Ground beef price history by year

In 2026, ground beef averaged $6.81 per pound at the U.S. city average, across the 8 months the series reported that year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $6.70 in March to $6.92 in August. Over the year it rose from $6.75 in January to $6.92 in August, a 2.5% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $6.81 in 2026 is worth about $6.88 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 1% more expensive than it was in 2026. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 2% versus the 2026 average.

In 2025, ground beef averaged $6.09 per pound at the U.S. city average, across the 11 months the series reported that year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $5.55 in January to $6.69 in December. Over the year it rose from $5.55 in January to $6.69 in December, a 20.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $6.09 in 2025 is worth about $6.34 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 9% more expensive than it was in 2025. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 14% versus the 2025 average.

In 2024, ground beef averaged $5.39 per pound 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 $5.03 in January to $5.67 in September. Over the year it rose from $5.03 in January to $5.61 in December, a 11.4% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $5.39 in 2024 is worth about $5.76 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 20% more expensive than it was in 2024. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 28% versus the 2024 average.

In 2023, ground beef averaged $5.02 per pound 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 $4.78 in February to $5.35 in November. Over the year it rose from $4.79 in January to $5.21 in December, a 8.7% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $5.02 in 2023 is worth about $5.52 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 25% more expensive than it was in 2023. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 38% versus the 2023 average.

In 2022, ground beef averaged $4.81 per pound 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 $4.55 in January to $4.94 in August. Over the year it rose from $4.55 in January to $4.80 in December, a 5.4% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $4.81 in 2022 is worth about $5.51 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 26% more expensive than it was in 2022. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 44% versus the 2022 average.

In 2021, ground beef averaged $4.33 per pound 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 $3.97 in January to $4.72 in October. Over the year it rose from $3.97 in January to $4.60 in December, a 16.1% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $4.33 in 2021 is worth about $5.35 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 29% more expensive than it was in 2021. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 60% versus the 2021 average.

In 2020, ground beef averaged $4.12 per pound 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 $3.87 in February to $4.74 in June. Over the year it rose from $3.89 in January to $3.95 in December, a 1.7% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $4.12 in 2020 is worth about $5.33 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 30% more expensive than it was in 2020. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 68% versus the 2020 average.

In 2019, ground beef averaged $3.81 per pound 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 $3.73 in March to $3.86 in December. Over the year it rose from $3.80 in January to $3.86 in December, a 1.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $3.81 in 2019 is worth about $4.99 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 39% more expensive than it was in 2019. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 82% versus the 2019 average.

In 2018, ground beef averaged $3.72 per pound 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 $3.64 in January to $3.79 in August. Over the year it rose from $3.64 in January to $3.73 in December, a 2.3% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $3.72 in 2018 is worth about $4.96 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 40% more expensive than it was in 2018. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 86% versus the 2018 average.

In 2017, ground beef averaged $3.64 per pound 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 $3.55 in April to $3.75 in July. Over the year it rose from $3.55 in January to $3.71 in December, a 4.4% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $3.64 in 2017 is worth about $4.97 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 39% more expensive than it was in 2017. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 90% versus the 2017 average.

In 2016, ground beef averaged $3.75 per pound 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 $3.56 in December to $3.98 in January. Over the year it fell from $3.98 in January to $3.56 in December, a 10.5% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $3.75 in 2016 is worth about $5.23 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 32% more expensive than it was in 2016. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 85% versus the 2016 average.

In 2015, ground beef averaged $4.17 per pound 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 $4.06 in December to $4.24 in February. Over the year it fell from $4.24 in January to $4.06 in December, a 4.1% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $4.17 in 2015 is worth about $5.89 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 18% more expensive than it was in 2015. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 66% versus the 2015 average.

In 2014, ground beef averaged $3.90 per pound 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 $3.47 in January to $4.20 in November. Over the year it rose from $3.47 in January to $4.16 in December, a 19.9% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $3.90 in 2014 is worth about $5.52 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 25% more expensive than it was in 2014. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 78% versus the 2014 average.

