How much did ground beef cost in 1989?
Ground beef averaged $1.44 per lb in 1989 — about $3.89 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1989
In 1989, ground beef averaged $1.44 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 $1.37 in February to $1.50 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.40 in January to $1.50 in December, a 7.4% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.44 in 1989 is worth about $3.89 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.75 per lb, so in real terms it is 73% more expensive than it was in 1989. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 368% versus the 1989 average.
1989 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.40 | ▼ 0.1% |
| February | $1.37 | ▼ 2.2% |
| March | $1.43 | ▲ 5.0% |
| April | $1.42 | ▼ 0.7% |
| May | $1.44 | ▲ 0.9% |
| June | $1.44 | ▼ 0.1% |
| July | $1.44 | ▲ 0.1% |
| August | $1.45 | ▲ 0.6% |
| September | $1.46 | ▲ 0.8% |
| October | $1.45 | ▼ 0.6% |
| November | $1.49 | ▲ 2.9% |
| December | $1.50 | ▲ 0.7% |
| 1989 average | $1.44 |
FAQ
What was the average price of ground beef in 1989?
Ground beef averaged $1.44 per lb in 1989, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.44 of 1989 ground beef worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.44 in 1989 is about $3.89 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1989 price of ground beef compare to now?
Ground beef now averages $6.75 per lb, up 368% from the 1989 average of $1.44.