Prices are now 34% higher than in 2018
In 2018, a dozen eggs cost $1.74, a gallon of gas cost $2.74 and a gallon of milk cost $2.90.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2018 costs about $134.34 today. The inflation rate in 2018 was 2.5%, and total inflation from 2018 to October 2026 was 34%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2018 was for ground coffee (up 60%), and the biggest drop was for lemons (down 29%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.74 → $2.32 |
| Gallon of gas | $2.74 → $4.45 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.90 → $4.10 |
| Pound of bread | $1.29 → $1.86 |
| Pound of ground beef | $3.72 → $6.76 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.30 → $9.25 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $134.34 |
Biggest price changes since 2018
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2018 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 34% between 2018 and October 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 34% inflation between 2018 and October 2026.
More inflation
- Ground coffee115% higher60% higherWas $4.30 in 2018, now $9.25 per lbWas $5.78 in today's dollars, now $9.25 per lb
- Iceberg lettuce108% higher55% higherWas $0.94 in 2018, now $1.96 per lbWas $1.27 in today's dollars, now $1.96 per lb
- Diesel fuel106% higher53% higherWas $3.16 in 2018, now $6.50 per gallonWas $4.24 in today's dollars, now $6.50 per gallon
- Heating oil98% higher47% higherWas $3.09 in 2018, now $6.11 per gallonWas $4.15 in today's dollars, now $6.11 per gallon
- Ground beef82% higher35% higherWas $3.72 in 2018, now $6.76 per lbWas $4.99 in today's dollars, now $6.76 per lb
Less inflation
- Lemons5% lower29% lowerWas $2.25 in 2018, now $2.14 per lbWas $3.02 in today's dollars, now $2.14 per lb
- Butter2% lower27% lowerWas $4.07 in 2018, now $3.98 per lbWas $5.47 in today's dollars, now $3.98 per lb
- Tomatoes9% higher19% lowerWas $1.92 in 2018, now $2.08 per lbWas $2.57 in today's dollars, now $2.08 per lb
- Wine13% higher16% lowerWas $12.46 in 2018, now $14.05 per literWas $16.74 in today's dollars, now $14.05 per liter
- Bananas14% higher15% lowerWas $0.57 in 2018, now $0.66 per lbWas $0.77 in today's dollars, now $0.66 per lb
Food and energy prices in 2018
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2018, next to what the same items cost in October 2026.These 2018 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20182018 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2018$2.742018, adjusted$3.67 | Today$4.45 | Change63% higherAfter inflation21% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2018$3.032018, adjusted$4.07 | Today$4.95 | Change63% higherAfter inflation22% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2018$3.272018, adjusted$4.39 | Today$5.43 | Change66% higherAfter inflation24% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2018$3.162018, adjusted$4.24 | Today$6.50 | Change106% higherAfter inflation53% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2018$0.142018, adjusted$0.18 | Today$0.19 | Change39% higherAfter inflation4% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2018$1.052018, adjusted$1.41 | Today$1.69 | Change61% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2018$3.092018, adjusted$4.15 | Today$6.11 | Change98% higherAfter inflation47% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20182018 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2018$3.722018, adjusted$4.99 | Today$6.76 | Change82% higherAfter inflation35% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2018$3.732018, adjusted$5.01 | Today$6.73 | Change81% higherAfter inflation35% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2018$5.352018, adjusted$7.18 | Today$8.40 | Change57% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2018$8.402018, adjusted$11.29 | Today$13.85 | Change65% higherAfter inflation23% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2018$5.712018, adjusted$7.67 | Today$10.11 | Change77% higherAfter inflation32% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2018$5.032018, adjusted$6.76 | Today$8.37 | Change66% higherAfter inflation24% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2018$5.192018, adjusted$6.97 | Today$9.08 | Change75% higherAfter inflation30% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2018$5.462018, adjusted$7.33 | Today$8.67 | Change59% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2018$5.472018, adjusted$7.34 | Today$6.69 | Change22% higherAfter inflation9% lower |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2018$3.732018, adjusted$5.01 | Today$4.52 | Change21% higherAfter inflation10% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2018$4.022018, adjusted$5.40 | Today$5.26 | Change31% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2018$1.502018, adjusted$2.01 | Today$2.03 | Change35% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2018$1.422018, adjusted$1.90 | Today$1.75 | Change23% higherAfter inflation8% lower |
| Chicken breast, boneless per lb | 2018$3.082018, adjusted$4.13 | Today$4.10 | Change33% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20182018 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2018$1.742018, adjusted$2.34 | Today$2.32 | Change33% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Whole milkper gallon | 2018$2.902018, adjusted$3.89 | Today$4.10 | Change42% higherAfter inflation5% higher |
