How much did ground beef cost in 1990?
Ground beef averaged $1.59 per lb in 1990 — about $4.08 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1990
In 1990, ground beef averaged $1.59 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 $1.56 in January to $1.63 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.56 in January to $1.63 in December, a 4.7% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.59 in 1990 is worth about $4.08 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.75 per lb, so in real terms it is 65% more expensive than it was in 1990. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 324% versus the 1990 average.
1990 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.56 | ▲ 3.7% |
| February | $1.57 | ▲ 1.0% |
| March | $1.57 | ▼ 0.1% |
| April | $1.59 | ▲ 1.4% |
| May | $1.58 | ▼ 1.0% |
| June | $1.59 | ▲ 1.0% |
| July | $1.58 | ▼ 0.8% |
| August | $1.58 | ▼ 0.3% |
| September | $1.59 | ▲ 1.1% |
| October | $1.58 | ▼ 0.8% |
| November | $1.62 | ▲ 2.5% |
| December | $1.63 | ▲ 0.5% |
| 1990 average | $1.59 |
FAQ
What was the average price of ground beef in 1990?
Ground beef averaged $1.59 per lb in 1990, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.59 of 1990 ground beef worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.59 in 1990 is about $4.08 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1990 price of ground beef compare to now?
Ground beef now averages $6.75 per lb, up 324% from the 1990 average of $1.59.