How much did ground beef cost in 2004?
Ground beef averaged $2.16 per lb in 2004 — about $3.83 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 2004
In 2004, ground beef averaged $2.16 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 $2.08 in June to $2.26 in January. Over the year it fell from $2.26 in January to $2.14 in December, a 5.3% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $2.16 in 2004 is worth about $3.83 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.75 per lb, so in real terms it is 76% more expensive than it was in 2004. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 212% versus the 2004 average.
2004 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $2.26 | ▲ 1.3% |
| February | $2.25 | ▼ 0.4% |
| March | $2.20 | ▼ 2.4% |
| April | $2.09 | ▼ 4.9% |
| May | $2.13 | ▲ 1.7% |
| June | $2.08 | ▼ 2.2% |
| July | $2.10 | ▲ 0.8% |
| August | $2.13 | ▲ 1.7% |
| September | $2.12 | ▼ 0.4% |
| October | $2.21 | ▲ 4.2% |
| November | $2.22 | ▲ 0.3% |
| December | $2.14 | ▼ 3.4% |
| 2004 average | $2.16 |
FAQ
What was the average price of ground beef in 2004?
Ground beef averaged $2.16 per lb in 2004, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $2.16 of 2004 ground beef worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $2.16 in 2004 is about $3.83 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2004 price of ground beef compare to now?
Ground beef now averages $6.75 per lb, up 212% from the 2004 average of $2.16.