How much did chicken cost in 1983?
Chicken averaged $0.72 per lb in 1983 — about $2.42 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1983, chicken averaged $0.72 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 April to $0.81 in December. Over the year it rose from $0.69 in January to $0.81 in December, a 17.9% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.72 in 1983 is worth about $2.42 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 16% cheaper than it was in 1983. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 183% versus the 1983 average.
1983 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.69 | ▲ 1.0% |
| February | $0.70 | ▲ 1.4% |
| March | $0.70 | ▼ 0.1% |
| April | $0.68 | ▼ 3.1% |
| May | $0.69 | ▲ 1.6% |
| June | $0.70 | ▲ 1.8% |
| July | $0.72 | ▲ 3.6% |
| August | $0.74 | ▲ 2.2% |
| September | $0.77 | ▲ 3.9% |
| October | $0.74 | ▼ 4.2% |
| November | $0.77 | ▲ 3.9% |
| December | $0.81 | ▲ 6.0% |
| 1983 average | $0.72 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1983?
Chicken averaged $0.72 per lb in 1983, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.72 of 1983 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.72 in 1983 is about $2.42 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1983 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 183% from the 1983 average of $0.72.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1983 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1983/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1983/">Chicken price in 1983 (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 1983 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1983/