How much did chicken cost in 2008?
Chicken averaged $1.21 per lb in 2008 — about $1.88 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 2008, chicken averaged $1.21 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 $1.16 in February to $1.31 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.16 in January to $1.31 in December, a 12.2% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.21 in 2008 is worth about $1.88 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 8% more expensive than it was in 2008. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 68% versus the 2008 average.
2008 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.16 | ▼ 0.3% |
| February | $1.16 | ▼ 0.3% |
| March | $1.17 | ▲ 0.8% |
| April | $1.18 | ▲ 0.7% |
| May | $1.19 | ▲ 1.5% |
| June | $1.18 | ▼ 1.1% |
| July | $1.19 | ▲ 0.8% |
| August | $1.22 | ▲ 2.7% |
| September | $1.21 | ▼ 0.7% |
| October | $1.21 | ▼ 0.7% |
| November | $1.30 | ▲ 8.2% |
| December | $1.31 | ▲ 0.1% |
| 2008 average | $1.21 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 2008?
Chicken averaged $1.21 per lb in 2008, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.21 of 2008 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.21 in 2008 is about $1.88 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2008 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 68% from the 2008 average of $1.21.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 2008 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/2008/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/2008/">Chicken price in 2008 (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 2008 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/2008/