Prices are now 78% higher than in 2004
In 2004, a dozen eggs cost $1.34, a gallon of gas cost $1.88 and a gallon of milk cost $3.16.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2004 costs about $178.37 today. The inflation rate in 2004 was 2.7%, and total inflation from 2004 to September 2026 was 78%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2004 was for heating oil (up 102%), and the biggest drop was for boneless pork chops (down 35%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.34 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.88 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.16 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.97 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $2.16 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.85 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $178.37 |
Biggest price changes since 2004
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2004 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 78% between 2004 and September 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 78% inflation between 2004 and September 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil260% higher102% higherWas $1.65 in 2004, now $5.92 per gallonWas $2.93 in today's dollars, now $5.92 per gallon
- Diesel fuel230% higher85% higherWas $1.92 in 2004, now $6.33 per gallonWas $3.43 in today's dollars, now $6.33 per gallon
- Ground coffee228% higher84% higherWas $2.85 in 2004, now $9.33 per lbWas $5.08 in today's dollars, now $9.33 per lb
- Ground beef215% higher76% higherWas $2.16 in 2004, now $6.79 per lbWas $3.85 in today's dollars, now $6.79 per lb
- Ground beef, lean189% higher62% higherWas $2.93 in 2004, now $8.46 per lbWas $5.23 in today's dollars, now $8.46 per lb
Less inflation
- Pork chops, boneless17% higher35% lowerWas $3.90 in 2004, now $4.55 per lbWas $6.96 in today's dollars, now $4.55 per lb
- American cheese19% higher33% lowerWas $3.98 in 2004, now $4.74 per lbWas $7.11 in today's dollars, now $4.74 per lb
- Tomatoes24% higher30% lowerWas $1.61 in 2004, now $1.99 per lbWas $2.87 in today's dollars, now $1.99 per lb
- Strawberries27% higher29% lowerWas $2.23 in 2004, now $2.84 per 12 ozWas $3.98 in today's dollars, now $2.84 per 12 oz
- Whole milk30% higher27% lowerWas $3.16 in 2004, now $4.11 per gallonWas $5.63 in today's dollars, now $4.11 per gallon
Food and energy prices in 2004
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2004, next to what the same items cost in September 2026.These 2004 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20042004 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2004$1.882004, adjusted$3.35 | Today$4.48 | Change138% higherAfter inflation34% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2004$1.982004, adjusted$3.53 | Today$4.96 | Change151% higherAfter inflation41% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2004$2.072004, adjusted$3.69 | Today$5.43 | Change162% higherAfter inflation47% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2004$1.922004, adjusted$3.43 | Today$6.33 | Change230% higherAfter inflation85% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2004$0.092004, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change108% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2004$1.052004, adjusted$1.87 | Today$1.70 | Change62% higherAfter inflation9% lower |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2004$1.652004, adjusted$2.93 | Today$5.92 | Change260% higherAfter inflation102% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20042004 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2004$2.162004, adjusted$3.85 | Today$6.79 | Change215% higherAfter inflation76% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2004$2.502004, adjusted$4.46 | Today$6.48 | Change159% higherAfter inflation45% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2004$2.932004, adjusted$5.23 | Today$8.46 | Change189% higherAfter inflation62% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2004$6.622004, adjusted$11.81 | Today$14.11 | Change113% higherAfter inflation19% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2004$4.132004, adjusted$7.37 | Today$9.84 | Change138% higherAfter inflation33% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2004$3.742004, adjusted$6.68 | Today$8.80 | Change135% higherAfter inflation32% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2004$3.292004, adjusted$5.87 | Today$9.19 | Change179% higherAfter inflation57% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2004$3.322004, adjusted$5.92 | Today$8.53 | Change157% higherAfter inflation44% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2004$3.382004, adjusted$6.02 | Today$6.76 | Change100% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2004$3.902004, adjusted$6.96 | Today$4.55 | Change17% higherAfter inflation35% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2004$3.052004, adjusted$5.45 | Today$5.45 | Change78% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2004$1.072004, adjusted$1.91 | Today$2.06 | Change93% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2004$1.332004, adjusted$2.37 | Today$1.74 | Change31% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20042004 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2004$1.342004, adjusted$2.39 | Today$2.27 | Change70% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Whole milkper gallon | 2004$3.162004, adjusted$5.63 | Today$4.11 | Change30% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2004$4.272004, adjusted$7.62 | Today$6.13 | Change44% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2004$3.982004, adjusted$7.11 | Today$4.74 | Change19% higherAfter inflation33% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2004$3.842004, adjusted$6.84 | Today$5.93 | Change55% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20042004 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2004$0.502004, adjusted$0.88 | Today$0.66 | Change32% higherAfter inflation26% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2004$0.862004, adjusted$1.53 | Today$1.72 | Change101% higherAfter inflation13% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2004$0.822004, adjusted$1.46 | Today$1.62 | Change98% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2004$1.232004, adjusted$2.20 | Today$2.13 | Change72% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2004$2.232004, adjusted$3.98 | Today$2.84 | Change27% higherAfter inflation29% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2004$1.612004, adjusted$2.87 | Today$1.99 | Change24% higherAfter inflation30% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2004$0.452004, adjusted$0.81 | Today$0.99 | Change118% higherAfter inflation22% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2004$0.802004, adjusted$1.42 | Today$1.64 | Change105% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 2004$0.772004, adjusted$1.37 | Today$1.67 | Change117% higherAfter inflation22% higher |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20042004 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2004$0.972004, adjusted$1.73 | Today$1.83 | Change89% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Flour per lb | 2004$0.302004, adjusted$0.54 | Today$0.55 | Change80% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Riceper lb | 2004$0.542004, adjusted$0.96 | Today$1.12 | Change108% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2004$0.952004, adjusted$1.69 | Today$1.38 | Change45% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2004$0.432004, adjusted$0.76 | Today$1.02 | Change139% higherAfter inflation34% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2004$2.652004, adjusted$4.72 | Today$5.15 | Change95% higherAfter inflation9% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2004$3.402004, adjusted$6.07 | Today$6.67 | Change96% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20042004 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2004$2.852004, adjusted$5.08 | Today$9.33 | Change228% higherAfter inflation84% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2004$1.072004, adjusted$1.90 | Today$1.88 | Change76% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Wineper liter | 2004$6.922004, adjusted$12.35 | Today$13.77 | Change99% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2004?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.34 in 2004. In September 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 5% lower than in 2004.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2004?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $1.88 in 2004. In September 2026, the average price was $4.48. After adjusting for inflation, that's 34% higher than in 2004.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2004?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $3.16 in 2004. In September 2026, the average price was $4.11. After adjusting for inflation, that's 27% lower than in 2004.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2004?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $0.97 in 2004. In September 2026, the average price was $1.83. After adjusting for inflation, that's 6% higher than in 2004.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2004?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $2.16 in 2004. In September 2026, the average price was $6.79. After adjusting for inflation, that's 76% higher than in 2004.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2004?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $2.85 in 2004. In September 2026, the average price was $9.33. After adjusting for inflation, that's 84% higher than in 2004.
How much is $1 from 2004 worth today?
$1 in 2004 has about the same buying power as $1.78 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2004?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2004 was 2.7%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2003 to 2004.
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 2004 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from September 2026.
To adjust 2004 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2004 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
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| Dozen eggs | $1.34 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.88 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.16 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $0.97 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $2.16 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $2.85 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $178.37 |