How much did potatoes cost in 1996?
Potatoes averaged $0.38 per lb in 1996 — about $0.81 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 1996, potatoes averaged $0.38 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 $0.34 in December to $0.41 in July. Over the year it fell from $0.39 in January to $0.34 in December, a 13.0% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.38 in 1996 is worth about $0.81 in 2026 dollars. Today potatoes averages $0.89 per lb, so in real terms it is 10% more expensive than it was in 1996. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 135% versus the 1996 average.
1996 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.39 | ▲ 1.3% |
| February | $0.39 | — |
| March | $0.39 | ▲ 1.8% |
| April | $0.39 | ▲ 0.5% |
| May | $0.39 | ▼ 0.5% |
| June | $0.40 | ▲ 2.3% |
| July | $0.41 | ▲ 1.8% |
| August | $0.40 | ▼ 1.2% |
| September | $0.38 | ▼ 7.0% |
| October | $0.36 | ▼ 4.3% |
| November | $0.34 | ▼ 4.5% |
| December | $0.34 | ▼ 2.3% |
| 1996 average | $0.38 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 1996?
Potatoes averaged $0.38 per lb in 1996, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.38 of 1996 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.38 in 1996 is about $0.81 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1996 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 135% from the 1996 average of $0.38.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 1996 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1996/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1996/">Potatoes price in 1996 (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 1996 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1996/