How much did cheddar cheese cost in 1989?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.20 per lb in 1989 — about $8.65 in 2026 dollars. Based on 9 months of data (partial year).
9 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 1989, cheddar cheese averaged $3.20 per lb at the U.S. city average, across the 9 months the series reported that year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $3.13 in July to $3.34 in November. Over the year it rose from $3.21 in January to $3.34 in November, a 4.1% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.20 in 1989 is worth about $8.65 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 34% cheaper than it was in 1989. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 78% versus the 1989 average.
1989 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.21 | ▲ 0.2% |
| February | $3.21 | ▼ 0.2% |
| May | $3.15 | ▼ 1.9% |
| June | $3.16 | ▲ 0.5% |
| July | $3.13 | ▼ 0.9% |
| August | $3.16 | ▲ 1.0% |
| September | $3.19 | ▲ 1.0% |
| October | $3.28 | ▲ 2.7% |
| November | $3.34 | ▲ 1.9% |
| 1989 average | $3.20 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 1989?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.20 per lb in 1989, based on 9 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.20 of 1989 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.20 in 1989 is about $8.65 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1989 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 78% from the 1989 average of $3.20.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 1989 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1989/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1989/">Cheddar cheese price in 1989 (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 1989 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1989/