How much did chicken cost in 1980?
Chicken averaged $0.71 per lb in 1980 — about $2.89 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1980, chicken averaged $0.71 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 $0.63 in May to $0.79 in October. Over the year it rose from $0.70 in January to $0.76 in December, a 8.7% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.71 in 1980 is worth about $2.89 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 30% cheaper than it was in 1980. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 187% versus the 1980 average.
1980 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.70 | — |
| February | $0.67 | ▼ 3.7% |
| March | $0.66 | ▼ 2.7% |
| April | $0.64 | ▼ 2.6% |
| May | $0.63 | ▼ 1.6% |
| June | $0.64 | ▲ 1.9% |
| July | $0.71 | ▲ 10.9% |
| August | $0.75 | ▲ 5.8% |
| September | $0.79 | ▲ 5.3% |
| October | $0.79 | ▲ 0.1% |
| November | $0.77 | ▼ 3.3% |
| December | $0.76 | ▼ 0.8% |
| 1980 average | $0.71 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1980?
Chicken averaged $0.71 per lb in 1980, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.71 of 1980 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.71 in 1980 is about $2.89 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1980 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 187% from the 1980 average of $0.71.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1980 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1980/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1980/">Chicken price in 1980 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Chicken price in 1980 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1980/