How much did ground beef cost in 2008?
Ground beef averaged $2.34 per lb in 2008 — about $3.64 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per lb) · 2008
In 2008, ground beef averaged $2.34 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 $2.26 in July to $2.42 in September. Over the year it rose from $2.33 in January to $2.41 in December, a 3.4% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $2.34 in 2008 is worth about $3.64 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.75 per lb, so in real terms it is 85% more expensive than it was in 2008. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 188% versus the 2008 average.
2008 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $2.33 | ▲ 4.2% |
| February | $2.38 | ▲ 2.3% |
| March | $2.29 | ▼ 3.7% |
| April | $2.32 | ▲ 1.3% |
| May | $2.31 | ▼ 0.4% |
| June | $2.27 | ▼ 1.9% |
| July | $2.26 | ▼ 0.5% |
| August | $2.37 | ▲ 5.0% |
| September | $2.42 | ▲ 2.0% |
| October | $2.40 | ▼ 0.7% |
| November | $2.36 | ▼ 1.9% |
| December | $2.41 | ▲ 2.1% |
| 2008 average | $2.34 |
FAQ
What was the average price of ground beef in 2008?
Ground beef averaged $2.34 per lb in 2008, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $2.34 of 2008 ground beef worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $2.34 in 2008 is about $3.64 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2008 price of ground beef compare to now?
Ground beef now averages $6.75 per lb, up 188% from the 2008 average of $2.34.