How much did cheddar cheese cost in 1987?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.06 per lb in 1987 — about $9.03 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 1987, cheddar cheese averaged $3.06 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 $3.03 in January to $3.10 in December. Over the year it rose from $3.03 in January to $3.10 in December, a 2.2% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.06 in 1987 is worth about $9.03 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 37% cheaper than it was in 1987. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 86% versus the 1987 average.
1987 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.03 | ▼ 1.1% |
| February | $3.03 | ▲ 0.1% |
| March | $3.04 | ▲ 0.3% |
| April | $3.05 | ▲ 0.1% |
| May | $3.07 | ▲ 0.6% |
| June | $3.05 | ▼ 0.6% |
| July | $3.03 | ▼ 0.4% |
| August | $3.08 | ▲ 1.6% |
| September | $3.06 | ▼ 0.8% |
| October | $3.05 | ▼ 0.2% |
| November | $3.07 | ▲ 0.6% |
| December | $3.10 | ▲ 0.9% |
| 1987 average | $3.06 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 1987?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.06 per lb in 1987, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.06 of 1987 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.06 in 1987 is about $9.03 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1987 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 86% from the 1987 average of $3.06.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 1987 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1987/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1987/">Cheddar cheese price in 1987 (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 1987 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1987/