How much did cheddar cheese cost in 2003?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.95 per lb in 2003 — about $7.20 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 2003, cheddar cheese averaged $3.95 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 $3.74 in July to $4.10 in January. Over the year it fell from $4.10 in January to $4.07 in December, a 0.8% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.95 in 2003 is worth about $7.20 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 21% cheaper than it was in 2003. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 44% versus the 2003 average.
2003 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $4.10 | ▼ 0.1% |
| February | $4.02 | ▼ 2.0% |
| March | $4.05 | ▲ 0.7% |
| April | $3.96 | ▼ 2.2% |
| May | $3.81 | ▼ 3.9% |
| June | $3.80 | ▼ 0.3% |
| July | $3.74 | ▼ 1.6% |
| August | $3.85 | ▲ 2.9% |
| September | $3.90 | ▲ 1.4% |
| October | $4.02 | ▲ 3.0% |
| November | $4.09 | ▲ 1.7% |
| December | $4.07 | ▼ 0.4% |
| 2003 average | $3.95 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 2003?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.95 per lb in 2003, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.95 of 2003 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.95 in 2003 is about $7.20 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2003 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 44% from the 2003 average of $3.95.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 2003 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/2003/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/2003/">Cheddar cheese price in 2003 (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 2003 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/2003/