Prices are now 46% higher than in 2012
In 2012, a dozen eggs cost $1.84, a gallon of gas cost $3.64 and a gallon of milk cost $3.49.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2012 costs about $145.90 today. The inflation rate in 2012 was 2.1%, and total inflation from 2012 to August 2026 was 46%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2012 was for ground beef (up 57%), and the biggest drop was for spaghetti & macaroni (down 29%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.84 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $3.64 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.49 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.42 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $3.03 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $5.68 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $145.90 |
Biggest price changes since 2012
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2012 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 46% between 2012 and August 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 46% inflation between 2012 and August 2026.
More inflation
- Ground beef129% higher57% higherWas $3.03 in 2012, now $6.92 per lbWas $4.42 in today's dollars, now $6.92 per lb
- Romaine lettuce116% higher48% higherWas $1.52 in 2012, now $3.29 per lbWas $2.22 in today's dollars, now $3.29 per lb
- Sirloin steak116% higher48% higherWas $6.65 in 2012, now $14.36 per lbWas $9.70 in today's dollars, now $14.36 per lb
- Chuck roast115% higher47% higherWas $4.39 in 2012, now $9.45 per lbWas $6.41 in today's dollars, now $9.45 per lb
- Ground beef, lean111% higher45% higherWas $4.06 in 2012, now $8.57 per lbWas $5.93 in today's dollars, now $8.57 per lb
Less inflation
- Spaghetti & macaroni4% higher29% lowerWas $1.32 in 2012, now $1.37 per lbWas $1.93 in today's dollars, now $1.37 per lb
- Chicken legs6% higher27% lowerWas $1.58 in 2012, now $1.67 per lbWas $2.30 in today's dollars, now $1.67 per lb
- Flour6% higher27% lowerWas $0.52 in 2012, now $0.55 per lbWas $0.75 in today's dollars, now $0.55 per lb
- Cheddar cheese6% higher27% lowerWas $5.63 in 2012, now $5.98 per lbWas $8.21 in today's dollars, now $5.98 per lb
- Bananas8% higher26% lowerWas $0.60 in 2012, now $0.65 per lbWas $0.88 in today's dollars, now $0.65 per lb
Food and energy prices in 2012
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2012, next to what the same items cost in August 2026.These 2012 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20122012 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2012$3.642012, adjusted$5.32 | Today$4.20 | Change15% higherAfter inflation21% lower |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2012$3.772012, adjusted$5.50 | Today$4.69 | Change24% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2012$3.922012, adjusted$5.72 | Today$5.13 | Change31% higherAfter inflation10% lower |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2012$4.002012, adjusted$5.83 | Today$5.55 | Change39% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Electricityper kWh | 2012$0.132012, adjusted$0.19 | Today$0.20 | Change51% higherAfter inflation4% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2012$0.972012, adjusted$1.41 | Today$1.71 | Change78% higherAfter inflation22% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2012$3.752012, adjusted$5.48 | Today$5.15 | Change37% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20122012 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2012$3.032012, adjusted$4.42 | Today$6.92 | Change129% higherAfter inflation57% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2012$3.412012, adjusted$4.98 | Today$6.77 | Change99% higherAfter inflation36% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2012$4.062012, adjusted$5.93 | Today$8.57 | Change111% higherAfter inflation45% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2012$6.652012, adjusted$9.70 | Today$14.36 | Change116% higherAfter inflation48% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2012$4.792012, adjusted$6.99 | Today$9.69 | Change102% higherAfter inflation39% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2012$4.742012, adjusted$6.91 | Today$8.96 | Change89% higherAfter inflation30% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2012$4.392012, adjusted$6.41 | Today$9.45 | Change115% higherAfter inflation47% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2012$4.502012, adjusted$6.57 | Today$8.59 | Change91% higherAfter inflation31% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2012$4.562012, adjusted$6.65 | Today$6.61 | Change45% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2012$3.962012, adjusted$5.78 | Today$4.53 | Change14% higherAfter inflation22% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2012$3.732012, adjusted$5.44 | Today$5.38 | Change44% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2012$1.422012, adjusted$2.07 | Today$2.01 | Change41% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2012$1.582012, adjusted$2.30 | Today$1.67 | Change6% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
| Chicken breast, boneless per lb | 2012$3.242012, adjusted$4.73 | Today$4.17 | Change29% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20122012 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2012$1.842012, adjusted$2.68 | Today$2.27 | Change24% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
