How much did cheddar cheese cost in 1996?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.25 per lb in 1996 — about $6.94 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 1996, cheddar cheese averaged $3.25 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 $2.92 in July to $3.58 in November. Over the year it fell from $3.38 in January to $3.09 in December, a 8.8% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.25 in 1996 is worth about $6.94 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 18% cheaper than it was in 1996. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 75% versus the 1996 average.
1996 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.38 | ▼ 0.2% |
| February | $3.40 | ▲ 0.6% |
| March | $3.33 | ▼ 2.1% |
| April | $3.44 | ▲ 3.1% |
| May | $3.40 | ▼ 1.1% |
| June | $3.37 | ▼ 0.7% |
| July | $2.92 | ▼ 13.5% |
| August | $2.93 | ▲ 0.5% |
| September | $3.06 | ▲ 4.4% |
| October | $3.07 | ▲ 0.2% |
| November | $3.58 | ▲ 16.8% |
| December | $3.09 | ▼ 13.9% |
| 1996 average | $3.25 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 1996?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.25 per lb in 1996, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.25 of 1996 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.25 in 1996 is about $6.94 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1996 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 75% from the 1996 average of $3.25.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 1996 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1996/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1996/">Cheddar cheese price in 1996 (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 1996 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1996/