How much did sugar cost in 1983?
Sugar averaged $0.36 per lb in 1983 — about $1.21 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000715211.
In 1983, sugar averaged $0.36 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 February to $0.37 in December. Over the year it rose from $0.36 in January to $0.37 in December, a 2.8% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.36 in 1983 is worth about $1.21 in 2026 dollars. Today sugar averages $1.03 per lb, so in real terms it is 15% cheaper than it was in 1983. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 187% versus the 1983 average.
1983 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.36 | ▲ 2.3% |
| February | $0.36 | ▼ 1.4% |
| March | $0.36 | ▲ 0.6% |
| April | $0.36 | ▲ 0.3% |
| May | $0.36 | ▼ 0.8% |
| June | $0.36 | ▲ 1.1% |
| July | $0.37 | ▲ 1.7% |
| August | $0.37 | — |
| September | $0.37 | — |
| October | $0.37 | — |
| November | $0.37 | ▲ 0.6% |
| December | $0.37 | ▲ 0.8% |
| 1983 average | $0.36 |
FAQ
What was the average price of sugar in 1983?
Sugar averaged $0.36 per lb in 1983, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.36 of 1983 sugar worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.36 in 1983 is about $1.21 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1983 price of sugar compare to now?
Sugar now averages $1.03 per lb, up 187% from the 1983 average of $0.36.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Sugar price in 1983 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1983/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000715211. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1983/">Sugar price in 1983 (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 1983 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1983/