Prices are now 56% higher than in 2009
In 2009, a dozen eggs cost $1.66, a gallon of gas cost $2.35 and a gallon of milk cost $3.11.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2009 costs about $156.14 today. The inflation rate in 2009 was -0.4%, and total inflation from 2009 to August 2026 was 56%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2009 was for ground beef (up 100%), and the biggest drop was for bananas (down 32%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.66 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $2.35 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.11 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.39 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $2.22 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.67 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $156.14 |
Biggest price changes since 2009
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2009 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 56% between 2009 and August 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 56% inflation between 2009 and August 2026.
More inflation
- Ground beef212% higher100% higherWas $2.22 in 2009, now $6.92 per lbWas $3.47 in today's dollars, now $6.92 per lb
- Chuck roast156% higher64% higherWas $3.69 in 2009, now $9.45 per lbWas $5.76 in today's dollars, now $9.45 per lb
- Ground coffee153% higher62% higherWas $3.67 in 2009, now $9.30 per lbWas $5.73 in today's dollars, now $9.30 per lb
- Ground beef, lean152% higher62% higherWas $3.40 in 2009, now $8.57 per lbWas $5.31 in today's dollars, now $8.57 per lb
- Sirloin steak146% higher58% higherWas $5.83 in 2009, now $14.36 per lbWas $9.11 in today's dollars, now $14.36 per lb
Less inflation
- Bananas7% higher32% lowerWas $0.61 in 2009, now $0.65 per lbWas $0.95 in today's dollars, now $0.65 per lb
- Flour9% higher30% lowerWas $0.50 in 2009, now $0.55 per lbWas $0.78 in today's dollars, now $0.55 per lb
- Chicken legs12% higher28% lowerWas $1.49 in 2009, now $1.67 per lbWas $2.33 in today's dollars, now $1.67 per lb
- Dried beans17% higher25% lowerWas $1.39 in 2009, now $1.63 per lbWas $2.18 in today's dollars, now $1.63 per lb
- Spaghetti & macaroni18% higher24% lowerWas $1.16 in 2009, now $1.37 per lbWas $1.82 in today's dollars, now $1.37 per lb
Food and energy prices in 2009
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2009, next to what the same items cost in August 2026.These 2009 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20092009 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2009$2.352009, adjusted$3.67 | Today$4.20 | Change79% higherAfter inflation14% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2009$2.472009, adjusted$3.86 | Today$4.69 | Change90% higherAfter inflation21% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2009$2.612009, adjusted$4.07 | Today$5.13 | Change97% higherAfter inflation26% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2009$2.532009, adjusted$3.95 | Today$5.55 | Change119% higherAfter inflation40% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2009$0.132009, adjusted$0.20 | Today$0.20 | Change54% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2009$1.122009, adjusted$1.75 | Today$1.71 | Change53% higherAfter inflation2% lower |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2009$2.512009, adjusted$3.93 | Today$5.15 | Change105% higherAfter inflation31% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20092009 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2009$2.222009, adjusted$3.47 | Today$6.92 | Change212% higherAfter inflation100% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2009$2.882009, adjusted$4.49 | Today$6.77 | Change135% higherAfter inflation51% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2009$3.402009, adjusted$5.31 | Today$8.57 | Change152% higherAfter inflation62% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2009$5.832009, adjusted$9.11 | Today$14.36 | Change146% higherAfter inflation58% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2009$4.142009, adjusted$6.46 | Today$9.69 | Change134% higherAfter inflation50% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2009$3.992009, adjusted$6.23 | Today$8.96 | Change124% higherAfter inflation44% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2009$3.692009, adjusted$5.76 | Today$9.45 | Change156% higherAfter inflation64% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2009$3.782009, adjusted$5.90 | Today$8.59 | Change127% higherAfter inflation46% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2009$3.612009, adjusted$5.63 | Today$6.61 | Change83% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2009$3.642009, adjusted$5.69 | Today$4.53 | Change24% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2009$3.382009, adjusted$5.27 | Today$5.38 | Change59% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2009$1.282009, adjusted$2.00 | Today$2.01 | Change57% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2009$1.492009, adjusted$2.33 | Today$1.67 | Change12% higherAfter inflation28% lower |
| Chicken breast, boneless per lb | 2009$3.332009, adjusted$5.20 | Today$4.17 | Change25% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20092009 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2009$1.662009, adjusted$2.60 | Today$2.27 | Change37% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
