How much did bread cost in 1987?
Bread averaged $0.55 per lb in 1987 — about $1.62 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000702111.
In 1987, bread averaged $0.55 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 $0.53 in June to $0.57 in December. Over the year it rose from $0.54 in January to $0.57 in December, a 5.0% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.55 in 1987 is worth about $1.62 in 2026 dollars. Today bread averages $1.83 per lb, so in real terms it is 13% more expensive than it was in 1987. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 233% versus the 1987 average.
1987 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.54 | ▼ 3.9% |
| February | $0.54 | ▼ 0.9% |
| March | $0.54 | ▲ 0.4% |
| April | $0.54 | ▲ 0.2% |
| May | $0.54 | ▼ 0.4% |
| June | $0.53 | ▼ 1.3% |
| July | $0.54 | ▲ 2.1% |
| August | $0.55 | ▲ 0.4% |
| September | $0.55 | ▲ 0.9% |
| October | $0.56 | ▲ 1.4% |
| November | $0.56 | — |
| December | $0.57 | ▲ 2.1% |
| 1987 average | $0.55 |
FAQ
What was the average price of bread in 1987?
Bread averaged $0.55 per lb in 1987, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.55 of 1987 bread worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.55 in 1987 is about $1.62 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1987 price of bread compare to now?
Bread now averages $1.83 per lb, up 233% from the 1987 average of $0.55.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Bread price in 1987 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/bread/1987/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000702111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/bread/1987/">Bread price in 1987 (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 1987 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/bread/1987/