How much did chicken cost in 1996?
Chicken averaged $0.97 per lb in 1996 — about $2.07 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1996, chicken averaged $0.97 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 $0.93 in March to $1.02 in October. Over the year it rose from $0.94 in January to $1.00 in December, a 6.5% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.97 in 1996 is worth about $2.07 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 2% cheaper than it was in 1996. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 110% versus the 1996 average.
1996 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.94 | ▲ 0.2% |
| February | $0.94 | ▼ 0.1% |
| March | $0.93 | ▼ 0.7% |
| April | $0.95 | ▲ 1.5% |
| May | $0.95 | ▲ 0.2% |
| June | $0.97 | ▲ 2.0% |
| July | $0.97 | ▲ 0.4% |
| August | $0.99 | ▲ 1.9% |
| September | $1.01 | ▲ 1.6% |
| October | $1.02 | ▲ 1.5% |
| November | $1.00 | ▼ 1.8% |
| December | $1.00 | ▼ 0.1% |
| 1996 average | $0.97 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1996?
Chicken averaged $0.97 per lb in 1996, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.97 of 1996 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.97 in 1996 is about $2.07 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1996 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 110% from the 1996 average of $0.97.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1996 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1996/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1996/">Chicken price in 1996 (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 1996 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1996/