How much did cheddar cheese cost in 1986?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.05 per lb in 1986 — about $9.33 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 1986, cheddar cheese averaged $3.05 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 $3.00 in June to $3.07 in September. Over the year it was little changed from $3.06 in January to $3.07 in December.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.05 in 1986 is worth about $9.33 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 39% cheaper than it was in 1986. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 86% versus the 1986 average.
1986 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.06 | ▼ 0.2% |
| February | $3.04 | ▼ 0.8% |
| March | $3.05 | ▲ 0.5% |
| April | $3.04 | ▼ 0.3% |
| May | $3.04 | ▲ 0.1% |
| June | $3.00 | ▼ 1.3% |
| July | $3.04 | ▲ 1.1% |
| August | $3.06 | ▲ 0.7% |
| September | $3.07 | ▲ 0.6% |
| October | $3.06 | ▼ 0.4% |
| November | $3.06 | ▼ 0.2% |
| December | $3.07 | ▲ 0.3% |
| 1986 average | $3.05 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 1986?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.05 per lb in 1986, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.05 of 1986 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.05 in 1986 is about $9.33 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1986 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 86% from the 1986 average of $3.05.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 1986 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1986/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1986/">Cheddar cheese price in 1986 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Cheddar cheese price in 1986 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1986/