Prices are now 40% higher than in 2016
In 2016, a dozen eggs cost $1.68, a gallon of gas cost $2.14 and a gallon of milk cost $3.20.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2016 costs about $140.39 today. The inflation rate in 2016 was 1.3%, and total inflation from 2016 to September 2026 was 40%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2016 was for heating oil (up 100%), and the biggest drop was for tomatoes (down 26%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.68 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $2.14 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.20 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $1.37 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $3.75 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.39 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $140.39 |
Biggest price changes since 2016
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2016 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 40% between 2016 and September 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 40% inflation between 2016 and September 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil180% higher100% higherWas $2.11 in 2016, now $5.92 per gallonWas $2.96 in today's dollars, now $5.92 per gallon
- Diesel fuel176% higher97% higherWas $2.29 in 2016, now $6.33 per gallonWas $3.22 in today's dollars, now $6.33 per gallon
- Ground coffee112% higher51% higherWas $4.39 in 2016, now $9.33 per lbWas $6.17 in today's dollars, now $9.33 per lb
- Gasoline, regular109% higher49% higherWas $2.14 in 2016, now $4.48 per gallonWas $3.01 in today's dollars, now $4.48 per gallon
- Gasoline, premium108% higher48% higherWas $2.61 in 2016, now $5.43 per gallonWas $3.66 in today's dollars, now $5.43 per gallon
Less inflation
- Tomatoes3% higher26% lowerWas $1.93 in 2016, now $1.99 per lbWas $2.70 in today's dollars, now $1.99 per lb
- Flour4% higher26% lowerWas $0.53 in 2016, now $0.55 per lbWas $0.74 in today's dollars, now $0.55 per lb
- Lemons4% higher26% lowerWas $2.04 in 2016, now $2.13 per lbWas $2.86 in today's dollars, now $2.13 per lb
- Spaghetti & macaroni6% higher25% lowerWas $1.30 in 2016, now $1.38 per lbWas $1.83 in today's dollars, now $1.38 per lb
- American cheese8% higher23% lowerWas $4.37 in 2016, now $4.74 per lbWas $6.13 in today's dollars, now $4.74 per lb
Food and energy prices in 2016
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2016, next to what the same items cost in September 2026.These 2016 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20162016 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2016$2.142016, adjusted$3.01 | Today$4.48 | Change109% higherAfter inflation49% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2016$2.402016, adjusted$3.37 | Today$4.96 | Change106% higherAfter inflation47% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2016$2.612016, adjusted$3.66 | Today$5.43 | Change108% higherAfter inflation48% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2016$2.292016, adjusted$3.22 | Today$6.33 | Change176% higherAfter inflation97% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2016$0.142016, adjusted$0.19 | Today$0.20 | Change45% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2016$0.922016, adjusted$1.29 | Today$1.70 | Change85% higherAfter inflation31% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2016$2.112016, adjusted$2.96 | Today$5.92 | Change180% higherAfter inflation100% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20162016 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2016$3.752016, adjusted$5.26 | Today$6.79 | Change81% higherAfter inflation29% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2016$3.852016, adjusted$5.40 | Today$6.48 | Change69% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2016$5.712016, adjusted$8.02 | Today$8.46 | Change48% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2016$8.392016, adjusted$11.77 | Today$14.11 | Change68% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2016$5.902016, adjusted$8.28 | Today$9.84 | Change67% higherAfter inflation19% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2016$5.212016, adjusted$7.31 | Today$8.80 | Change69% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2016$5.222016, adjusted$7.33 | Today$9.19 | Change76% higherAfter inflation25% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2016$5.322016, adjusted$7.47 | Today$8.53 | Change60% higherAfter inflation14% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2016$5.422016, adjusted$7.61 | Today$6.76 | Change25% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2016$4.092016, adjusted$5.74 | Today$4.55 | Change11% higherAfter inflation21% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2016$4.032016, adjusted$5.66 | Today$5.45 | Change35% higherAfter inflation4% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2016$1.462016, adjusted$2.05 | Today$2.06 | Change41% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2016$1.532016, adjusted$2.15 | Today$1.74 | Change14% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Chicken breast, boneless per lb | 2016$3.252016, adjusted$4.56 | Today$4.20 | Change29% higherAfter inflation8% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20162016 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2016$1.682016, adjusted$2.36 | Today$2.27 | Change35% higherAfter inflation4% lower |
