Prices are now 87% higher than in 2002
In 2002, a dozen eggs cost $1.03, a gallon of gas cost $1.36 and a gallon of milk cost $2.76.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2002 costs about $187.29 today. The inflation rate in 2002 was 1.6%, and total inflation from 2002 to September 2026 was 87%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2002 was for heating oil (up 172%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 37%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.03 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.36 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $1.02 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.71 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $187.29 |
Biggest price changes since 2002
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2002 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 87% between 2002 and September 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 87% inflation between 2002 and September 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil410% higher172% higherWas $1.16 in 2002, now $5.92 per gallonWas $2.18 in today's dollars, now $5.92 per gallon
- Diesel fuel344% higher137% higherWas $1.43 in 2002, now $6.33 per gallonWas $2.67 in today's dollars, now $6.33 per gallon
- Ground beef297% higher112% higherWas $1.71 in 2002, now $6.79 per lbWas $3.21 in today's dollars, now $6.79 per lb
- Gasoline, premium249% higher86% higherWas $1.56 in 2002, now $5.43 per gallonWas $2.92 in today's dollars, now $5.43 per gallon
- Gasoline, midgrade237% higher80% higherWas $1.47 in 2002, now $4.96 per gallonWas $2.75 in today's dollars, now $4.96 per gallon
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless18% higher37% lowerWas $3.86 in 2002, now $4.55 per lbWas $7.24 in today's dollars, now $4.55 per lb
- American cheese22% higher35% lowerWas $3.88 in 2002, now $4.74 per lbWas $7.27 in today's dollars, now $4.74 per lb
- Bananas29% higher31% lowerWas $0.51 in 2002, now $0.66 per lbWas $0.95 in today's dollars, now $0.66 per lb
- Chicken legs33% higher29% lowerWas $1.31 in 2002, now $1.74 per lbWas $2.45 in today's dollars, now $1.74 per lb
- Cheddar cheese45% higher22% lowerWas $4.22 in 2002, now $6.13 per lbWas $7.90 in today's dollars, now $6.13 per lb
Food and energy prices in 2002
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2002, next to what the same items cost in September 2026.These 2002 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2002$1.362002, adjusted$2.54 | Today$4.48 | Change230% higherAfter inflation76% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2002$1.472002, adjusted$2.75 | Today$4.96 | Change237% higherAfter inflation80% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2002$1.562002, adjusted$2.92 | Today$5.43 | Change249% higherAfter inflation86% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2002$1.432002, adjusted$2.67 | Today$6.33 | Change344% higherAfter inflation137% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2002$0.092002, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change115% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2002$0.792002, adjusted$1.47 | Today$1.70 | Change116% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2002$1.162002, adjusted$2.18 | Today$5.92 | Change410% higherAfter inflation172% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2002$1.712002, adjusted$3.21 | Today$6.79 | Change297% higherAfter inflation112% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2002$2.132002, adjusted$4.00 | Today$6.48 | Change204% higherAfter inflation62% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2002$2.582002, adjusted$4.83 | Today$8.46 | Change228% higherAfter inflation75% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2002$5.302002, adjusted$9.92 | Today$14.11 | Change166% higherAfter inflation42% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2002$3.502002, adjusted$6.56 | Today$9.84 | Change181% higherAfter inflation50% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2002$3.192002, adjusted$5.97 | Today$8.80 | Change176% higherAfter inflation47% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2002$2.742002, adjusted$5.14 | Today$9.19 | Change235% higherAfter inflation79% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2002$2.952002, adjusted$5.52 | Today$8.53 | Change189% higherAfter inflation55% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2002$3.242002, adjusted$6.06 | Today$6.76 | Change109% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2002$3.862002, adjusted$7.24 | Today$4.55 | Change18% higherAfter inflation37% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2002$2.822002, adjusted$5.28 | Today$5.45 | Change93% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2002$1.072002, adjusted$2.01 | Today$2.06 | Change92% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2002$1.312002, adjusted$2.45 | Today$1.74 | Change33% higherAfter inflation29% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2002$1.032002, adjusted$1.93 | Today$2.27 | Change120% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Whole milkper gallon | 2002$2.762002, adjusted$5.16 | Today$4.11 | Change49% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2002$4.222002, adjusted$7.90 | Today$6.13 | Change45% higherAfter inflation22% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2002$3.882002, adjusted$7.27 | Today$4.74 | Change22% higherAfter inflation35% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2002$3.732002, adjusted$6.99 | Today$5.93 | Change59% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2002$0.512002, adjusted$0.95 | Today$0.66 | Change29% higherAfter inflation31% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2002$0.842002, adjusted$1.57 | Today$1.72 | Change106% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2002$0.652002, adjusted$1.21 | Today$1.62 | Change151% higherAfter inflation34% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2002$1.392002, adjusted$2.60 | Today$2.13 | Change53% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2002$1.862002, adjusted$3.48 | Today$2.84 | Change53% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2002$1.322002, adjusted$2.48 | Today$1.99 | Change50% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2002$0.492002, adjusted$0.92 | Today$0.99 | Change101% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2002$0.862002, adjusted$1.61 | Today$1.64 | Change90% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 2002$0.732002, adjusted$1.36 | Today$1.67 | Change129% higherAfter inflation22% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2002$1.022002, adjusted$1.90 | Today$1.83 | Change80% higherAfter inflation4% lower |
| Flour per lb | 2002$0.312002, adjusted$0.58 | Today$0.55 | Change75% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2002$0.472002, adjusted$0.88 | Today$1.12 | Change138% higherAfter inflation27% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2002$0.922002, adjusted$1.72 | Today$1.38 | Change50% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2002$0.432002, adjusted$0.81 | Today$1.02 | Change136% higherAfter inflation26% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2002$2.592002, adjusted$4.86 | Today$5.15 | Change99% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2002$3.362002, adjusted$6.29 | Today$6.67 | Change99% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2002$2.922002, adjusted$5.48 | Today$9.33 | Change219% higherAfter inflation70% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2002$0.992002, adjusted$1.86 | Today$1.88 | Change89% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Wineper liter | 2002$6.232002, adjusted$11.67 | Today$13.77 | Change121% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2002?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.03 in 2002. In September 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 18% higher than in 2002.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2002?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $1.36 in 2002. In September 2026, the average price was $4.48. After adjusting for inflation, that's 76% higher than in 2002.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2002?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $2.76 in 2002. In September 2026, the average price was $4.11. After adjusting for inflation, that's 20% lower than in 2002.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2002?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $1.02 in 2002. In September 2026, the average price was $1.83. After adjusting for inflation, that's 4% lower than in 2002.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2002?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $1.71 in 2002. In September 2026, the average price was $6.79. After adjusting for inflation, that's 112% higher than in 2002.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2002?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $2.92 in 2002. In September 2026, the average price was $9.33. After adjusting for inflation, that's 70% higher than in 2002.
How much is $1 from 2002 worth today?
$1 in 2002 has about the same buying power as $1.87 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2002?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2002 was 1.6%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2001 to 2002.
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 2002 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from September 2026.
To adjust 2002 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2002 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
- 1914
- 1915
- 1916
- 1917
- 1918
- 1919
- 1920
- 1921
- 1922
- 1923
- 1924
- 1925
- 1926
- 1927
- 1928
- 1929
- 1930
- 1931
- 1932
- 1933
- 1934
- 1935
- 1936
- 1937
- 1938
- 1939
- 1940
- 1941
- 1942
- 1943
- 1944
- 1945
- 1946
- 1947
- 1948
- 1949
- 1950
- 1951
- 1952
- 1953
- 1954
- 1955
- 1956
- 1957
- 1958
- 1959
- 1960
- 1961
- 1962
- 1963
- 1964
- 1965
- 1966
- 1967
- 1968
- 1969
- 1970
- 1971
- 1972
- 1973
- 1974
- 1975
- 1976
- 1977
- 1978
- 1979
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1983
- 1984
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
- 1988
- 1989
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.03 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.36 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $1.02 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.71 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $187.29 |