; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Bread price in 1980 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/bread/1980/