| Whole milkper gallon | 2016$3.202016, adjusted$4.50 | Today$4.11 | Change28% higherAfter inflation9% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2016$5.232016, adjusted$7.35 | Today$6.13 | Change17% higherAfter inflation17% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2016$4.372016, adjusted$6.13 | Today$4.74 | Change8% higherAfter inflation23% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2016$4.762016, adjusted$6.69 | Today$5.93 | Change25% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20162016 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2016$0.572016, adjusted$0.80 | Today$0.66 | Change14% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2016$1.252016, adjusted$1.75 | Today$1.72 | Change38% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Grapefruit per lb | 2016$1.162016, adjusted$1.63 | Today$1.62 | Change40% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Lemons per lb | 2016$2.042016, adjusted$2.86 | Today$2.13 | Change4% higherAfter inflation26% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2016$2.442016, adjusted$3.42 | Today$2.84 | Change17% higherAfter inflation17% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2016$1.932016, adjusted$2.70 | Today$1.99 | Change3% higherAfter inflation26% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2016$0.682016, adjusted$0.96 | Today$0.99 | Change45% higherAfter inflation3% higher |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2016$1.062016, adjusted$1.49 | Today$1.64 | Change54% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Romaine lettuce per lb | 2016$1.922016, adjusted$2.70 | Today$3.31 | Change72% higherAfter inflation23% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 2016$1.412016, adjusted$1.98 | Today$1.67 | Change18% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20162016 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2016$1.372016, adjusted$1.93 | Today$1.83 | Change33% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Flour per lb | 2016$0.532016, adjusted$0.74 | Today$0.55 | Change4% higherAfter inflation26% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2016$0.722016, adjusted$1.01 | Today$1.12 | Change56% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2016$1.302016, adjusted$1.83 | Today$1.38 | Change6% higherAfter inflation25% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2016$0.642016, adjusted$0.90 | Today$1.02 | Change59% higherAfter inflation13% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2016$3.352016, adjusted$4.70 | Today$5.15 | Change54% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2016$4.462016, adjusted$6.26 | Today$6.67 | Change49% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20162016 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2016$4.392016, adjusted$6.17 | Today$9.33 | Change112% higherAfter inflation51% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2016$1.352016, adjusted$1.90 | Today$1.88 | Change39% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Wineper liter | 2016$12.332016, adjusted$17.32 | Today$13.77 | Change12% higherAfter inflation20% lower |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2016?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.68 in 2016. In September 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 4% lower than in 2016.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2016?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $2.14 in 2016. In September 2026, the average price was $4.48. After adjusting for inflation, that's 49% higher than in 2016.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2016?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $3.20 in 2016. In September 2026, the average price was $4.11. After adjusting for inflation, that's 9% lower than in 2016.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2016?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $1.37 in 2016. In September 2026, the average price was $1.83. After adjusting for inflation, that's 5% lower than in 2016.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2016?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $3.75 in 2016. In September 2026, the average price was $6.79. After adjusting for inflation, that's 29% higher than in 2016.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2016?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $4.39 in 2016. In September 2026, the average price was $9.33. After adjusting for inflation, that's 51% higher than in 2016.
How much is $1 from 2016 worth today?
$1 in 2016 has about the same buying power as $1.40 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2016?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2016 was 1.3%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2015 to 2016.
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 2016 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from September 2026.
To adjust 2016 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2016 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
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| Dozen eggs | $1.68 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $2.14 → $4.48 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.20 → $4.11 |
| Pound of bread | $1.37 → $1.83 |
| Pound of ground beef | $3.75 → $6.79 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.39 → $9.33 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $140.39 |