According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for milk are 53.62% higher in 2021 versus 1997 (a $2.68 difference in value).
The current national average price is $1.38 for "Milk, fresh, low fat, per 1/2 gal. (1.9 lit)". This data is collected by a national survey and can vary from region to region.
Between 1997 and 2021: Milk experienced an average inflation rate of 1.80% per year. In other words, milk costing $5 in the year 1997 would cost $7.68 in 2021 for an equivalent purchase. Compared to the overall inflation rate of 2.21% during this same period, inflation for milk was lower.
The average price for Milk is calculated from a weighted average of retailer data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Inflation rate is also calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The table below shows average prices and their corresponding "real" prices adjusted for inflation rate. To understand how price levels differ from inflation rates, see this article published by the BLS.
Average prices for Milk, fresh, low fat, per 1/2 gal. (1.9 lit):
| Year | Average price (Milk) | Inflation adjusted price (2021 dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | $1.36 | $0.00 |
| 1991 | $1.31 | $0.00 |
| 1990 | $1.18 | $0.00 |
| 1989 | $1.18 | $0.00 |
| 1988 | $1.11 | $0.00 |
| 1987 | $1.08 | $0.00 |
| 1986 | $1.08 | $0.00 |
| 1985 | $1.08 | $0.00 |
| 1984 | $1.07 | $0.00 |
| 1983 | $1.07 | $0.00 |
| 1982 | $1.06 | $0.00 |
| 1981 | $1.07 | $0.00 |
| 1980 | $1.02 | $0.00 |
Below are calculations of equivalent buying power for Milk, over time, for $5 beginning in 1997. Each of the amounts below is equivalent in terms of what it could buy at the time:
| Year | USD Value | Inflation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | $5.00 | - |
| 1998 | $5.07 | 1.31% |
| 1999 | $5.38 | 6.20% |
| 2000 | $5.39 | 0.15% |
| 2001 | $5.64 | 4.59% |
| 2002 | $5.53 | -1.86% |
| 2003 | $5.58 | 0.84% |
| 2004 | $6.25 | 12.05% |
| 2005 | $6.35 | 1.61% |
| 2006 | $6.27 | -1.19% |
| 2007 | $7.01 | 11.68% |
| 2008 | $7.43 | 5.99% |
| 2009 | $6.45 | -13.15% |
| 2010 | $6.68 | 3.57% |
| 2011 | $7.29 | 9.16% |
| 2012 | $7.37 | 1.12% |
| 2013 | $7.46 | 1.17% |
| 2014 | $7.83 | 4.96% |
| 2015 | $7.37 | -5.81% |
| 2016 | $7.03 | -4.61% |
| 2017 | $6.98 | -0.71% |
| 2018 | $6.85 | -1.91% |
| 2019 | $7.04 | 2.73% |
| 2020 | $7.43 | 5.52% |
| 2021 | $7.68 | 3.44%* |
Raw Consumer Price Index data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Milk:
| Year | 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 |
| CPI | 100.000 | 101.308 | 107.592 | 107.754 | 112.700 | 110.608 | 111.538 | 124.977 | 126.985 | 125.469 | 140.119 | 148.507 | 128.978 | 133.586 | 145.819 | 147.449 | 149.176 | 156.573 | 147.479 | 140.674 | 139.677 | 137.005 | 140.743 | 148.507 | 153.618 |