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 $205.51 today. The inflation rate in 1998 was 1.6%, and total inflation from 1998 to August 2026 was 106%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 1998 was for heating oil (up 185%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 41%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.04 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.06 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.70 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $0.86 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.41 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.77 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $205.51 |
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 106% between 1998 and August 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 106% inflation between 1998 and August 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil485% higher185% higherWas $0.88 in 1998, now $5.15 per gallonWas $1.81 in today's dollars, now $5.15 per gallon
- Ground beef390% higher139% higherWas $1.41 in 1998, now $6.92 per lbWas $2.90 in today's dollars, now $6.92 per lb
- Diesel fuel373% higher130% higherWas $1.17 in 1998, now $5.55 per gallonWas $2.41 in today's dollars, now $5.55 per gallon
- Ground beef, lean316% higher102% higherWas $2.06 in 1998, now $8.57 per lbWas $4.24 in today's dollars, now $8.57 per lb
- Gasoline, premium311% higher100% higherWas $1.25 in 1998, now $5.13 per gallonWas $2.57 in today's dollars, now $5.13 per gallon
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless21% higher41% lowerWas $3.76 in 1998, now $4.53 per lbWas $7.72 in today's dollars, now $4.53 per lb
- Chicken legs31% higher36% lowerWas $1.27 in 1998, now $1.67 per lbWas $2.61 in today's dollars, now $1.67 per lb
- Bananas32% higher36% lowerWas $0.49 in 1998, now $0.65 per lbWas $1.02 in today's dollars, now $0.65 per lb
- American cheese32% higher36% lowerWas $3.59 in 1998, now $4.75 per lbWas $7.38 in today's dollars, now $4.75 per lb
- Tomatoes34% higher35% lowerWas $1.48 in 1998, now $1.98 per lbWas $3.03 in today's dollars, now $1.98 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 August 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$2.18 | Today$4.20 | Change296% higherAfter inflation93% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 1998$1.161998, adjusted$2.38 | Today$4.69 | Change304% higherAfter inflation97% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 1998$1.251998, adjusted$2.57 | Today$5.13 | Change311% higherAfter inflation100% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 1998$1.171998, adjusted$2.41 | Today$5.55 | Change373% higherAfter inflation130% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 1998$0.091998, adjusted$0.18 | Today$0.20 | Change126% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 1998$0.681998, adjusted$1.40 | Today$1.71 | Change151% higherAfter inflation22% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 1998$0.881998, adjusted$1.81 | Today$5.15 | Change485% higherAfter inflation185% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 1998$1.411998, adjusted$2.90 | Today$6.92 | Change390% higherAfter inflation139% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 1998$1.811998, adjusted$3.72 | Today$6.77 | Change274% higherAfter inflation82% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 1998$2.061998, adjusted$4.24 | Today$8.57 | Change316% higherAfter inflation102% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 1998$4.191998, adjusted$8.61 | Today$14.36 | Change243% higherAfter inflation67% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 1998$3.091998, adjusted$6.35 | Today$9.69 | Change214% higherAfter inflation53% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 1998$2.731998, adjusted$5.61 | Today$8.96 | Change228% higherAfter inflation60% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 1998$2.351998, adjusted$4.84 | Today$9.45 | Change301% higherAfter inflation95% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 1998$2.551998, adjusted$5.25 | Today$8.59 | Change236% higherAfter inflation64% higher |
| Baconper lb | 1998$2.541998, adjusted$5.23 | Today$6.61 | Change160% higherAfter inflation26% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 1998$3.761998, adjusted$7.72 | Today$4.53 | Change21% higherAfter inflation41% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 1998$2.811998, adjusted$5.78 | Today$5.38 | Change91% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 1998$1.041998, adjusted$2.14 | Today$2.01 | Change93% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Chicken legs per lb | 1998$1.271998, adjusted$2.61 | Today$1.67 | Change31% higherAfter inflation36% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 1998$1.041998, adjusted$2.13 | Today$2.27 | Change119% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Whole milk per gallon | 1998$2.701998, adjusted$5.56 | Today$4.23 | Change56% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 1998$3.551998, adjusted$7.29 | Today$5.98 | Change69% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 1998$3.591998, adjusted$7.38 | Today$4.75 | Change32% higherAfter inflation36% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 1998$3.131998, adjusted$6.43 | Today$5.85 | Change87% higherAfter inflation9% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 1998$0.491998, adjusted$1.02 | Today$0.65 | Change32% higherAfter inflation36% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 1998$0.561998, adjusted$1.16 | Today$1.71 | Change203% higherAfter inflation47% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 1998$0.601998, adjusted$1.23 | Today$1.60 | Change168% higherAfter inflation30% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 1998$1.201998, adjusted$2.46 | Today$2.11 | Change76% higherAfter inflation14% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 1998$1.641998, adjusted$3.38 | Today$2.58 | Change57% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 1998$1.481998, adjusted$3.03 | Today$1.98 | Change34% higherAfter inflation35% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 1998$0.381998, adjusted$0.77 | Today$0.98 | Change160% higherAfter inflation26% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 1998$0.761998, adjusted$1.56 | Today$1.47 | Change94% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Dried beans per lb | 1998$0.691998, adjusted$1.42 | Today$1.63 | Change136% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 1998$0.861998, adjusted$1.77 | Today$1.82 | Change112% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Flour per lb | 1998$0.301998, adjusted$0.62 | Today$0.55 | Change83% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| Riceper lb | 1998$0.541998, adjusted$1.11 | Today$1.11 | Change105% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 1998$0.881998, adjusted$1.81 | Today$1.37 | Change56% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 1998$0.431998, adjusted$0.88 | Today$1.02 | Change138% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 1998$2.541998, adjusted$5.22 | Today$5.21 | Change105% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 1998$3.161998, adjusted$6.50 | Today$6.75 | Change114% higherAfter inflation4% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 19981998 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 1998$3.771998, adjusted$7.74 | Today$9.30 | Change147% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 1998$0.861998, adjusted$1.77 | Today$1.88 | Change118% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Wineper liter | 1998$5.071998, adjusted$10.42 | Today$13.75 | Change171% higherAfter inflation32% 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 August 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 7% 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 August 2026, the average price was $4.20. After adjusting for inflation, that's 93% 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 August 2026, the average price was $4.23. After adjusting for inflation, that's 24% 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 August 2026, the average price was $1.82. 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 August 2026, the average price was $6.92. After adjusting for inflation, that's 139% 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 August 2026, the average price was $9.30. 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 $2.06 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 August 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
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1983
- 1984
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
- 1988
- 1989
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
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- 2003
- 2004
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- 2006
- 2007
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- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.04 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.06 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.70 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $0.86 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.41 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.77 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $205.51 |