How much did sugar cost in 1982?
Sugar averaged $0.35 per lb in 1982 — about $1.22 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000715211.
In 1982, sugar averaged $0.35 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 $0.33 in January to $0.36 in September. Over the year it rose from $0.33 in January to $0.35 in December, a 7.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.35 in 1982 is worth about $1.22 in 2026 dollars. Today sugar averages $1.03 per lb, so in real terms it is 15% cheaper than it was in 1982. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 195% versus the 1982 average.
1982 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.33 | ▲ 0.6% |
| February | $0.34 | ▲ 3.7% |
| March | $0.34 | ▲ 1.2% |
| April | $0.34 | ▼ 1.5% |
| May | $0.34 | ▼ 0.9% |
| June | $0.34 | ▲ 1.8% |
| July | $0.35 | ▲ 2.0% |
| August | $0.35 | ▲ 1.1% |
| September | $0.36 | ▲ 1.1% |
| October | $0.36 | ▼ 0.3% |
| November | $0.36 | — |
| December | $0.35 | ▼ 0.8% |
| 1982 average | $0.35 |
FAQ
What was the average price of sugar in 1982?
Sugar averaged $0.35 per lb in 1982, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.35 of 1982 sugar worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.35 in 1982 is about $1.22 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1982 price of sugar compare to now?
Sugar now averages $1.03 per lb, up 195% from the 1982 average of $0.35.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Sugar price in 1982 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1982/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000715211. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1982/">Sugar price in 1982 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000715211; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Sugar price in 1982 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1982/