Prices are now 2.0x higher than in 1999
In 1999, a dozen eggs cost $0.96, a gallon of gas cost $1.17 and a gallon of milk cost $2.84.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 1999 costs about $201.07 today. The inflation rate in 1999 was 2.2%, and total inflation from 1999 to August 2026 was 101%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 1999 was for heating oil (up 184%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 40%).
| Dozen eggs | $0.96 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.17 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.84 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $0.89 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.45 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.43 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $201.07 |
Biggest price changes since 1999
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 1999 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 101% between 1999 and August 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 101% inflation between 1999 and August 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil472% higher184% higherWas $0.90 in 1999, now $5.15 per gallonWas $1.81 in today's dollars, now $5.15 per gallon
- Ground beef376% higher137% higherWas $1.45 in 1999, now $6.92 per lbWas $2.92 in today's dollars, now $6.92 per lb
- Diesel fuel357% higher127% higherWas $1.21 in 1999, now $5.55 per gallonWas $2.44 in today's dollars, now $5.55 per gallon
- Ground beef, lean304% higher101% higherWas $2.12 in 1999, now $8.57 per lbWas $4.26 in today's dollars, now $8.57 per lb
- Chuck roast293% higher95% higherWas $2.41 in 1999, now $9.45 per lbWas $4.84 in today's dollars, now $9.45 per lb
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless22% higher40% lowerWas $3.73 in 1999, now $4.53 per lbWas $7.49 in today's dollars, now $4.53 per lb
- American cheese25% higher38% lowerWas $3.81 in 1999, now $4.75 per lbWas $7.66 in today's dollars, now $4.75 per lb
- Chicken legs32% higher34% lowerWas $1.27 in 1999, now $1.67 per lbWas $2.54 in today's dollars, now $1.67 per lb
- Bananas33% higher34% lowerWas $0.49 in 1999, now $0.65 per lbWas $0.99 in today's dollars, now $0.65 per lb
- Tomatoes44% higher28% lowerWas $1.37 in 1999, now $1.98 per lbWas $2.75 in today's dollars, now $1.98 per lb
Food and energy prices in 1999
These are the average prices Americans paid in 1999, next to what the same items cost in August 2026.These 1999 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 1999$1.171999, adjusted$2.34 | Today$4.20 | Change260% higherAfter inflation79% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 1999$1.261999, adjusted$2.54 | Today$4.69 | Change271% higherAfter inflation85% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 1999$1.361999, adjusted$2.73 | Today$5.13 | Change278% higherAfter inflation88% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 1999$1.211999, adjusted$2.44 | Today$5.55 | Change357% higherAfter inflation127% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 1999$0.091999, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change127% higherAfter inflation13% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 1999$0.691999, adjusted$1.38 | Today$1.71 | Change150% higherAfter inflation24% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 1999$0.901999, adjusted$1.81 | Today$5.15 | Change472% higherAfter inflation184% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 1999$1.451999, adjusted$2.92 | Today$6.92 | Change376% higherAfter inflation137% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 1999$1.841999, adjusted$3.70 | Today$6.77 | Change268% higherAfter inflation83% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 1999$2.121999, adjusted$4.26 | Today$8.57 | Change304% higherAfter inflation101% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 1999$4.371999, adjusted$8.78 | Today$14.36 | Change229% higherAfter inflation63% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 1999$3.131999, adjusted$6.28 | Today$9.69 | Change210% higherAfter inflation54% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 1999$2.761999, adjusted$5.55 | Today$8.96 | Change224% higherAfter inflation61% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 1999$2.411999, adjusted$4.84 | Today$9.45 | Change293% higherAfter inflation95% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 1999$2.581999, adjusted$5.18 | Today$8.59 | Change233% higherAfter inflation66% higher |
| Baconper lb | 1999$2.551999, adjusted$5.12 | Today$6.61 | Change159% higherAfter inflation29% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 1999$3.731999, adjusted$7.49 | Today$4.53 | Change22% higherAfter inflation40% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 1999$2.861999, adjusted$5.76 | Today$5.38 | Change88% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 1999$1.061999, adjusted$2.12 | Today$2.01 | Change91% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Chicken legs per lb | 1999$1.271999, adjusted$2.54 | Today$1.67 | Change32% higherAfter inflation34% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 1999$0.961999, adjusted$1.93 | Today$2.27 | Change137% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Whole milk per gallon | 1999$2.841999, adjusted$5.72 | Today$4.23 | Change49% higherAfter inflation26% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 1999$3.771999, adjusted$7.58 | Today$5.98 | Change59% higherAfter inflation21% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 1999$3.811999, adjusted$7.66 | Today$4.75 | Change25% higherAfter inflation38% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 1999$3.301999, adjusted$6.63 | Today$5.85 | Change78% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 1999$0.491999, adjusted$0.99 | Today$0.65 | Change33% higherAfter inflation34% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 1999$0.841999, adjusted$1.69 | Today$1.71 | Change103% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 1999$0.651999, adjusted$1.30 | Today$1.60 | Change148% higherAfter inflation23% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 1999$1.331999, adjusted$2.68 | Today$2.11 | Change59% higherAfter inflation21% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 1999$1.691999, adjusted$3.41 | Today$2.58 | Change52% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 1999$1.371999, adjusted$2.75 | Today$1.98 | Change44% higherAfter inflation28% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 1999$0.391999, adjusted$0.79 | Today$0.98 | Change148% higherAfter inflation23% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 1999$0.671999, adjusted$1.36 | Today$1.47 | Change118% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 1999$0.701999, adjusted$1.40 | Today$1.63 | Change134% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 1999$0.891999, adjusted$1.78 | Today$1.82 | Change106% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Flour per lb | 1999$0.291999, adjusted$0.59 | Today$0.55 | Change86% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Riceper lb | 1999$0.541999, adjusted$1.08 | Today$1.11 | Change107% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 1999$0.881999, adjusted$1.77 | Today$1.37 | Change56% higherAfter inflation22% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 1999$0.431999, adjusted$0.87 | Today$1.02 | Change137% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 1999$2.601999, adjusted$5.22 | Today$5.21 | Change101% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 1999$3.261999, adjusted$6.55 | Today$6.75 | Change107% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 1999$3.431999, adjusted$6.89 | Today$9.30 | Change171% higherAfter inflation35% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 1999$0.881999, adjusted$1.77 | Today$1.88 | Change114% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Wineper liter | 1999$5.241999, adjusted$10.54 | Today$13.75 | Change162% higherAfter inflation30% higher |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1999?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $0.96 in 1999. In August 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 18% higher than in 1999.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1999?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $1.17 in 1999. In August 2026, the average price was $4.20. After adjusting for inflation, that's 79% higher than in 1999.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 1999?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $2.84 in 1999. In August 2026, the average price was $4.23. After adjusting for inflation, that's 26% lower than in 1999.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 1999?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $0.89 in 1999. In August 2026, the average price was $1.82. After adjusting for inflation, that's 2% higher than in 1999.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 1999?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $1.45 in 1999. In August 2026, the average price was $6.92. After adjusting for inflation, that's 137% higher than in 1999.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 1999?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $3.43 in 1999. In August 2026, the average price was $9.30. After adjusting for inflation, that's 35% higher than in 1999.
How much is $1 from 1999 worth today?
$1 in 1999 has about the same buying power as $2.01 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 1999?
The U.S. inflation rate in 1999 was 2.2%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 1998 to 1999.
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 1999 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from August 2026.
To adjust 1999 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 1999 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
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $0.96 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.17 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.84 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $0.89 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.45 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.43 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $201.07 |