In 2013, ground beef averaged $3.40 per pound 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 $3.27 in April to $3.50 in September. Over the year it rose from $3.41 in January to $3.46 in December, a 1.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $3.40 in 2013 is worth about $4.89 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 42% more expensive than it was in 2013. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 104% versus the 2013 average.

In 2012, ground beef averaged $3.03 per pound at the U.S. city average, across the 11 months the series reported that year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $2.95 in February to $3.18 in November. Over the year it rose from $3.01 in January to $3.08 in December, a 2.5% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $3.03 in 2012 is worth about $4.42 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 57% more expensive than it was in 2012. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 128% versus the 2012 average.

In 2011, ground beef averaged $2.77 per pound 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 $2.53 in January to $2.92 in December. Over the year it rose from $2.53 in January to $2.92 in December, a 15.3% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $2.77 in 2011 is worth about $4.13 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 68% more expensive than it was in 2011. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 150% versus the 2011 average.

In 2010, ground beef averaged $2.37 per pound 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 $2.24 in March to $2.50 in August. Over the year it rose from $2.28 in January to $2.38 in December, a 4.3% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $2.37 in 2010 is worth about $3.64 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 90% more expensive than it was in 2010. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 192% versus the 2010 average.

In 2009, ground beef averaged $2.22 per pound 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 $2.06 in November to $2.44 in February. Over the year it fell from $2.36 in January to $2.19 in December, a 7.3% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $2.22 in 2009 is worth about $3.47 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 100% more expensive than it was in 2009. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 212% versus the 2009 average.

In 2008, ground beef averaged $2.34 per pound 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 $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 90% more expensive than it was in 2008. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 196% versus the 2008 average.

In 2007, ground beef averaged $2.30 per pound 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 $2.19 in January to $2.40 in August. Over the year it rose from $2.19 in January to $2.23 in December, a 2.2% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $2.30 in 2007 is worth about $3.72 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 86% more expensive than it was in 2007. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 201% versus the 2007 average.

In 2006, ground beef averaged $2.22 per pound 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 $2.15 in July to $2.28 in January. Over the year it fell from $2.28 in January to $2.26 in December, a 0.8% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $2.22 in 2006 is worth about $3.69 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 88% more expensive than it was in 2006. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 212% versus the 2006 average.

In 2005, ground beef averaged $2.30 per pound 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 $2.19 in January to $2.42 in August. Over the year it rose from $2.19 in January to $2.30 in December, a 5.1% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $2.30 in 2005 is worth about $3.95 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 75% more expensive than it was in 2005. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 201% versus the 2005 average.

In 2004, ground beef averaged $2.16 per pound 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 $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 81% more expensive than it was in 2004. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 221% versus the 2004 average.

In 2003, ground beef averaged $1.95 per pound 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 $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 95% more expensive than it was in 2003. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 255% versus the 2003 average.

In 2002, ground beef averaged $1.71 per pound 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 $1.66 in July to $1.78 in April. Over the year it fell from $1.73 in January to $1.69 in December, a 2.4% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.71 in 2002 is worth about $3.18 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 118% more expensive than it was in 2002. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 305% versus the 2002 average.

In 2001, ground beef averaged $1.71 per pound 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 $1.63 in August to $1.76 in April. Over the year it rose from $1.69 in January to $1.71 in December, a 1.2% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.71 in 2001 is worth about $3.24 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 114% more expensive than it was in 2001. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 305% versus the 2001 average.

In 2000, ground beef averaged $1.57 per pound 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 $1.48 in January to $1.63 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.48 in January to $1.63 in December, a 9.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.57 in 2000 is worth about $3.05 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 127% more expensive than it was in 2000. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 341% versus the 2000 average.

In 1999, ground beef averaged $1.45 per pound 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 $1.38 in January to $1.53 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.38 in January to $1.53 in December, a 10.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.45 in 1999 is worth about $2.92 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 137% more expensive than it was in 1999. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 377% versus the 1999 average.

