How much did chicken cost in 1997?
Chicken averaged $1.00 per lb in 1997 — about $2.09 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1997, chicken averaged $1.00 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 $0.98 in October to $1.02 in November. Over the year it fell from $1.02 in January to $1.00 in December, a 1.5% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.00 in 1997 is worth about $2.09 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 3% cheaper than it was in 1997. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 104% versus the 1997 average.
1997 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.02 | ▲ 1.4% |
| February | $1.01 | ▼ 0.8% |
| March | $1.01 | ▲ 0.1% |
| April | $1.00 | ▼ 0.7% |
| May | $1.01 | ▲ 0.5% |
| June | $0.99 | ▼ 1.4% |
| July | $1.01 | ▲ 1.2% |
| August | $0.99 | ▼ 1.7% |
| September | $0.99 | ▲ 0.4% |
| October | $0.98 | ▼ 0.8% |
| November | $1.02 | ▲ 3.5% |
| December | $1.00 | ▼ 1.7% |
| 1997 average | $1.00 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1997?
Chicken averaged $1.00 per lb in 1997, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.00 of 1997 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.00 in 1997 is about $2.09 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1997 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 104% from the 1997 average of $1.00.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1997 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1997/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1997/">Chicken price in 1997 (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 1997 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1997/