Prices are now 2.1x higher than in 1997
In 1997, a dozen eggs cost $1.06, a gallon of gas cost $1.23 and a gallon of milk cost $2.61.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 1997 costs about $209.93 today. The inflation rate in 1997 was 2.3%, and total inflation from 1997 to September 2026 was 110%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 1997 was for heating oil (up 178%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 47%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.06 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.23 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.61 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.87 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.40 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.11 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $209.93 |
Biggest price changes since 1997
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 1997 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 110% between 1997 and September 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 110% inflation between 1997 and September 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil484% higher178% higherWas $1.01 in 1997, now $5.92 per gallonWas $2.13 in today's dollars, now $5.92 per gallon
- Ground beef386% higher132% higherWas $1.40 in 1997, now $6.79 per lbWas $2.93 in today's dollars, now $6.79 per lb
- Ground beef, lean311% higher96% higherWas $2.06 in 1997, now $8.46 per lbWas $4.32 in today's dollars, now $8.46 per lb
- Gasoline, premium283% higher83% higherWas $1.42 in 1997, now $5.43 per gallonWas $2.97 in today's dollars, now $5.43 per gallon
- Chuck roast277% higher80% higherWas $2.43 in 1997, now $9.19 per lbWas $5.11 in today's dollars, now $9.19 per lb
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless12% higher47% lowerWas $4.08 in 1997, now $4.55 per lbWas $8.56 in today's dollars, now $4.55 per lb
- Bananas35% higher36% lowerWas $0.49 in 1997, now $0.66 per lbWas $1.02 in today's dollars, now $0.66 per lb
- American cheese37% higher35% lowerWas $3.45 in 1997, now $4.74 per lbWas $7.24 in today's dollars, now $4.74 per lb
- Chicken legs41% higher33% lowerWas $1.23 in 1997, now $1.74 per lbWas $2.59 in today's dollars, now $1.74 per lb
- Tomatoes54% higher27% lowerWas $1.29 in 1997, now $1.99 per lbWas $2.71 in today's dollars, now $1.99 per lb
Food and energy prices in 1997
These are the average prices Americans paid in 1997, next to what the same items cost in September 2026.These 1997 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 19971997 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 1997$1.231997, adjusted$2.59 | Today$4.48 | Change263% higherAfter inflation73% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 1997$1.331997, adjusted$2.79 | Today$4.96 | Change273% higherAfter inflation78% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 1997$1.421997, adjusted$2.97 | Today$5.43 | Change283% higherAfter inflation83% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 1997$0.091997, adjusted$0.20 | Today$0.20 | Change108% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 1997$0.691997, adjusted$1.44 | Today$1.70 | Change147% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 1997$1.011997, adjusted$2.13 | Today$5.92 | Change484% higherAfter inflation178% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 19971997 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 1997$1.401997, adjusted$2.93 | Today$6.79 | Change386% higherAfter inflation132% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 1997$1.841997, adjusted$3.86 | Today$6.48 | Change253% higherAfter inflation68% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 1997$2.061997, adjusted$4.32 | Today$8.46 | Change311% higherAfter inflation96% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 1997$4.211997, adjusted$8.83 | Today$14.11 | Change235% higherAfter inflation60% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 1997$3.101997, adjusted$6.50 | Today$9.84 | Change218% higherAfter inflation51% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 1997$2.821997, adjusted$5.92 | Today$8.80 | Change212% higherAfter inflation49% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 1997$2.431997, adjusted$5.11 | Today$9.19 | Change277% higherAfter inflation80% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 1997$2.511997, adjusted$5.26 | Today$8.53 | Change240% higherAfter inflation62% higher |
| Baconper lb | 1997$2.681997, adjusted$5.63 | Today$6.76 | Change152% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 1997$4.081997, adjusted$8.56 | Today$4.55 | Change12% higherAfter inflation47% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 1997$2.791997, adjusted$5.85 | Today$5.45 | Change95% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 1997$1.001997, adjusted$2.10 | Today$2.06 | Change106% higherAfter inflation2% lower |