| Low-fat milk per gallon | 2018$2.612018, adjusted$3.51 | Today$3.59 | Change37% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Butterper lb | 2018$4.072018, adjusted$5.47 | Today$3.98 | Change2% lowerAfter inflation27% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2018$5.142018, adjusted$6.90 | Today$6.13 | Change19% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2018$4.012018, adjusted$5.38 | Today$4.71 | Change17% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2018$4.742018, adjusted$6.37 | Today$6.03 | Change27% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Yogurt per 8 oz | 2018$1.062018, adjusted$1.43 | Today$1.66 | Change56% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20182018 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2018$0.572018, adjusted$0.77 | Today$0.66 | Change14% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
| Lemons per lb | 2018$2.252018, adjusted$3.02 | Today$2.14 | Change5% lowerAfter inflation29% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2018$2.342018, adjusted$3.15 | Today$2.81 | Change20% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2018$1.922018, adjusted$2.57 | Today$2.08 | Change9% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2018$0.742018, adjusted$0.99 | Today$0.99 | Change34% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Iceberg lettuceper lb | 2018$0.942018, adjusted$1.27 | Today$1.96 | Change108% higherAfter inflation55% higher |
| Romaine lettuce per lb | 2018$2.102018, adjusted$2.82 | Today$3.49 | Change66% higherAfter inflation24% higher |
| Dried beans per lb | 2018$1.342018, adjusted$1.80 | Today$1.68 | Change25% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20182018 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2018$1.292018, adjusted$1.73 | Today$1.86 | Change45% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Flour per lb | 2018$0.462018, adjusted$0.62 | Today$0.54 | Change16% higherAfter inflation14% lower |
| Riceper lb | 2018$0.692018, adjusted$0.93 | Today$1.10 | Change59% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2018$1.192018, adjusted$1.59 | Today$1.38 | Change17% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2018$0.622018, adjusted$0.83 | Today$1.00 | Change62% higherAfter inflation21% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2018$3.502018, adjusted$4.70 | Today$5.25 | Change50% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2018$4.452018, adjusted$5.97 | Today$6.64 | Change49% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20182018 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2018$4.302018, adjusted$5.78 | Today$9.25 | Change115% higherAfter inflation60% higher |
| Soda per 2 liters | 2018$1.462018, adjusted$1.96 | Today$2.27 | Change56% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2018$1.412018, adjusted$1.90 | Today$1.90 | Change34% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Wineper liter | 2018$12.462018, adjusted$16.74 | Today$14.05 | Change13% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2018?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.74 in 2018. In October 2026, the average price was $2.32. After adjusting for inflation, that's 1% lower than in 2018.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2018?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $2.74 in 2018. In October 2026, the average price was $4.45. After adjusting for inflation, that's 21% higher than in 2018.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2018?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $2.90 in 2018. In October 2026, the average price was $4.10. After adjusting for inflation, that's 5% higher than in 2018.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2018?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $1.29 in 2018. In October 2026, the average price was $1.86. After adjusting for inflation, that's 8% higher than in 2018.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2018?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $3.72 in 2018. In October 2026, the average price was $6.76. After adjusting for inflation, that's 35% higher than in 2018.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2018?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $4.30 in 2018. In October 2026, the average price was $9.25. After adjusting for inflation, that's 60% higher than in 2018.
How much is $1 from 2018 worth today?
$1 in 2018 has about the same buying power as $1.34 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2018?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2018 was 2.5%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2017 to 2018.
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 2018 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from October 2026.
To adjust 2018 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2018 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
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| Dozen eggs | $1.74 → $2.32 |
| Gallon of gas | $2.74 → $4.45 |
| Gallon of milk | $2.90 → $4.10 |
| Pound of bread | $1.29 → $1.86 |
| Pound of ground beef | $3.72 → $6.76 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.30 → $9.25 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $134.34 |