How much did cheddar cheese cost in 1998?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.55 per lb in 1998 — about $7.30 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 1998, cheddar cheese averaged $3.55 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 $3.43 in June to $3.76 in December. Over the year it rose from $3.52 in January to $3.76 in December, a 6.9% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.55 in 1998 is worth about $7.30 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 22% cheaper than it was in 1998. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 60% versus the 1998 average.
1998 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.52 | ▲ 1.7% |
| February | $3.51 | ▼ 0.3% |
| March | $3.48 | ▼ 0.9% |
| April | $3.50 | ▲ 0.6% |
| May | $3.45 | ▼ 1.5% |
| June | $3.43 | ▼ 0.5% |
| July | $3.44 | ▲ 0.2% |
| August | $3.58 | ▲ 3.9% |
| September | $3.59 | ▲ 0.3% |
| October | $3.67 | ▲ 2.3% |
| November | $3.66 | ▼ 0.4% |
| December | $3.76 | ▲ 2.8% |
| 1998 average | $3.55 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 1998?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.55 per lb in 1998, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.55 of 1998 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.55 in 1998 is about $7.30 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1998 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 60% from the 1998 average of $3.55.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 1998 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1998/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1998/">Cheddar cheese price in 1998 (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 1998 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1998/