| Chicken legs per lb | 1997$1.231997, adjusted$2.59 | Today$1.74 | Change41% higherAfter inflation33% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 19971997 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 1997$1.061997, adjusted$2.22 | Today$2.27 | Change115% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Whole milkper gallon | 1997$2.611997, adjusted$5.49 | Today$4.11 | Change57% higherAfter inflation25% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 1997$3.221997, adjusted$6.76 | Today$6.13 | Change90% higherAfter inflation9% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 1997$3.451997, adjusted$7.24 | Today$4.74 | Change37% higherAfter inflation35% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 1997$2.921997, adjusted$6.12 | Today$5.93 | Change103% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 19971997 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 1997$0.491997, adjusted$1.02 | Today$0.66 | Change35% higherAfter inflation36% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 1997$0.601997, adjusted$1.25 | Today$1.72 | Change188% higherAfter inflation37% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 1997$0.561997, adjusted$1.17 | Today$1.62 | Change192% higherAfter inflation39% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 1997$1.251997, adjusted$2.63 | Today$2.13 | Change70% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 1997$1.361997, adjusted$2.84 | Today$2.84 | Change110% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Tomatoesper lb | 1997$1.291997, adjusted$2.71 | Today$1.99 | Change54% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 1997$0.361997, adjusted$0.75 | Today$0.99 | Change178% higherAfter inflation32% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 1997$0.691997, adjusted$1.46 | Today$1.64 | Change136% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Canned corn per lb | 1997$0.741997, adjusted$1.55 | Today$1.32 | Change79% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
| Dried beans per lb | 1997$0.721997, adjusted$1.51 | Today$1.67 | Change132% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 19971997 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 1997$0.871997, adjusted$1.83 | Today$1.83 | Change110% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Flour per lb | 1997$0.301997, adjusted$0.63 | Today$0.55 | Change81% higherAfter inflation14% lower |
| Riceper lb | 1997$0.571997, adjusted$1.19 | Today$1.12 | Change98% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 1997$0.871997, adjusted$1.83 | Today$1.38 | Change58% higherAfter inflation25% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 1997$0.431997, adjusted$0.91 | Today$1.02 | Change136% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 1997$2.611997, adjusted$5.49 | Today$5.15 | Change97% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 1997$3.131997, adjusted$6.58 | Today$6.67 | Change113% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 19971997 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 1997$4.111997, adjusted$8.63 | Today$9.33 | Change127% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 1997$0.841997, adjusted$1.77 | Today$1.88 | Change122% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Wineper liter | 1997$5.171997, adjusted$10.85 | Today$13.77 | Change166% higherAfter inflation27% higher |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1997?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.06 in 1997. In September 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 2% higher than in 1997.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1997?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $1.23 in 1997. In September 2026, the average price was $4.48. After adjusting for inflation, that's 73% higher than in 1997.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 1997?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $2.61 in 1997. In September 2026, the average price was $4.11. After adjusting for inflation, that's 25% lower than in 1997.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 1997?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $0.87 in 1997. In September 2026, the average price was $1.83. After adjusting for inflation, that's about the same as in 1997.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 1997?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $1.40 in 1997. In September 2026, the average price was $6.79. After adjusting for inflation, that's 132% higher than in 1997.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 1997?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $4.11 in 1997. In September 2026, the average price was $9.33. After adjusting for inflation, that's 8% higher than in 1997.
How much is $1 from 1997 worth today?
$1 in 1997 has about the same buying power as $2.10 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 1997?
The U.S. inflation rate in 1997 was 2.3%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 1996 to 1997.
Where these prices come from
These prices come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which checks what everyday items cost in stores across the U.S. every month. The 1997 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from September 2026.
To adjust 1997 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 1997 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
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| Dozen eggs | $1.06 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.23 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.61 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.87 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.40 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.11 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $209.93 |