In 1998, ground beef averaged $1.41 per pound 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 $1.36 in September to $1.46 in January. Over the year it fell from $1.46 in January to $1.39 in December, a 4.7% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.41 in 1998 is worth about $2.90 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 139% more expensive than it was in 1998. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 391% versus the 1998 average.

In 1997, ground beef averaged $1.40 per pound 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 $1.36 in March to $1.42 in September. Over the year it fell from $1.41 in January to $1.39 in December, a 1.2% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.40 in 1997 is worth about $2.92 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 137% more expensive than it was in 1997. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 395% versus the 1997 average.

In 1996, ground beef averaged $1.37 per pound 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 $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 136% more expensive than it was in 1996. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 405% versus the 1996 average.

In 1995, ground beef averaged $1.37 per pound 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 $1.43 in February. Over the year it rose from $1.38 in January to $1.40 in December, a 1.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.37 in 1995 is worth about $3.01 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 130% more expensive than it was in 1995. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 405% versus the 1995 average.

In 1994, ground beef averaged $1.48 per pound 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 $1.38 in November to $1.58 in March. Over the year it fell from $1.56 in January to $1.38 in December, a 11.6% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.48 in 1994 is worth about $3.34 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 107% more expensive than it was in 1994. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 368% versus the 1994 average.

In 1993, ground beef averaged $1.57 per pound 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 September to $1.60 in November. Over the year it rose from $1.57 in January to $1.57 in December, a 0.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.57 in 1993 is worth about $3.64 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 90% more expensive than it was in 1993. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 341% versus the 1993 average.

In 1992, ground beef averaged $1.54 per pound 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 $1.49 in July to $1.60 in January. Over the year it fell from $1.60 in January to $1.50 in December, a 6.3% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.54 in 1992 is worth about $3.68 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 88% more expensive than it was in 1992. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 350% versus the 1992 average.

In 1991, ground beef averaged $1.60 per pound 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 $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 76% more expensive than it was in 1991. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 333% versus the 1991 average.

In 1990, ground beef averaged $1.59 per pound 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 $1.56 in January to $1.63 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.56 in January to $1.63 in December, a 4.7% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.59 in 1990 is worth about $4.08 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 70% more expensive than it was in 1990. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 335% versus the 1990 average.

In 1989, ground beef averaged $1.44 per pound 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 $1.37 in February to $1.50 in December. Over the year it rose from $1.40 in January to $1.50 in December, a 7.4% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.44 in 1989 is worth about $3.89 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 78% more expensive than it was in 1989. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 381% versus the 1989 average.

In 1988, ground beef averaged $1.36 per pound 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 $1.31 in January to $1.41 in November. Over the year it rose from $1.31 in January to $1.40 in December, a 6.5% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.36 in 1988 is worth about $3.85 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 80% more expensive than it was in 1988. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 409% versus the 1988 average.

In 1987, ground beef averaged $1.31 per pound 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 $1.27 in February to $1.35 in November. Over the year it rose from $1.30 in January to $1.32 in December, a 1.7% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.31 in 1987 is worth about $3.86 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 79% more expensive than it was in 1987. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 428% versus the 1987 average.

In 1986, ground beef averaged $1.23 per pound 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 $1.17 in June to $1.28 in November. Over the year it fell from $1.28 in January to $1.26 in December, a 1.4% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.23 in 1986 is worth about $3.76 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 84% more expensive than it was in 1986. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 463% versus the 1986 average.

In 1985, ground beef averaged $1.24 per pound 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 $1.19 in October to $1.28 in January. Over the year it fell from $1.28 in January to $1.28 in December, a 0.5% decline.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.24 in 1985 is worth about $3.86 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 79% more expensive than it was in 1985. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 458% versus the 1985 average.

In 1984, ground beef averaged $1.29 per pound 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 $1.25 in October to $1.34 in February. Over the year it rose from $1.29 in January to $1.30 in December, a 0.6% increase.

Adjusted for inflation, $1.29 in 1984 is worth about $4.16 in 2026 dollars. Today ground beef averages $6.92 per pound, so in real terms it is 66% more expensive than it was in 1984. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 437% versus the 1984 average.