How much did potatoes cost in 1988?
Potatoes averaged $0.26 per lb in 1988 — about $0.74 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 1988, potatoes averaged $0.26 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 $0.24 in March to $0.30 in December. Over the year it rose from $0.24 in January to $0.30 in December, a 20.9% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.26 in 1988 is worth about $0.74 in 2026 dollars. Today potatoes averages $0.89 per lb, so in real terms it is 21% more expensive than it was in 1988. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 244% versus the 1988 average.
1988 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.24 | ▼ 1.2% |
| February | $0.24 | ▼ 0.4% |
| March | $0.24 | ▼ 1.2% |
| April | $0.24 | ▲ 1.7% |
| May | $0.25 | ▲ 1.2% |
| June | $0.26 | ▲ 3.6% |
| July | $0.26 | ▲ 0.4% |
| August | $0.27 | ▲ 4.3% |
| September | $0.27 | — |
| October | $0.28 | ▲ 4.1% |
| November | $0.29 | ▲ 2.9% |
| December | $0.30 | ▲ 2.8% |
| 1988 average | $0.26 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 1988?
Potatoes averaged $0.26 per lb in 1988, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.26 of 1988 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.26 in 1988 is about $0.74 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1988 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 244% from the 1988 average of $0.26.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 1988 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1988/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1988/">Potatoes price in 1988 (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 1988 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1988/