Prices are now 82% higher than in 2003
In 2003, a dozen eggs cost $1.24, a gallon of gas cost $1.59 and a gallon of milk cost $2.76.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2003 costs about $182.05 today. The inflation rate in 2003 was 2.3%, and total inflation from 2003 to August 2026 was 82%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2003 was for heating oil (up 102%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 34%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.24 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.59 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.00 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.95 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $182.05 |
Biggest price changes since 2003
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2003 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 82% between 2003 and August 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 82% inflation between 2003 and August 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil267% higher102% higherWas $1.40 in 2003, now $5.15 per gallonWas $2.55 in today's dollars, now $5.15 per gallon
- Ground beef255% higher95% higherWas $1.95 in 2003, now $6.92 per lbWas $3.55 in today's dollars, now $6.92 per lb
- Diesel fuel237% higher85% higherWas $1.65 in 2003, now $5.55 per gallonWas $3.00 in today's dollars, now $5.55 per gallon
- Ground coffee219% higher75% higherWas $2.92 in 2003, now $9.30 per lbWas $5.31 in today's dollars, now $9.30 per lb
- Ground beef, lean215% higher73% higherWas $2.73 in 2003, now $8.57 per lbWas $4.96 in today's dollars, now $8.57 per lb
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless20% higher34% lowerWas $3.79 in 2003, now $4.53 per lbWas $6.90 in today's dollars, now $4.53 per lb
- American cheese26% higher31% lowerWas $3.77 in 2003, now $4.75 per lbWas $6.87 in today's dollars, now $4.75 per lb
- Bananas28% higher30% lowerWas $0.51 in 2003, now $0.65 per lbWas $0.93 in today's dollars, now $0.65 per lb
- Tomatoes31% higher28% lowerWas $1.51 in 2003, now $1.98 per lbWas $2.75 in today's dollars, now $1.98 per lb
- Chicken legs33% higher27% lowerWas $1.26 in 2003, now $1.67 per lbWas $2.29 in today's dollars, now $1.67 per lb
Food and energy prices in 2003
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2003, next to what the same items cost in August 2026.These 2003 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2003$1.592003, adjusted$2.90 | Today$4.20 | Change164% higherAfter inflation45% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2003$1.692003, adjusted$3.07 | Today$4.69 | Change178% higherAfter inflation53% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2003$1.782003, adjusted$3.23 | Today$5.13 | Change189% higherAfter inflation59% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2003$1.652003, adjusted$3.00 | Today$5.55 | Change237% higherAfter inflation85% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2003$0.092003, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change111% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2003$0.972003, adjusted$1.76 | Today$1.71 | Change77% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2003$1.402003, adjusted$2.55 | Today$5.15 | Change267% higherAfter inflation102% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2003$1.952003, adjusted$3.55 | Today$6.92 | Change255% higherAfter inflation95% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2003$2.282003, adjusted$4.15 | Today$6.77 | Change197% higherAfter inflation63% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2003$2.732003, adjusted$4.96 | Today$8.57 | Change215% higherAfter inflation73% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2003$5.942003, adjusted$10.82 | Today$14.36 | Change142% higherAfter inflation33% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2003$3.842003, adjusted$6.98 | Today$9.69 | Change153% higherAfter inflation39% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2003$3.412003, adjusted$6.21 | Today$8.96 | Change163% higherAfter inflation44% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2003$3.052003, adjusted$5.55 | Today$9.45 | Change210% higherAfter inflation70% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2003$3.102003, adjusted$5.65 | Today$8.59 | Change177% higherAfter inflation52% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2003$3.202003, adjusted$5.82 | Today$6.61 | Change107% higherAfter inflation13% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2003$3.792003, adjusted$6.90 | Today$4.53 | Change20% higherAfter inflation34% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2003$2.892003, adjusted$5.26 | Today$5.38 | Change86% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2003$1.032003, adjusted$1.88 | Today$2.01 | Change95% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2003$1.262003, adjusted$2.29 | Today$1.67 | Change33% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2003$1.242003, adjusted$2.27 | Today$2.27 | Change83% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Whole milk per gallon | 2003$2.762003, adjusted$5.03 | Today$4.23 | Change53% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2003$3.952003, adjusted$7.19 | Today$5.98 | Change52% higherAfter inflation17% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2003$3.772003, adjusted$6.87 | Today$4.75 | Change26% higherAfter inflation31% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2003$3.812003, adjusted$6.93 | Today$5.85 | Change54% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2003$0.512003, adjusted$0.93 | Today$0.65 | Change28% higherAfter inflation30% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2003$0.842003, adjusted$1.53 | Today$1.71 | Change104% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2003$0.722003, adjusted$1.32 | Today$1.60 | Change122% higherAfter inflation22% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2003$1.322003, adjusted$2.40 | Today$2.11 | Change60% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2003$1.932003, adjusted$3.51 | Today$2.58 | Change34% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2003$1.512003, adjusted$2.75 | Today$1.98 | Change31% higherAfter inflation28% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2003$0.462003, adjusted$0.83 | Today$0.98 | Change113% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2003$0.822003, adjusted$1.50 | Today$1.47 | Change79% higherAfter inflation2% lower |
| Dried beans per lb | 2003$0.762003, adjusted$1.38 | Today$1.63 | Change114% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2003$1.002003, adjusted$1.82 | Today$1.82 | Change82% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Flour per lb | 2003$0.312003, adjusted$0.57 | Today$0.55 | Change76% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2003$0.452003, adjusted$0.82 | Today$1.11 | Change146% higherAfter inflation35% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2003$0.932003, adjusted$1.70 | Today$1.37 | Change47% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2003$0.432003, adjusted$0.78 | Today$1.02 | Change140% higherAfter inflation32% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2003$2.812003, adjusted$5.12 | Today$5.21 | Change85% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2003$3.502003, adjusted$6.37 | Today$6.75 | Change93% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2003$2.922003, adjusted$5.31 | Today$9.30 | Change219% higherAfter inflation75% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2003$1.012003, adjusted$1.84 | Today$1.88 | Change85% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Wineper liter | 2003$6.392003, adjusted$11.63 | Today$13.75 | Change115% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2003?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.24 in 2003. In August 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's about the same as in 2003.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2003?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $1.59 in 2003. In August 2026, the average price was $4.20. After adjusting for inflation, that's 45% higher than in 2003.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2003?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $2.76 in 2003. In August 2026, the average price was $4.23. After adjusting for inflation, that's 16% lower than in 2003.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2003?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $1.00 in 2003. In August 2026, the average price was $1.82. After adjusting for inflation, that's about the same as in 2003.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2003?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $1.95 in 2003. In August 2026, the average price was $6.92. After adjusting for inflation, that's 95% higher than in 2003.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2003?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $2.92 in 2003. In August 2026, the average price was $9.30. After adjusting for inflation, that's 75% higher than in 2003.
How much is $1 from 2003 worth today?
$1 in 2003 has about the same buying power as $1.82 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2003?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2003 was 2.3%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2002 to 2003.
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 2003 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from August 2026.
To adjust 2003 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2003 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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- 2003
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- 2012
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- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.24 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.59 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.00 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.95 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $182.05 |