Prices are now 86% 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 $186.20 today. The inflation rate in 2002 was 1.6%, and total inflation from 2002 to August 2026 was 86%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2002 was for heating oil (up 138%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 37%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.03 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.36 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.02 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.71 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $186.20 |
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 86% between 2002 and August 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 86% inflation between 2002 and August 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil343% higher138% higherWas $1.16 in 2002, now $5.15 per gallonWas $2.16 in today's dollars, now $5.15 per gallon
- Ground beef304% higher117% higherWas $1.71 in 2002, now $6.92 per lbWas $3.19 in today's dollars, now $6.92 per lb
- Diesel fuel289% higher109% higherWas $1.43 in 2002, now $5.55 per gallonWas $2.65 in today's dollars, now $5.55 per gallon
- Chuck roast244% higher85% higherWas $2.74 in 2002, now $9.45 per lbWas $5.11 in today's dollars, now $9.45 per lb
- Ground beef, lean233% higher79% higherWas $2.58 in 2002, now $8.57 per lbWas $4.80 in today's dollars, now $8.57 per lb
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless17% higher37% lowerWas $3.86 in 2002, now $4.53 per lbWas $7.19 in today's dollars, now $4.53 per lb
- American cheese22% higher34% lowerWas $3.88 in 2002, now $4.75 per lbWas $7.23 in today's dollars, now $4.75 per lb
- Chicken legs28% higher31% lowerWas $1.31 in 2002, now $1.67 per lbWas $2.43 in today's dollars, now $1.67 per lb
- Bananas28% higher31% lowerWas $0.51 in 2002, now $0.65 per lbWas $0.94 in today's dollars, now $0.65 per lb
- Strawberries39% higher25% lowerWas $1.86 in 2002, now $2.58 per 12 ozWas $3.46 in today's dollars, now $2.58 per 12 oz
Food and energy prices in 2002
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2002, next to what the same items cost in August 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$2.53 | Today$4.20 | Change209% higherAfter inflation66% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2002$1.472002, adjusted$2.74 | Today$4.69 | Change219% higherAfter inflation71% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2002$1.562002, adjusted$2.90 | Today$5.13 | Change230% higherAfter inflation77% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2002$1.432002, adjusted$2.65 | Today$5.55 | Change289% higherAfter inflation109% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2002$0.092002, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change115% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2002$0.792002, adjusted$1.46 | Today$1.71 | Change118% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2002$1.162002, adjusted$2.16 | Today$5.15 | Change343% higherAfter inflation138% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2002$1.712002, adjusted$3.19 | Today$6.92 | Change304% higherAfter inflation117% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2002$2.132002, adjusted$3.97 | Today$6.77 | Change217% higherAfter inflation71% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2002$2.582002, adjusted$4.80 | Today$8.57 | Change233% higherAfter inflation79% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2002$5.302002, adjusted$9.87 | Today$14.36 | Change171% higherAfter inflation46% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2002$3.502002, adjusted$6.52 | Today$9.69 | Change177% higherAfter inflation49% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2002$3.192002, adjusted$5.94 | Today$8.96 | Change181% higherAfter inflation51% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2002$2.742002, adjusted$5.11 | Today$9.45 | Change244% higherAfter inflation85% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2002$2.952002, adjusted$5.49 | Today$8.59 | Change191% higherAfter inflation56% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2002$3.242002, adjusted$6.03 | Today$6.61 | Change104% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2002$3.862002, adjusted$7.19 | Today$4.53 | Change17% higherAfter inflation37% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2002$2.822002, adjusted$5.25 | Today$5.38 | Change91% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2002$1.072002, adjusted$2.00 | Today$2.01 | Change87% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2002$1.312002, adjusted$2.43 | Today$1.67 | Change28% higherAfter inflation31% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2002$1.032002, adjusted$1.92 | Today$2.27 | Change120% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Whole milk per gallon | 2002$2.762002, adjusted$5.13 | Today$4.23 | Change53% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2002$4.222002, adjusted$7.85 | Today$5.98 | Change42% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2002$3.882002, adjusted$7.23 | Today$4.75 | Change22% higherAfter inflation34% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2002$3.732002, adjusted$6.95 | Today$5.85 | Change57% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2002$0.512002, adjusted$0.94 | Today$0.65 | Change28% higherAfter inflation31% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2002$0.842002, adjusted$1.56 | Today$1.71 | Change104% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2002$0.652002, adjusted$1.21 | Today$1.60 | Change148% higherAfter inflation33% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2002$1.392002, adjusted$2.59 | Today$2.11 | Change52% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2002$1.862002, adjusted$3.46 | Today$2.58 | Change39% higherAfter inflation25% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2002$1.322002, adjusted$2.47 | Today$1.98 | Change49% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2002$0.492002, adjusted$0.92 | Today$0.98 | Change98% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2002$0.862002, adjusted$1.60 | Today$1.47 | Change71% higherAfter inflation8% lower |
| Dried beans per lb | 2002$0.732002, adjusted$1.36 | Today$1.63 | Change124% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2002$1.022002, adjusted$1.89 | Today$1.82 | Change80% higherAfter inflation4% lower |
| Flour per lb | 2002$0.312002, adjusted$0.58 | Today$0.55 | Change76% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2002$0.472002, adjusted$0.87 | Today$1.11 | Change137% higherAfter inflation27% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2002$0.922002, adjusted$1.71 | Today$1.37 | Change50% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2002$0.432002, adjusted$0.80 | Today$1.02 | Change138% higherAfter inflation28% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2002$2.592002, adjusted$4.83 | Today$5.21 | Change101% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2002$3.362002, adjusted$6.25 | Today$6.75 | Change101% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20022002 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2002$2.922002, adjusted$5.44 | Today$9.30 | Change218% higherAfter inflation71% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2002$0.992002, adjusted$1.85 | Today$1.88 | Change89% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Wineper liter | 2002$6.232002, adjusted$11.60 | Today$13.75 | 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 August 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 August 2026, the average price was $4.20. After adjusting for inflation, that's 66% 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 August 2026, the average price was $4.23. After adjusting for inflation, that's 18% 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 August 2026, the average price was $1.82. 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 August 2026, the average price was $6.92. After adjusting for inflation, that's 117% 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 August 2026, the average price was $9.30. After adjusting for inflation, that's 71% higher than in 2002.
How much is $1 from 2002 worth today?
$1 in 2002 has about the same buying power as $1.86 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 August 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
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1983
- 1984
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- 1986
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- 2011
- 2012
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- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.03 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.36 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.02 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.71 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $186.20 |