Prices are now 2.1x higher than in 1998
In 1998, a dozen eggs cost $1.04, a gallon of gas cost $1.06 and a gallon of milk cost $2.70.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 1998 costs about $206.71 today. The inflation rate in 1998 was 1.6%, and total inflation from 1998 to September 2026 was 107%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 1998 was for heating oil (up 226%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 41%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.04 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.06 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.70 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.86 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.41 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.77 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $206.71 |
Biggest price changes since 1998
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 1998 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 107% between 1998 and September 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 107% inflation between 1998 and September 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil573% higher226% higherWas $0.88 in 1998, now $5.92 per gallonWas $1.82 in today's dollars, now $5.92 per gallon
- Diesel fuel439% higher161% higherWas $1.17 in 1998, now $6.33 per gallonWas $2.43 in today's dollars, now $6.33 per gallon
- Ground beef381% higher133% higherWas $1.41 in 1998, now $6.79 per lbWas $2.92 in today's dollars, now $6.79 per lb
- Gasoline, premium334% higher110% higherWas $1.25 in 1998, now $5.43 per gallonWas $2.58 in today's dollars, now $5.43 per gallon
- Gasoline, midgrade328% higher107% higherWas $1.16 in 1998, now $4.96 per gallonWas $2.40 in today's dollars, now $4.96 per gallon
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless21% higher41% lowerWas $3.76 in 1998, now $4.55 per lbWas $7.77 in today's dollars, now $4.55 per lb
- American cheese32% higher36% lowerWas $3.59 in 1998, now $4.74 per lbWas $7.42 in today's dollars, now $4.74 per lb
- Bananas33% higher36% lowerWas $0.49 in 1998, now $0.66 per lbWas $1.02 in today's dollars, now $0.66 per lb
- Tomatoes35% higher35% lowerWas $1.48 in 1998, now $1.99 per lbWas $3.05 in today's dollars, now $1.99 per lb
- Chicken legs37% higher34% lowerWas $1.27 in 1998, now $1.74 per lbWas $2.63 in today's dollars, now $1.74 per lb
Food and energy prices in 1998
These are the average prices Americans paid in 1998, next to what the same items cost in September 2026.These 1998 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 1998$1.061998, adjusted$2.19 | Today$4.48 | Change323% higherAfter inflation105% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 1998$1.161998, adjusted$2.40 | Today$4.96 | Change328% higherAfter inflation107% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 1998$1.251998, adjusted$2.58 | Today$5.43 | Change334% higherAfter inflation110% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 1998$1.171998, adjusted$2.43 | Today$6.33 | Change439% higherAfter inflation161% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 1998$0.091998, adjusted$0.18 | Today$0.20 | Change126% higherAfter inflation9% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 1998$0.681998, adjusted$1.41 | Today$1.70 | Change149% higherAfter inflation21% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 1998$0.881998, adjusted$1.82 | Today$5.92 | Change573% higherAfter inflation226% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 1998$1.411998, adjusted$2.92 | Today$6.79 | Change381% higherAfter inflation133% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 1998$1.811998, adjusted$3.74 | Today$6.48 | Change258% higherAfter inflation73% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 1998$2.061998, adjusted$4.26 | Today$8.46 | Change310% higherAfter inflation98% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 1998$4.191998, adjusted$8.66 | Today$14.11 | Change237% higherAfter inflation63% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 1998$3.091998, adjusted$6.39 | Today$9.84 | Change218% higherAfter inflation54% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 1998$2.731998, adjusted$5.64 | Today$8.80 | Change222% higherAfter inflation56% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 1998$2.351998, adjusted$4.87 | Today$9.19 | Change290% higherAfter inflation89% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 1998$2.551998, adjusted$5.28 | Today$8.53 | Change234% higherAfter inflation62% higher |
| Baconper lb | 1998$2.541998, adjusted$5.26 | Today$6.76 | Change166% higherAfter inflation29% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 1998$3.761998, adjusted$7.77 | Today$4.55 | Change21% higherAfter inflation41% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 1998$2.811998, adjusted$5.82 | Today$5.45 | Change94% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 1998$1.041998, adjusted$2.16 | Today$2.06 | Change98% higherAfter inflation4% lower |
