How much did cheddar cheese cost in 2004?
Cheddar cheese averaged $4.27 per lb in 2004 — about $7.58 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 2004, cheddar cheese averaged $4.27 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 $3.97 in February to $4.56 in July. Over the year it rose from $4.05 in January to $4.10 in December, a 1.3% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $4.27 in 2004 is worth about $7.58 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 25% cheaper than it was in 2004. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 33% versus the 2004 average.
2004 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $4.05 | ▼ 0.5% |
| February | $3.97 | ▼ 1.8% |
| March | $4.08 | ▲ 2.7% |
| April | $4.13 | ▲ 1.4% |
| May | $4.41 | ▲ 6.6% |
| June | $4.55 | ▲ 3.3% |
| July | $4.56 | ▲ 0.2% |
| August | $4.50 | ▼ 1.4% |
| September | $4.46 | ▼ 0.8% |
| October | $4.31 | ▼ 3.3% |
| November | $4.16 | ▼ 3.4% |
| December | $4.10 | ▼ 1.6% |
| 2004 average | $4.27 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 2004?
Cheddar cheese averaged $4.27 per lb in 2004, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $4.27 of 2004 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $4.27 in 2004 is about $7.58 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2004 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 33% from the 2004 average of $4.27.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 2004 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/2004/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/2004/">Cheddar cheese price in 2004 (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 2004 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/2004/