| Whole milk per gallon | 2009$3.112009, adjusted$4.85 | Today$4.23 | Change36% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2009$4.672009, adjusted$7.29 | Today$5.98 | Change28% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2009$3.902009, adjusted$6.09 | Today$4.75 | Change22% higherAfter inflation22% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2009$4.322009, adjusted$6.75 | Today$5.85 | Change35% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20092009 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2009$0.612009, adjusted$0.95 | Today$0.65 | Change7% higherAfter inflation32% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2009$1.052009, adjusted$1.64 | Today$1.71 | Change63% higherAfter inflation4% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2009$0.902009, adjusted$1.41 | Today$1.60 | Change78% higherAfter inflation14% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2009$1.522009, adjusted$2.37 | Today$2.11 | Change39% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2009$2.102009, adjusted$3.28 | Today$2.58 | Change23% higherAfter inflation21% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2009$1.622009, adjusted$2.53 | Today$1.98 | Change22% higherAfter inflation22% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2009$0.622009, adjusted$0.97 | Today$0.98 | Change57% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2009$0.912009, adjusted$1.43 | Today$1.47 | Change61% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Romaine lettuce per lb | 2009$1.762009, adjusted$2.74 | Today$3.29 | Change87% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 2009$1.392009, adjusted$2.18 | Today$1.63 | Change17% higherAfter inflation25% lower |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20092009 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2009$1.392009, adjusted$2.17 | Today$1.82 | Change31% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
| Flour per lb | 2009$0.502009, adjusted$0.78 | Today$0.55 | Change9% higherAfter inflation30% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2009$0.772009, adjusted$1.20 | Today$1.11 | Change45% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2009$1.162009, adjusted$1.82 | Today$1.37 | Change18% higherAfter inflation24% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2009$0.572009, adjusted$0.89 | Today$1.02 | Change80% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2009$3.172009, adjusted$4.96 | Today$5.21 | Change64% higherAfter inflation5% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2009$4.572009, adjusted$7.13 | Today$6.75 | Change48% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
Drinks
| Item | 20092009 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2009$3.672009, adjusted$5.73 | Today$9.30 | Change153% higherAfter inflation62% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2009$1.212009, adjusted$1.88 | Today$1.88 | Change56% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Wineper liter | 2009$10.072009, adjusted$15.73 | Today$13.75 | Change36% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2009?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.66 in 2009. In August 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 13% lower than in 2009.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2009?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $2.35 in 2009. In August 2026, the average price was $4.20. After adjusting for inflation, that's 14% higher than in 2009.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2009?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $3.11 in 2009. In August 2026, the average price was $4.23. After adjusting for inflation, that's 13% lower than in 2009.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2009?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $1.39 in 2009. In August 2026, the average price was $1.82. After adjusting for inflation, that's 16% lower than in 2009.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2009?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $2.22 in 2009. In August 2026, the average price was $6.92. After adjusting for inflation, that's 100% higher than in 2009.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2009?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $3.67 in 2009. In August 2026, the average price was $9.30. After adjusting for inflation, that's 62% higher than in 2009.
How much is $1 from 2009 worth today?
$1 in 2009 has about the same buying power as $1.56 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2009?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2009 was -0.4%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2008 to 2009.
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 2009 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from August 2026.
To adjust 2009 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2009 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
- 1980
- 1981
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- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.66 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $2.35 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.11 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.39 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $2.22 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $3.67 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $156.14 |