How much did ground beef cost in 1991?
Ground beef averaged $1.60 per lb in 1991 — about $3.94 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1991
In 1991, ground beef averaged $1.60 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 $1.55 in October to $1.65 in January. Over the year it fell from $1.65 in January to $1.58 in December, a 4.3% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.60 in 1991 is worth about $3.94 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.75 per lb, so in real terms it is 71% more expensive than it was in 1991. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 322% versus the 1991 average.
1991 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.65 | ▲ 1.0% |
| February | $1.63 | ▼ 0.9% |
| March | $1.61 | ▼ 1.4% |
| April | $1.61 | ▲ 0.1% |
| May | $1.62 | ▲ 0.8% |
| June | $1.60 | ▼ 1.2% |
| July | $1.59 | ▼ 1.1% |
| August | $1.58 | ▼ 0.5% |
| September | $1.55 | ▼ 1.6% |
| October | $1.55 | ▼ 0.1% |
| November | $1.57 | ▲ 1.0% |
| December | $1.58 | ▲ 0.6% |
| 1991 average | $1.60 |
FAQ
What was the average price of ground beef in 1991?
Ground beef averaged $1.60 per lb in 1991, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.60 of 1991 ground beef worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.60 in 1991 is about $3.94 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1991 price of ground beef compare to now?
Ground beef now averages $6.75 per lb, up 322% from the 1991 average of $1.60.