How much did chicken cost in 1982?
Chicken averaged $0.71 per lb in 1982 — about $2.47 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1982, 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 $0.68 in December to $0.74 in July. Over the year it fell from $0.71 in January to $0.68 in December, a 4.2% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.71 in 1982 is worth about $2.47 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 18% cheaper than it was in 1982. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 187% versus the 1982 average.
1982 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.71 | ▲ 1.7% |
| February | $0.73 | ▲ 2.0% |
| March | $0.72 | ▼ 1.5% |
| April | $0.71 | ▼ 0.4% |
| May | $0.72 | ▲ 1.1% |
| June | $0.73 | ▲ 1.7% |
| July | $0.74 | ▲ 1.1% |
| August | $0.72 | ▼ 3.1% |
| September | $0.71 | ▼ 0.6% |
| October | $0.70 | ▼ 1.8% |
| November | $0.69 | ▼ 0.9% |
| December | $0.68 | ▼ 1.7% |
| 1982 average | $0.71 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1982?
Chicken averaged $0.71 per lb in 1982, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.71 of 1982 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.71 in 1982 is about $2.47 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1982 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 187% from the 1982 average of $0.71.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1982 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1982/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1982/">Chicken price in 1982 (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 1982 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1982/