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 $202.24 today. The inflation rate in 1999 was 2.2%, and total inflation from 1999 to September 2026 was 102%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 1999 was for heating oil (up 225%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 40%).
| Dozen eggs | $0.96 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.17 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.84 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.89 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.45 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.43 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $202.24 |
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 102% between 1999 and September 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 102% inflation between 1999 and September 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil558% higher225% higherWas $0.90 in 1999, now $5.92 per gallonWas $1.82 in today's dollars, now $5.92 per gallon
- Diesel fuel422% higher158% higherWas $1.21 in 1999, now $6.33 per gallonWas $2.45 in today's dollars, now $6.33 per gallon
- Ground beef367% higher131% higherWas $1.45 in 1999, now $6.79 per lbWas $2.94 in today's dollars, now $6.79 per lb
- Gasoline, premium300% higher98% higherWas $1.36 in 1999, now $5.43 per gallonWas $2.74 in today's dollars, now $5.43 per gallon
- Ground beef, lean299% higher97% higherWas $2.12 in 1999, now $8.46 per lbWas $4.29 in today's dollars, now $8.46 per lb
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless22% higher40% lowerWas $3.73 in 1999, now $4.55 per lbWas $7.54 in today's dollars, now $4.55 per lb
- American cheese24% higher39% lowerWas $3.81 in 1999, now $4.74 per lbWas $7.71 in today's dollars, now $4.74 per lb
- Bananas34% higher34% lowerWas $0.49 in 1999, now $0.66 per lbWas $0.99 in today's dollars, now $0.66 per lb
- Chicken legs37% higher32% lowerWas $1.27 in 1999, now $1.74 per lbWas $2.56 in today's dollars, now $1.74 per lb
- Whole milk44% higher29% lowerWas $2.84 in 1999, now $4.11 per gallonWas $5.75 in today's dollars, now $4.11 per gallon
Food and energy prices in 1999
These are the average prices Americans paid in 1999, next to what the same items cost in September 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$2.36 | Today$4.48 | Change285% higherAfter inflation90% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 1999$1.261999, adjusted$2.55 | Today$4.96 | Change293% higherAfter inflation94% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 1999$1.361999, adjusted$2.74 | Today$5.43 | Change300% higherAfter inflation98% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 1999$1.211999, adjusted$2.45 | Today$6.33 | Change422% higherAfter inflation158% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 1999$0.091999, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change127% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 1999$0.691999, adjusted$1.39 | Today$1.70 | Change148% higherAfter inflation23% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 1999$0.901999, adjusted$1.82 | Today$5.92 | Change558% higherAfter inflation225% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 1999$1.451999, adjusted$2.94 | Today$6.79 | Change367% higherAfter inflation131% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 1999$1.841999, adjusted$3.72 | Today$6.48 | Change252% higherAfter inflation74% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 1999$2.121999, adjusted$4.29 | Today$8.46 | Change299% higherAfter inflation97% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 1999$4.371999, adjusted$8.84 | Today$14.11 | Change223% higherAfter inflation60% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 1999$3.131999, adjusted$6.32 | Today$9.84 | Change215% higherAfter inflation56% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 1999$2.761999, adjusted$5.58 | Today$8.80 | Change218% higherAfter inflation57% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 1999$2.411999, adjusted$4.87 | Today$9.19 | Change282% higherAfter inflation89% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 1999$2.581999, adjusted$5.21 | Today$8.53 | Change231% higherAfter inflation64% higher |
| Baconper lb | 1999$2.551999, adjusted$5.15 | Today$6.76 | Change165% higherAfter inflation31% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 1999$3.731999, adjusted$7.54 | Today$4.55 | Change22% higherAfter inflation40% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 1999$2.861999, adjusted$5.79 | Today$5.45 | Change90% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 1999$1.061999, adjusted$2.14 | Today$2.06 | Change95% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Chicken legs per lb | 1999$1.271999, adjusted$2.56 | Today$1.74 | Change37% higherAfter inflation32% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 1999$0.961999, adjusted$1.94 | Today$2.27 | Change137% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Whole milkper gallon | 1999$2.841999, adjusted$5.75 | Today$4.11 | Change44% higherAfter inflation29% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 1999$3.771999, adjusted$7.62 | Today$6.13 | Change63% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 1999$3.811999, adjusted$7.71 | Today$4.74 | Change24% higherAfter inflation39% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 1999$3.301999, adjusted$6.67 | Today$5.93 | Change80% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 1999$0.491999, adjusted$0.99 | Today$0.66 | Change34% higherAfter inflation34% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 1999$0.841999, adjusted$1.70 | Today$1.72 | Change104% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 1999$0.651999, adjusted$1.31 | Today$1.62 | Change151% higherAfter inflation24% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 1999$1.331999, adjusted$2.70 | Today$2.13 | Change60% higherAfter inflation21% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 1999$1.691999, adjusted$3.43 | Today$2.84 | Change68% higherAfter inflation17% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 1999$1.371999, adjusted$2.77 | Today$1.99 | Change45% higherAfter inflation28% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 1999$0.391999, adjusted$0.80 | Today$0.99 | Change151% higherAfter inflation24% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 1999$0.671999, adjusted$1.36 | Today$1.64 | Change143% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 1999$0.701999, adjusted$1.41 | Today$1.67 | Change140% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 1999$0.891999, adjusted$1.79 | Today$1.83 | Change106% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Flour per lb | 1999$0.291999, adjusted$0.59 | Today$0.55 | Change85% higherAfter inflation8% lower |
| Riceper lb | 1999$0.541999, adjusted$1.09 | Today$1.12 | Change108% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 1999$0.881999, adjusted$1.78 | Today$1.38 | Change57% higherAfter inflation23% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 1999$0.431999, adjusted$0.88 | Today$1.02 | Change136% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 1999$2.601999, adjusted$5.25 | Today$5.15 | Change98% higherAfter inflation2% lower |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 1999$3.261999, adjusted$6.59 | Today$6.67 | Change105% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 19991999 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 1999$3.431999, adjusted$6.93 | Today$9.33 | Change172% higherAfter inflation35% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 1999$0.881999, adjusted$1.78 | Today$1.88 | Change114% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Wineper liter | 1999$5.241999, adjusted$10.60 | Today$13.77 | Change163% 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 September 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 17% 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 September 2026, the average price was $4.48. After adjusting for inflation, that's 90% 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 September 2026, the average price was $4.11. After adjusting for inflation, that's 29% 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 September 2026, the average price was $1.83. 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 September 2026, the average price was $6.79. After adjusting for inflation, that's 131% 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 September 2026, the average price was $9.33. 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 $2.02 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 September 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
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| Dozen eggs | $0.96 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.17 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.84 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.89 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.45 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.43 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $202.24 |