Prices are now 25% 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 $124.56 today. The inflation rate in 2021 was 4.7%, and total inflation from 2021 to October 2026 was 25%.
The effects of inflation can vary. Adjusted for inflation, the biggest increase since 2021 was for heating oil (up 63%), and the biggest drop was for bacon (down 19%).
| Dozen eggs | $1.67 → $2.32 |
| Gallon of gas | $3.05 → $4.45 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.54 → $4.10 |
| Pound of bread | $1.52 → $1.86 |
| Pound of ground beef | $4.33 → $6.76 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.71 → $9.25 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $124.56 |
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 25% between 2021 and October 2026.These prices are inflation-adjusted, meaning all values shown are adjusted for the baseline of 25% inflation between 2021 and October 2026.
More inflation
- Heating oil103% higher63% higherWas $3.01 in 2021, now $6.11 per gallonWas $3.74 in today's dollars, now $6.11 per gallon
- Diesel fuel99% higher60% higherWas $3.26 in 2021, now $6.50 per gallonWas $4.06 in today's dollars, now $6.50 per gallon
- Ground coffee97% higher58% higherWas $4.71 in 2021, now $9.25 per lbWas $5.86 in today's dollars, now $9.25 per lb
- Ground beef56% higher25% higherWas $4.33 in 2021, now $6.76 per lbWas $5.39 in today's dollars, now $6.76 per lb
- Ground chuck48% higher19% higherWas $4.56 in 2021, now $6.73 per lbWas $5.68 in today's dollars, now $6.73 per lb
Less inflation
- Bacon1% higher19% lowerWas $6.64 in 2021, now $6.69 per lbWas $8.27 in today's dollars, now $6.69 per lb
- Pork chops, boneless3% higher17% lowerWas $4.37 in 2021, now $4.52 per lbWas $5.45 in today's dollars, now $4.52 per lb
- Strawberries5% higher15% lowerWas $2.67 in 2021, now $2.81 per 12 ozWas $3.32 in today's dollars, now $2.81 per 12 oz
- Chicken legs6% higher15% lowerWas $1.64 in 2021, now $1.75 per lbWas $2.05 in today's dollars, now $1.75 per lb
- Wine7% higher14% lowerWas $13.19 in 2021, now $14.05 per literWas $16.42 in today's dollars, now $14.05 per liter
Food and energy prices in 2021
These are the average prices Americans paid in 2021, next to what the same items cost in October 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$3.80 | Today$4.45 | Change46% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Gasoline, midgradeper gallon | 2021$3.402021, adjusted$4.23 | Today$4.95 | Change46% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Gasoline, premiumper gallon | 2021$3.692021, adjusted$4.60 | Today$5.43 | Change47% higherAfter inflation18% higher |
| Diesel fuel per gallon | 2021$3.262021, adjusted$4.06 | Today$6.50 | Change99% higherAfter inflation60% higher |
| Electricityper kWh | 2021$0.142021, adjusted$0.18 | Today$0.19 | Change35% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Natural gas (piped)per therm | 2021$1.252021, adjusted$1.55 | Today$1.69 | Change36% higherAfter inflation9% higher |
| Heating oilper gallon | 2021$3.012021, adjusted$3.74 | Today$6.11 | Change103% higherAfter inflation63% higher |
Meat & poultry
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef per lb | 2021$4.332021, adjusted$5.39 | Today$6.76 | Change56% higherAfter inflation25% higher |
| Ground chuck per lb | 2021$4.562021, adjusted$5.68 | Today$6.73 | Change48% higherAfter inflation19% higher |
| Ground beef, lean per lb | 2021$6.032021, adjusted$7.51 | Today$8.40 | Change39% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Sirloin steak per lb | 2021$10.312021, adjusted$12.84 | Today$13.85 | Change34% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Round steak per lb | 2021$6.972021, adjusted$8.69 | Today$10.11 | Change45% higherAfter inflation16% higher |
| Round roast per lb | 2021$5.992021, adjusted$7.46 | Today$8.37 | Change40% higherAfter inflation12% higher |
| Chuck roast per lb | 2021$6.622021, adjusted$8.24 | Today$9.08 | Change37% higherAfter inflation10% higher |
| Beef stew meat per lb | 2021$6.522021, adjusted$8.12 | Today$8.67 | Change33% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Baconper lb | 2021$6.642021, adjusted$8.27 | Today$6.69 | Change1% higherAfter inflation19% lower |
| Pork chops, boneless per lb | 2021$4.372021, adjusted$5.45 | Today$4.52 | Change3% higherAfter inflation17% lower |
| Ham, bonelessper lb | 2021$4.832021, adjusted$6.01 | Today$5.26 | Change9% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
| Whole chickenper lb | 2021$1.532021, adjusted$1.90 | Today$2.03 | Change33% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Chicken legs per lb | 2021$1.642021, adjusted$2.05 | Today$1.75 | Change6% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
