How much did ground beef cost in 2003?
Ground beef averaged $1.95 per lb in 2003 — about $3.55 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 2003
In 2003, ground beef averaged $1.95 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 $1.72 in January to $2.26 in November. Over the year it rose from $1.72 in January to $2.23 in December, a 29.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $1.95 in 2003 is worth about $3.55 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.75 per lb, so in real terms it is 90% more expensive than it was in 2003. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 246% versus the 2003 average.
2003 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $1.72 | ▲ 1.7% |
| February | $1.78 | ▲ 3.3% |
| March | $1.86 | ▲ 4.5% |
| April | $1.86 | ▼ 0.2% |
| May | $1.86 | ▲ 0.1% |
| June | $1.93 | ▲ 4.1% |
| July | $1.88 | ▼ 2.8% |
| August | $2.01 | ▲ 6.8% |
| September | $2.02 | ▲ 0.8% |
| October | $2.01 | ▼ 0.6% |
| November | $2.26 | ▲ 12.2% |
| December | $2.23 | ▼ 1.1% |
| 2003 average | $1.95 |
FAQ
What was the average price of ground beef in 2003?
Ground beef averaged $1.95 per lb in 2003, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $1.95 of 2003 ground beef worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $1.95 in 2003 is about $3.55 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2003 price of ground beef compare to now?
Ground beef now averages $6.75 per lb, up 246% from the 2003 average of $1.95.