Prices are now 24% higher than in 2021
In 2021, a dozen eggs cost $1.67, a gallon of gas cost $3.05 and a gallon of milk cost $3.54.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, something that cost $100 in 2021 costs about $123.62 today. The inflation rate in 2021 was 4.7%, and total inflation from 2021 to August 2026 was 24%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2021 was for ground coffee (up 60%), and the biggest drop was for strawberries (down 22%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.67 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $3.05 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.54 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.52 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $4.33 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.71 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $123.62 |
Biggest price changes since 2021
The lists below break down price changes by item.
Each list shows average prices in 2021 compared to the price today. These are the actual prices people paid on average. For comparison, prices overall rose 24% between 2021 and August 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 24% inflation between 2021 and August 2026.
More inflation
- Ground coffee98% higher60% higherWas $4.71 in 2021, now $9.30 per lbWas $5.82 in today's dollars, now $9.30 per lb
- Heating oil71% higher38% higherWas $3.01 in 2021, now $5.15 per gallonWas $3.72 in today's dollars, now $5.15 per gallon
- Diesel fuel70% higher38% higherWas $3.26 in 2021, now $5.55 per gallonWas $4.03 in today's dollars, now $5.55 per gallon
- Ground beef60% higher29% higherWas $4.33 in 2021, now $6.92 per lbWas $5.35 in today's dollars, now $6.92 per lb
- Sugar50% higher21% higherWas $0.68 in 2021, now $1.02 per lbWas $0.85 in today's dollars, now $1.02 per lb
Less inflation
- Strawberries3% lower22% lowerWas $2.67 in 2021, now $2.58 per 12 ozWas $3.29 in today's dollars, now $2.58 per 12 oz
- Baconno change20% lowerWas $6.64 in 2021, now $6.61 per lbWas $8.21 in today's dollars, now $6.61 per lb
- Romaine lettuce1% higher19% lowerWas $3.27 in 2021, now $3.29 per lbWas $4.04 in today's dollars, now $3.29 per lb
- Chicken legs2% higher18% lowerWas $1.64 in 2021, now $1.67 per lbWas $2.03 in today's dollars, now $1.67 per lb
- Pork chops, boneless4% higher16% lowerWas $4.37 in 2021, now $4.53 per lbWas $5.41 in today's dollars, now $4.53 per lb
Food and energy prices in 2021
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2021, next to what the same items cost in August 2026.These 2021 prices are converted to today's dollars. This means that the changes are relative to inflation.
Gas & energy
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, regularper gallon | 2021$3.052021, adjusted$3.77 | Today$4.20 | Change38% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2021$3.402021, adjusted$4.20 | Today$4.69 | Change38% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2021$3.692021, adjusted$4.56 | Today$5.13 | Change39% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2021$3.262021, adjusted$4.03 | Today$5.55 | Change70% higherAfter inflation38% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2021$0.142021, adjusted$0.17 | Today$0.20 | Change39% higherAfter inflation13% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2021$1.252021, adjusted$1.54 | Today$1.71 | Change37% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2021$3.012021, adjusted$3.72 | Today$5.15 | Change71% higherAfter inflation38% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2021$4.332021, adjusted$5.35 | Today$6.92 | Change60% higherAfter inflation29% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2021$4.562021, adjusted$5.64 | Today$6.77 | Change49% higherAfter inflation20% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2021$6.032021, adjusted$7.46 | Today$8.57 | Change42% higherAfter inflation15% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2021$10.312021, adjusted$12.75 | Today$14.36 | Change39% higherAfter inflation13% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2021$6.972021, adjusted$8.62 | Today$9.69 | Change39% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2021$5.992021, adjusted$7.40 | Today$8.96 | Change50% higherAfter inflation21% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2021$6.622021, adjusted$8.18 | Today$9.45 | Change43% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2021$6.522021, adjusted$8.06 | Today$8.59 | Change32% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2021$6.642021, adjusted$8.21 | Today$6.61 | Changeno changeAfter inflation20% lower |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2021$4.372021, adjusted$5.41 | Today$4.53 | Change4% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2021$4.832021, adjusted$5.97 | Today$5.38 | Change11% higherAfter inflation10% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2021$1.532021, adjusted$1.89 | Today$2.01 | Change32% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2021$1.642021, adjusted$2.03 | Today$1.67 | Change2% higherAfter inflation18% lower |
| Chicken breast, boneless per lb | 2021$3.452021, adjusted$4.27 | Today$4.17 | Change21% higherAfter inflation2% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2021$1.672021, adjusted$2.07 | Today$2.27 | Change36% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Whole milk per gallon | 2021$3.542021, adjusted$4.38 | Today$4.23 | Change19% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Low-fat milk per gallon | 2021$3.142021, adjusted$3.88 | Today$3.72 | Change18% higherAfter inflation4% lower |
