How much did potatoes cost in 1999?
Potatoes averaged $0.39 per lb in 1999 — about $0.78 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 1999, potatoes averaged $0.39 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 $0.38 in April to $0.43 in August. Over the year it rose from $0.38 in January to $0.40 in December, a 3.7% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.39 in 1999 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 1999. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 129% versus the 1999 average.
1999 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.38 | ▲ 1.6% |
| February | $0.38 | ▲ 0.3% |
| March | $0.38 | ▲ 0.5% |
| April | $0.38 | ▼ 1.0% |
| May | $0.39 | ▲ 2.1% |
| June | $0.39 | ▲ 0.8% |
| July | $0.41 | ▲ 5.1% |
| August | $0.43 | ▲ 4.4% |
| September | $0.41 | ▼ 3.7% |
| October | $0.39 | ▼ 4.8% |
| November | $0.38 | ▼ 2.3% |
| December | $0.40 | ▲ 2.9% |
| 1999 average | $0.39 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 1999?
Potatoes averaged $0.39 per lb in 1999, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.39 of 1999 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.39 in 1999 is about $0.78 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1999 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 129% from the 1999 average of $0.39.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 1999 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1999/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1999/">Potatoes price in 1999 (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 1999 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1999/