How much did potatoes cost in 1986?
Potatoes averaged $0.25 per lb in 1986 — about $0.76 in 2026 dollars. Based on 10 months of data (partial year).
10 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 1986, potatoes averaged $0.25 per lb at the U.S. city average, across the 10 months the series reported that year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $0.21 in March to $0.29 in August. Over the year it rose from $0.21 in March to $0.26 in December, a 26.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.25 in 1986 is worth about $0.76 in 2026 dollars. Today potatoes averages $0.89 per lb, so in real terms it is 18% more expensive than it was in 1986. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 258% versus the 1986 average.
1986 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| March | $0.21 | — |
| April | $0.22 | ▲ 3.9% |
| May | $0.23 | ▲ 4.7% |
| June | $0.26 | ▲ 13.8% |
| July | $0.29 | ▲ 12.5% |
| August | $0.29 | ▲ 1.0% |
| September | $0.27 | ▼ 8.6% |
| October | $0.26 | ▼ 3.8% |
| November | $0.26 | ▲ 0.4% |
| December | $0.26 | ▲ 1.9% |
| 1986 average | $0.25 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 1986?
Potatoes averaged $0.25 per lb in 1986, based on 10 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.25 of 1986 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.25 in 1986 is about $0.76 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1986 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 258% from the 1986 average of $0.25.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 1986 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1986/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1986/">Potatoes price in 1986 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Potatoes price in 1986 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1986/