| Chicken breast, boneless per lb | 2021$3.452021, adjusted$4.30 | Today$4.10 | Change19% higherAfter inflation5% lower |
Dairy & eggs
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs, grade A largeper dozen | 2021$1.672021, adjusted$2.09 | Today$2.32 | Change39% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Whole milkper gallon | 2021$3.542021, adjusted$4.41 | Today$4.10 | Change16% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
| Low-fat milk per gallon | 2021$3.142021, adjusted$3.91 | Today$3.59 | Change14% higherAfter inflation8% lower |
| Butterper lb | 2021$3.582021, adjusted$4.47 | Today$3.98 | Change11% higherAfter inflation11% lower |
| Cheddar cheese per lb | 2021$5.442021, adjusted$6.78 | Today$6.13 | Change13% higherAfter inflation10% lower |
| American cheese per lb | 2021$4.042021, adjusted$5.03 | Today$4.71 | Change17% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Ice cream per ½ gallon | 2021$4.892021, adjusted$6.09 | Today$6.03 | Change23% higherAfter inflation1% lower |
| Yogurt per 8 oz | 2021$1.222021, adjusted$1.52 | Today$1.66 | Change35% higherAfter inflation9% higher |
Fruits & vegetables
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananasper lb | 2021$0.602021, adjusted$0.75 | Today$0.66 | Change9% higherAfter inflation12% lower |
| Lemons per lb | 2021$1.982021, adjusted$2.47 | Today$2.14 | Change8% higherAfter inflation13% lower |
| Strawberries per 12 oz | 2021$2.672021, adjusted$3.32 | Today$2.81 | Change5% higherAfter inflation15% lower |
| Tomatoesper lb | 2021$1.852021, adjusted$2.30 | Today$2.08 | Change13% higherAfter inflation10% lower |
| Potatoesper lb | 2021$0.782021, adjusted$0.97 | Today$0.99 | Change27% higherAfter inflation2% higher |
| Romaine lettuce per lb | 2021$3.272021, adjusted$4.07 | Today$3.49 | Change7% higherAfter inflation14% lower |
| Dried beans per lb | 2021$1.452021, adjusted$1.80 | Today$1.68 | Change16% higherAfter inflation7% lower |
Pantry & bakery
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White breadper lb | 2021$1.522021, adjusted$1.90 | Today$1.86 | Change22% higherAfter inflation2% lower |
| Flour per lb | 2021$0.402021, adjusted$0.50 | Today$0.54 | Change33% higherAfter inflation7% higher |
| Riceper lb | 2021$0.792021, adjusted$0.99 | Today$1.10 | Change39% higherAfter inflation11% higher |
| Spaghetti & macaroniper lb | 2021$1.182021, adjusted$1.47 | Today$1.38 | Change17% higherAfter inflation6% lower |
| Sugar per lb | 2021$0.682021, adjusted$0.85 | Today$1.00 | Change46% higherAfter inflation17% higher |
| Chocolate chip cookiesper lb | 2021$3.962021, adjusted$4.93 | Today$5.25 | Change33% higherAfter inflation6% higher |
| Potato chipsper 16 oz | 2021$5.082021, adjusted$6.32 | Today$6.64 | Change31% higherAfter inflation5% higher |
Drinks
| Item | 20212021 (adjusted) | Today | ChangeChange after inflation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground coffeeper lb | 2021$4.712021, adjusted$5.86 | Today$9.25 | Change97% higherAfter inflation58% higher |
| Soda per 2 liters | 2021$1.692021, adjusted$2.11 | Today$2.27 | Change34% higherAfter inflation8% higher |
| Beerper 16 oz | 2021$1.532021, adjusted$1.90 | Today$1.90 | Change24% higherAfter inflationno change |
| Wineper liter | 2021$13.192021, adjusted$16.42 | Today$14.05 | Change7% higherAfter inflation14% 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 October 2026, the average price was $2.32. After adjusting for inflation, that's 11% 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 October 2026, the average price was $4.45. After adjusting for inflation, that's 17% 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 October 2026, the average price was $4.10. After adjusting for inflation, that's 7% 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 October 2026, the average price was $1.86. After adjusting for inflation, that's 2% 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 October 2026, the average price was $6.76. After adjusting for inflation, that's 25% 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 October 2026, the average price was $9.25. After adjusting for inflation, that's 58% higher than in 2021.
How much is $1 from 2021 worth today?
$1 in 2021 has about the same buying power as $1.25 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 October 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
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- 2025
| Dozen eggs | $1.67 → $2.32 |
| Gallon of gas | $3.05 → $4.45 |
| Gallon of milk | $3.54 → $4.10 |
| Pound of bread | $1.52 → $1.86 |
| Pound of ground beef | $4.33 → $6.76 |
| Pound of coffee | $4.71 → $9.25 |
| All prices, on average | $100.00 → $124.56 |