How much did chicken cost in 1986?
Chicken averaged $0.84 per lb in 1986 — about $2.57 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1986, chicken averaged $0.84 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 April to $0.96 in August. Over the year it rose from $0.77 in January to $0.87 in December, a 12.9% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.84 in 1986 is worth about $2.57 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 21% cheaper than it was in 1986. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 142% versus the 1986 average.
1986 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.77 | ▼ 1.3% |
| February | $0.77 | ▲ 0.7% |
| March | $0.77 | ▼ 0.5% |
| April | $0.75 | ▼ 2.0% |
| May | $0.77 | ▲ 2.3% |
| June | $0.80 | ▲ 3.4% |
| July | $0.89 | ▲ 11.8% |
| August | $0.96 | ▲ 7.8% |
| September | $0.91 | ▼ 5.0% |
| October | $0.90 | ▼ 1.1% |
| November | $0.88 | ▼ 2.4% |
| December | $0.87 | ▼ 1.5% |
| 1986 average | $0.84 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1986?
Chicken averaged $0.84 per lb in 1986, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.84 of 1986 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.84 in 1986 is about $2.57 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1986 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 142% from the 1986 average of $0.84.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1986 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1986/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1986/">Chicken price in 1986 (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 1986 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1986/