| Chicken legs per lb | 1998$1.271998, adjusted$2.63 | Today$1.74 | Change37% higherAfter inflation34% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 1998$1.041998, adjusted$2.14 | Today$2.27 | Change119% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Whole milkper gallon | 1998$2.701998, adjusted$5.59 | Today$4.11 | Change52% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 1998$3.551998, adjusted$7.33 | Today$6.13 | Change73% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 1998$3.591998, adjusted$7.42 | Today$4.74 | Change32% higherAfter inflation36% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 1998$3.131998, adjusted$6.46 | Today$5.93 | Change90% higherAfter inflation8% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 1998$0.491998, adjusted$1.02 | Today$0.66 | Change33% higherAfter inflation36% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 1998$0.561998, adjusted$1.17 | Today$1.72 | Change205% higherAfter inflation48% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 1998$0.601998, adjusted$1.24 | Today$1.62 | Change171% higherAfter inflation31% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 1998$1.201998, adjusted$2.48 | Today$2.13 | Change78% higherAfter inflation14% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 1998$1.641998, adjusted$3.40 | Today$2.84 | Change73% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 1998$1.481998, adjusted$3.05 | Today$1.99 | Change35% higherAfter inflation35% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 1998$0.381998, adjusted$0.78 | Today$0.99 | Change163% higherAfter inflation27% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 1998$0.761998, adjusted$1.56 | Today$1.64 | Change116% higherAfter inflation5% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 1998$0.691998, adjusted$1.43 | Today$1.67 | Change142% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 1998$0.861998, adjusted$1.78 | Today$1.83 | Change113% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Flour per lb | 1998$0.301998, adjusted$0.62 | Today$0.55 | Change82% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
| Riceper lb | 1998$0.541998, adjusted$1.12 | Today$1.12 | Change106% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 1998$0.881998, adjusted$1.82 | Today$1.38 | Change56% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 1998$0.431998, adjusted$0.89 | Today$1.02 | Change137% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 1998$2.541998, adjusted$5.25 | Today$5.15 | Change103% higherAfter inflation2% lower |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 1998$3.161998, adjusted$6.54 | Today$6.67 | Change111% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 1998$3.771998, adjusted$7.78 | Today$9.33 | Change148% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 1998$0.861998, adjusted$1.78 | Today$1.88 | Change118% higherAfter inflation5% higher |
| Wineper liter | 1998$5.071998, adjusted$10.48 | Today$13.77 | Change172% higherAfter inflation31% higher |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1998?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.04 in 1998. In September 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 6% higher than in 1998.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1998?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $1.06 in 1998. In September 2026, the average price was $4.48. After adjusting for inflation, that's 105% higher than in 1998.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 1998?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $2.70 in 1998. In September 2026, the average price was $4.11. After adjusting for inflation, that's 27% lower than in 1998.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 1998?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $0.86 in 1998. In September 2026, the average price was $1.83. After adjusting for inflation, that's 3% higher than in 1998.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 1998?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $1.41 in 1998. In September 2026, the average price was $6.79. After adjusting for inflation, that's 133% higher than in 1998.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 1998?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $3.77 in 1998. In September 2026, the average price was $9.33. After adjusting for inflation, that's 20% higher than in 1998.
How much is $1 from 1998 worth today?
$1 in 1998 has about the same buying power as $2.07 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 1998?
The U.S. inflation rate in 1998 was 1.6%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 1997 to 1998.
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 1998 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from September 2026.
To adjust 1998 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 1998 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
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| Dozen eggs | $1.04 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.06 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.70 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.86 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.41 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.77 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $206.71 |