How much did milk cost in 2004?
Milk averaged $3.16 per gal in 2004 — about $5.61 in 2026 dollars.
Monthly average price (USD per gal) · 2004
In 2004, milk averaged $3.16 per gal 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 $2.79 in March to $3.57 in June. Over the year it rose from $2.88 in January to $3.23 in December, a 12.3% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.16 in 2004 is worth about $5.61 in 2026 dollars. Today milk averages $4.22 per gal, so in real terms it is 25% cheaper than it was in 2004. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 33% versus the 2004 average.
2004 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $2.88 | ▼ 2.3% |
| February | $2.81 | ▼ 2.3% |
| March | $2.79 | ▼ 1.0% |
| April | $2.91 | ▲ 4.3% |
| May | $3.37 | ▲ 16.1% |
| June | $3.57 | ▲ 5.9% |
| July | $3.48 | ▼ 2.7% |
| August | $3.30 | ▼ 5.2% |
| September | $3.15 | ▼ 4.5% |
| October | $3.16 | ▲ 0.4% |
| November | $3.22 | ▲ 1.8% |
| December | $3.23 | ▲ 0.4% |
| 2004 average | $3.16 |
FAQ
What was the average price of milk in 2004?
Milk averaged $3.16 per gal in 2004, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.16 of 2004 milk worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.16 in 2004 is about $5.61 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2004 price of milk compare to now?
Milk now averages $4.22 per gal, up 33% from the 2004 average of $3.16.