How much did ground beef cost in 1996?
Ground beef averaged $1.37 per lb in 1996 — about $2.93 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 1996
In 1996, ground beef averaged $1.37 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 $1.32 in May to $1.42 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.35 in January to $1.42 in December, a 5.5% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.37 in 1996 is worth about $2.93 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.75 per lb, so in real terms it is 130% more expensive than it was in 1996. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 392% versus the 1996 average.
1996 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.35 | ▼ 3.8% |
| February | $1.40 | ▲ 3.9% |
| March | $1.38 | ▼ 2.0% |
| April | $1.35 | ▼ 1.5% |
| May | $1.32 | ▼ 2.6% |
| June | $1.32 | ▲ 0.4% |
| July | $1.35 | ▲ 2.1% |
| August | $1.39 | ▲ 2.9% |
| September | $1.36 | ▼ 2.2% |
| October | $1.37 | ▲ 0.8% |
| November | $1.40 | ▲ 2.3% |
| December | $1.42 | ▲ 1.5% |
| 1996 average | $1.37 |
FAQ
What was the average price of ground beef in 1996?
Ground beef averaged $1.37 per lb in 1996, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.37 of 1996 ground beef worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.37 in 1996 is about $2.93 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1996 price of ground beef compare to now?
Ground beef now averages $6.75 per lb, up 392% from the 1996 average of $1.37.