| Whole milk per gallon | 2012$3.492012, adjusted$5.10 | Today$4.23 | Change21% higherAfter inflation17% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2012$5.632012, adjusted$8.21 | Today$5.98 | Change6% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2012$4.192012, adjusted$6.11 | Today$4.75 | Change13% higherAfter inflation22% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2012$5.042012, adjusted$7.36 | Today$5.85 | Change16% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20122012 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2012$0.602012, adjusted$0.88 | Today$0.65 | Change8% higherAfter inflation26% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2012$1.052012, adjusted$1.54 | Today$1.71 | Change62% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2012$1.082012, adjusted$1.57 | Today$1.60 | Change49% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2012$1.562012, adjusted$2.28 | Today$2.11 | Change35% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2012$1.992012, adjusted$2.91 | Today$2.58 | Change29% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2012$1.462012, adjusted$2.13 | Today$1.98 | Change36% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2012$0.662012, adjusted$0.96 | Today$0.98 | Change48% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2012$0.862012, adjusted$1.25 | Today$1.47 | Change72% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Romaine lettuce per lb | 2012$1.522012, adjusted$2.22 | Today$3.29 | Change116% higherAfter inflation48% higher |
| Canned corn per lb | 2012$1.052012, adjusted$1.53 | Today$1.27 | Change22% higherAfter inflation17% lower |
| Dried beans per lb | 2012$1.442012, adjusted$2.10 | Today$1.63 | Change13% higherAfter inflation22% lower |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20122012 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2012$1.422012, adjusted$2.07 | Today$1.82 | Change29% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
| Flour per lb | 2012$0.522012, adjusted$0.75 | Today$0.55 | Change6% higherAfter inflation27% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2012$0.702012, adjusted$1.02 | Today$1.11 | Change59% higherAfter inflation9% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2012$1.322012, adjusted$1.93 | Today$1.37 | Change4% higherAfter inflation29% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2012$0.692012, adjusted$1.01 | Today$1.02 | Change48% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2012$3.622012, adjusted$5.29 | Today$5.21 | Change44% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2012$4.992012, adjusted$7.27 | Today$6.75 | Change35% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
Drinks
| Item | 20122012 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2012$5.682012, adjusted$8.28 | Today$9.30 | Change64% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2012$1.252012, adjusted$1.83 | Today$1.88 | Change50% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Wineper liter | 2012$10.282012, adjusted$14.99 | Today$13.75 | Change34% higherAfter inflation8% lower |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2012?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.84 in 2012. In August 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 15% lower than in 2012.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2012?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $3.64 in 2012. In August 2026, the average price was $4.20. After adjusting for inflation, that's 21% lower than in 2012.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2012?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $3.49 in 2012. In August 2026, the average price was $4.23. After adjusting for inflation, that's 17% lower than in 2012.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2012?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $1.42 in 2012. In August 2026, the average price was $1.82. After adjusting for inflation, that's 12% lower than in 2012.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2012?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $3.03 in 2012. In August 2026, the average price was $6.92. After adjusting for inflation, that's 57% higher than in 2012.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2012?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $5.68 in 2012. In August 2026, the average price was $9.30. After adjusting for inflation, that's 12% higher than in 2012.
How much is $1 from 2012 worth today?
$1 in 2012 has about the same buying power as $1.46 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2012?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2012 was 2.1%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2011 to 2012.
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 2012 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from August 2026.
To adjust 2012 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2012 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1983
- 1984
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
- 1988
- 1989
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.84 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $3.64 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.49 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.42 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $3.03 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $5.68 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $145.90 |