How much did potatoes cost in 1989?
Potatoes averaged $0.34 per lb in 1989 — about $0.92 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 1989, potatoes averaged $0.34 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 $0.29 in January to $0.39 in July. Over the year it rose from $0.29 in January to $0.31 in December, a 6.5% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.34 in 1989 is worth about $0.92 in 2026 dollars. Today potatoes averages $0.89 per lb, so in real terms it is 3% cheaper than it was in 1989. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 163% versus the 1989 average.
1989 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.29 | ▼ 0.3% |
| February | $0.31 | ▲ 6.1% |
| March | $0.34 | ▲ 7.4% |
| April | $0.36 | ▲ 7.5% |
| May | $0.37 | ▲ 2.2% |
| June | $0.37 | ▲ 1.6% |
| July | $0.39 | ▲ 4.8% |
| August | $0.39 | ▼ 0.3% |
| September | $0.34 | ▼ 12.8% |
| October | $0.31 | ▼ 8.2% |
| November | $0.31 | ▼ 1.9% |
| December | $0.31 | ▲ 1.9% |
| 1989 average | $0.34 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 1989?
Potatoes averaged $0.34 per lb in 1989, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.34 of 1989 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.34 in 1989 is about $0.92 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1989 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 163% from the 1989 average of $0.34.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 1989 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1989/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1989/">Potatoes price in 1989 (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 1989 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1989/