How much did potatoes cost in 2002?
Potatoes averaged $0.49 per lb in 2002 — about $0.91 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 2002, potatoes averaged $0.49 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 $0.43 in January to $0.56 in August. Over the year it rose from $0.43 in January to $0.48 in December, a 12.4% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.49 in 2002 is worth about $0.91 in 2026 dollars. Today potatoes averages $0.89 per lb, so in real terms it is 2% cheaper than it was in 2002. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 82% versus the 2002 average.
2002 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.43 | ▲ 3.9% |
| February | $0.45 | ▲ 4.9% |
| March | $0.47 | ▲ 4.0% |
| April | $0.49 | ▲ 6.0% |
| May | $0.51 | ▲ 3.0% |
| June | $0.52 | ▲ 1.8% |
| July | $0.55 | ▲ 6.2% |
| August | $0.56 | ▲ 1.8% |
| September | $0.51 | ▼ 8.6% |
| October | $0.49 | ▼ 3.7% |
| November | $0.47 | ▼ 3.9% |
| December | $0.48 | ▲ 1.3% |
| 2002 average | $0.49 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 2002?
Potatoes averaged $0.49 per lb in 2002, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.49 of 2002 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.49 in 2002 is about $0.91 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2002 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 82% from the 2002 average of $0.49.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 2002 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/2002/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/2002/">Potatoes price in 2002 (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 2002 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/2002/