How much did chicken cost in 1985?
Chicken averaged $0.76 per lb in 1985 — about $2.37 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1985, chicken averaged $0.76 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 $0.75 in May to $0.78 in November. Over the year it was little changed from $0.77 in January to $0.78 in December.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.76 in 1985 is worth about $2.37 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 14% cheaper than it was in 1985. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 168% versus the 1985 average.
1985 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.77 | ▲ 2.7% |
| February | $0.77 | ▼ 0.1% |
| March | $0.77 | ▼ 0.4% |
| April | $0.76 | ▼ 0.7% |
| May | $0.75 | ▼ 2.5% |
| June | $0.76 | ▲ 2.1% |
| July | $0.75 | ▼ 1.1% |
| August | $0.76 | ▲ 0.5% |
| September | $0.76 | ▲ 0.7% |
| October | $0.75 | ▼ 1.7% |
| November | $0.78 | ▲ 3.9% |
| December | $0.78 | ▼ 0.3% |
| 1985 average | $0.76 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1985?
Chicken averaged $0.76 per lb in 1985, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.76 of 1985 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.76 in 1985 is about $2.37 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1985 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 168% from the 1985 average of $0.76.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1985 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1985/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1985/">Chicken price in 1985 (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 1985 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1985/