| Butterper lb | 2021$3.582021, adjusted$4.43 | Today$4.02 | Change12% higherAfter inflation9% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2021$5.442021, adjusted$6.73 | Today$5.98 | Change10% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2021$4.042021, adjusted$4.99 | Today$4.75 | Change18% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2021$4.892021, adjusted$6.05 | Today$5.85 | Change20% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Yogurt per 8 oz | 2021$1.222021, adjusted$1.51 | Today$1.58 | Change29% higherAfter inflation5% higher |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2021$0.602021, adjusted$0.74 | Today$0.65 | Change9% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
| Navel orangesper lb | 2021$1.362021, adjusted$1.68 | Today$1.71 | Change25% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Lemons per lb | 2021$1.982021, adjusted$2.45 | Today$2.11 | Change7% higherAfter inflation14% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2021$2.672021, adjusted$3.29 | Today$2.58 | Change3% lowerAfter inflation22% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2021$1.852021, adjusted$2.29 | Today$1.98 | Change7% higherAfter inflation14% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2021$0.782021, adjusted$0.96 | Today$0.98 | Change25% higherAfter inflation1% higher |
| Romaine lettuce per lb | 2021$3.272021, adjusted$4.04 | Today$3.29 | Change1% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Dried beans per lb | 2021$1.452021, adjusted$1.79 | Today$1.63 | Change13% higherAfter inflation9% lower |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2021$1.522021, adjusted$1.88 | Today$1.82 | Change20% higherAfter inflation3% lower |
| Flour per lb | 2021$0.402021, adjusted$0.50 | Today$0.55 | Change36% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Riceper lb | 2021$0.792021, adjusted$0.98 | Today$1.11 | Change40% higherAfter inflation13% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2021$1.182021, adjusted$1.46 | Today$1.37 | Change17% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2021$0.682021, adjusted$0.85 | Today$1.02 | Change50% higherAfter inflation21% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2021$3.962021, adjusted$4.89 | Today$5.21 | Change32% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2021$5.082021, adjusted$6.28 | Today$6.75 | Change33% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2021$4.712021, adjusted$5.82 | Today$9.30 | Change98% higherAfter inflation60% higher |
| Soda per 2 liters | 2021$1.692021, adjusted$2.09 | Today$2.23 | Change31% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2021$1.532021, adjusted$1.89 | Today$1.88 | Change23% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Wineper liter | 2021$13.192021, adjusted$16.30 | Today$13.75 | Change4% higherAfter inflation16% lower |
Frequently asked questions
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2021?
A dozen eggs cost an average of $1.67 in 2021. In August 2026, the average price was $2.27. After adjusting for inflation, that's 10% higher than in 2021.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 2021?
A gallon of gas cost an average of $3.05 in 2021. In August 2026, the average price was $4.20. After adjusting for inflation, that's 11% higher than in 2021.
How much did a gallon of milk cost in 2021?
A gallon of milk cost an average of $3.54 in 2021. In August 2026, the average price was $4.23. After adjusting for inflation, that's 3% lower than in 2021.
How much did a pound of white bread cost in 2021?
A pound of white bread cost an average of $1.52 in 2021. In August 2026, the average price was $1.82. After adjusting for inflation, that's 3% lower than in 2021.
How much did a pound of ground beef cost in 2021?
A pound of ground beef cost an average of $4.33 in 2021. In August 2026, the average price was $6.92. After adjusting for inflation, that's 29% higher than in 2021.
How much did a pound of coffee cost in 2021?
A pound of coffee cost an average of $4.71 in 2021. In August 2026, the average price was $9.30. After adjusting for inflation, that's 60% higher than in 2021.
How much is $1 from 2021 worth today?
$1 in 2021 has about the same buying power as $1.24 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index.
What was the inflation rate in 2021?
The U.S. inflation rate in 2021 was 4.7%, measured as the change in the consumer price index from 2020 to 2021.
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 2021 prices are averages for the whole year, and today's prices are from August 2026.
To adjust 2021 prices for inflation, we use the same consumer price index as our 2021 inflation calculator. The raw price data is available on the BLS website.
Prices in other years
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
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- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.67 → $2.27 |
| Gallon of gas | $3.05 → $4.20 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.54 → $4.23 |
| Pound of bread | $1.52 → $1.82 |
| Pound of ground beef | $4.33 → $6.92 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.71 → $9.30 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $123.62 |