How much did cheddar cheese cost in 1988?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.16 per lb in 1988 — about $8.95 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 1988, cheddar cheese averaged $3.16 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 $3.12 in August to $3.21 in December. Over the year it rose from $3.13 in January to $3.21 in December, a 2.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.16 in 1988 is worth about $8.95 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 36% cheaper than it was in 1988. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 80% versus the 1988 average.
1988 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.13 | ▲ 0.8% |
| February | $3.16 | ▲ 0.9% |
| March | $3.14 | ▼ 0.5% |
| April | $3.16 | ▲ 0.7% |
| May | $3.20 | ▲ 1.2% |
| June | $3.16 | ▼ 1.2% |
| July | $3.14 | ▼ 0.5% |
| August | $3.12 | ▼ 0.7% |
| September | $3.18 | ▲ 1.7% |
| October | $3.20 | ▲ 0.7% |
| November | $3.20 | ▲ 0.1% |
| December | $3.21 | ▲ 0.2% |
| 1988 average | $3.16 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 1988?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.16 per lb in 1988, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.16 of 1988 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.16 in 1988 is about $8.95 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1988 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 80% from the 1988 average of $3.16.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 1988 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1988/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1988/">Cheddar cheese price in 1988 (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 1988 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1988/