How much did potatoes cost in 1998?
Potatoes averaged $0.38 per lb in 1998 — about $0.78 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 1998, 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 $0.36 in January to $0.39 in July. Over the year it rose from $0.36 in January to $0.38 in December, a 3.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.38 in 1998 is worth about $0.78 in 2026 dollars. Today potatoes averages $0.89 per lb, so in real terms it is 15% more expensive than it was in 1998. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 135% versus the 1998 average.
1998 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.36 | ▼ 2.2% |
| February | $0.36 | — |
| March | $0.37 | ▲ 1.7% |
| April | $0.37 | ▲ 0.3% |
| May | $0.38 | ▲ 3.3% |
| June | $0.39 | ▲ 2.4% |
| July | $0.39 | ▲ 0.5% |
| August | $0.38 | ▼ 2.5% |
| September | $0.38 | ▼ 1.6% |
| October | $0.38 | ▲ 0.8% |
| November | $0.37 | ▼ 2.4% |
| December | $0.38 | ▲ 1.4% |
| 1998 average | $0.38 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 1998?
Potatoes averaged $0.38 per lb in 1998, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.38 of 1998 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.38 in 1998 is about $0.78 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1998 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 135% from the 1998 average of $0.38.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 1998 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1998/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1998/">Potatoes price in 1998 (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 1998 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1998/