Prices are now 83% 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 $183.12 today. The inflation rate in 2003 was 2.3%, and total inflation from 2003 to September 2026 was 83%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2003 was for heating oil (up 131%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 34%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.24 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.59 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $1.00 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.95 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $183.12 |
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 83% between 2003 and September 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 83% inflation between 2003 and September 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil323% higher131% higherWas $1.40 in 2003, now $5.92 per gallonWas $2.56 in today's dollars, now $5.92 per gallon
- Diesel fuel285% higher110% higherWas $1.65 in 2003, now $6.33 per gallonWas $3.01 in today's dollars, now $6.33 per gallon
- Ground beef248% higher90% higherWas $1.95 in 2003, now $6.79 per lbWas $3.57 in today's dollars, now $6.79 per lb
- Ground coffee220% higher75% higherWas $2.92 in 2003, now $9.33 per lbWas $5.34 in today's dollars, now $9.33 per lb
- Ground beef, lean210% higher70% higherWas $2.73 in 2003, now $8.46 per lbWas $4.99 in today's dollars, now $8.46 per lb
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless20% higher34% lowerWas $3.79 in 2003, now $4.55 per lbWas $6.94 in today's dollars, now $4.55 per lb
- American cheese26% higher31% lowerWas $3.77 in 2003, now $4.74 per lbWas $6.91 in today's dollars, now $4.74 per lb
- Bananas29% higher30% lowerWas $0.51 in 2003, now $0.66 per lbWas $0.93 in today's dollars, now $0.66 per lb
- Tomatoes32% higher28% lowerWas $1.51 in 2003, now $1.99 per lbWas $2.76 in today's dollars, now $1.99 per lb
- Chicken legs38% higher24% lowerWas $1.26 in 2003, now $1.74 per lbWas $2.30 in today's dollars, now $1.74 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 September 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$2.91 | Today$4.48 | Change182% higherAfter inflation54% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2003$1.692003, adjusted$3.09 | Today$4.96 | Change194% higherAfter inflation60% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2003$1.782003, adjusted$3.25 | Today$5.43 | Change205% higherAfter inflation67% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2003$1.652003, adjusted$3.01 | Today$6.33 | Change285% higherAfter inflation110% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2003$0.092003, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change111% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2003$0.972003, adjusted$1.77 | Today$1.70 | Change76% higherAfter inflation4% lower |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2003$1.402003, adjusted$2.56 | Today$5.92 | Change323% higherAfter inflation131% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2003$1.952003, adjusted$3.57 | Today$6.79 | Change248% higherAfter inflation90% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2003$2.282003, adjusted$4.17 | Today$6.48 | Change185% higherAfter inflation55% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2003$2.732003, adjusted$4.99 | Today$8.46 | Change210% higherAfter inflation70% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2003$5.942003, adjusted$10.88 | Today$14.11 | Change137% higherAfter inflation30% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2003$3.842003, adjusted$7.02 | Today$9.84 | Change157% higherAfter inflation40% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2003$3.412003, adjusted$6.25 | Today$8.80 | Change158% higherAfter inflation41% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2003$3.052003, adjusted$5.58 | Today$9.19 | Change201% higherAfter inflation65% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2003$3.102003, adjusted$5.69 | Today$8.53 | Change175% higherAfter inflation50% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2003$3.202003, adjusted$5.86 | Today$6.76 | Change111% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2003$3.792003, adjusted$6.94 | Today$4.55 | Change20% higherAfter inflation34% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2003$2.892003, adjusted$5.29 | Today$5.45 | Change89% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2003$1.032003, adjusted$1.89 | Today$2.06 | Change100% higherAfter inflation9% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2003$1.262003, adjusted$2.30 | Today$1.74 | Change38% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2003$1.242003, adjusted$2.28 | Today$2.27 | Change83% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Whole milkper gallon | 2003$2.762003, adjusted$5.06 | Today$4.11 | Change49% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2003$3.952003, adjusted$7.23 | Today$6.13 | Change55% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2003$3.772003, adjusted$6.91 | Today$4.74 | Change26% higherAfter inflation31% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2003$3.812003, adjusted$6.97 | Today$5.93 | Change56% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2003$0.512003, adjusted$0.93 | Today$0.66 | Change29% higherAfter inflation30% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2003$0.842003, adjusted$1.53 | Today$1.72 | Change106% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2003$0.722003, adjusted$1.32 | Today$1.62 | Change125% higherAfter inflation23% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2003$1.322003, adjusted$2.41 | Today$2.13 | Change62% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2003$1.932003, adjusted$3.53 | Today$2.84 | Change47% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2003$1.512003, adjusted$2.76 | Today$1.99 | Change32% higherAfter inflation28% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2003$0.462003, adjusted$0.84 | Today$0.99 | Change116% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2003$0.822003, adjusted$1.51 | Today$1.64 | Change99% higherAfter inflation9% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 2003$0.762003, adjusted$1.39 | Today$1.67 | Change120% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2003$1.002003, adjusted$1.83 | Today$1.83 | Change83% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Flour per lb | 2003$0.312003, adjusted$0.57 | Today$0.55 | Change75% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2003$0.452003, adjusted$0.83 | Today$1.12 | Change147% higherAfter inflation35% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2003$0.932003, adjusted$1.71 | Today$1.38 | Change47% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2003$0.432003, adjusted$0.78 | Today$1.02 | Change139% higherAfter inflation30% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2003$2.812003, adjusted$5.15 | Today$5.15 | Change83% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2003$3.502003, adjusted$6.41 | Today$6.67 | Change91% higherAfter inflation4% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20032003 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2003$2.922003, adjusted$5.34 | Today$9.33 | Change220% higherAfter inflation75% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2003$1.012003, adjusted$1.86 | Today$1.88 | Change85% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Wineper liter | 2003$6.392003, adjusted$11.70 | Today$13.77 | 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 September 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 September 2026, the average price was $4.48. After adjusting for inflation, that's 54% 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 September 2026, the average price was $4.11. After adjusting for inflation, that's 19% 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 September 2026, the average price was $1.83. 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 September 2026, the average price was $6.79. After adjusting for inflation, that's 90% 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 September 2026, the average price was $9.33. 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 $1.83 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 September 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
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| Dozen eggs | $1.24 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.59 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.76 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $1.00 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $1.95 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.92 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $183.12 |