Beer Prices: US Average Price per 16 oz, 1995–2026
The US city average price of beer (malt beverages) was $1.875 per 16 oz in Sep 2026, according to BLS average price data (via FRED). That is 2.2% higher than a year earlier. Since January 2018 ($1.412), it is up 32.8%. In our data, which starts Jul 1995, the highest price was $1.882 (Jun 2026) and the lowest was $0.803 (Sep 1995).
Beer Prices since Jul 1995
Beer (malt beverages), per 16 oz. Monthly values. Weight in the Real Inflation index: 0.7%.
Last 24 months
| Month | Price | vs year before |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | $1.875 | +2.2% |
| Aug 2026 | $1.879 | +2.2% |
| Jul 2026 | $1.878 | +3.0% |
| Jun 2026 | $1.882 | +3.7% |
| May 2026 | $1.877 | +2.3% |
| Apr 2026 | $1.856 | +1.6% |
| Mar 2026 | $1.852 | +1.7% |
| Feb 2026 | $1.850 | +1.7% |
| Jan 2026 | $1.839 | +1.4% |
| Dec 2025 | $1.835 | +1.3% |
| Nov 2025 | $1.861 | +2.8% |
| Oct 2025 | no data | |
| Sep 2025 | $1.834 | +2.2% |
| Aug 2025 | $1.838 | +2.6% |
| Jul 2025 | $1.823 | +2.5% |
| Jun 2025 | $1.814 | +2.4% |
| May 2025 | $1.834 | +3.3% |
| Apr 2025 | $1.827 | +2.9% |
| Mar 2025 | $1.821 | +3.1% |
| Feb 2025 | $1.819 | +2.7% |
| Jan 2025 | $1.813 | +2.9% |
| Dec 2024 | $1.812 | +3.6% |
| Nov 2024 | $1.811 | +3.8% |
| Oct 2024 | $1.745 | -0.5% |
| Sep 2024 | $1.795 | +3.0% |
Yearly averages since 2000
| Year | Average | Lowest month | Highest month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (9 months) | $1.865 | $1.839 | $1.882 |
| 2025 (11 months) | $1.829 | $1.813 | $1.861 |
| 2024 | $1.780 | $1.745 | $1.812 |
| 2023 | $1.743 | $1.731 | $1.754 |
| 2022 | $1.657 | $1.580 | $1.736 |
| 2021 | $1.527 | $1.490 | $1.570 |
| 2020 | $1.483 | $1.439 | $1.509 |
| 2019 | $1.437 | $1.418 | $1.451 |
| 2018 | $1.413 | $1.387 | $1.446 |
| 2017 | $1.387 | $1.355 | $1.421 |
| 2016 | $1.354 | $1.346 | $1.365 |
| 2015 | $1.316 | $1.287 | $1.347 |
| 2014 | $1.283 | $1.189 | $1.349 |
| 2013 | $1.280 | $1.236 | $1.331 |
| 2012 | $1.253 | $1.195 | $1.305 |
| 2011 | $1.245 | $1.173 | $1.334 |
| 2010 | $1.233 | $1.174 | $1.282 |
| 2009 | $1.206 | $1.178 | $1.255 |
| 2008 | $1.161 | $1.119 | $1.189 |
| 2007 | $1.123 | $1.096 | $1.158 |
| 2006 | $1.112 | $1.080 | $1.155 |
| 2005 | $1.086 | $1.074 | $1.102 |
| 2004 | $1.065 | $1.023 | $1.093 |
| 2003 | $1.013 | $0.982 | $1.063 |
| 2002 | $0.992 | $0.974 | $1.005 |
| 2001 | $0.955 | $0.919 | $0.980 |
| 2000 | $0.918 | $0.881 | $0.957 |
Source
FRED series APU0000720111
BLS data series APU0000720111
BLS Average Price Data
Download the full history (CSV, item_id
APU0000720111)Notes and caveats
- BLS average prices are US city averages collected for the CPI. They describe a typical item, not one brand or store. BLS notes that average prices are best used to compare price levels in a given month; for price change over time, the CPI index for the item category is more appropriate.
- Missing months since 2000 (the source published no value): Oct 2025. The chart and tables leave these months blank.
FAQ
How much is 16 oz of beer now?
The US city average price of beer (malt beverages) was $1.875 per 16 oz in Sep 2026 (+2.2% vs a year earlier). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) average price data, via FRED.
How much was 16 oz of beer in 2018?
In January 2018 the US city average price of beer (malt beverages) was $1.412 per 16 oz. Since then it has changed +32.8%.
When was 16 oz of beer most expensive?
In our data (starting Jul 1995), the highest price was $1.882 (Jun 2026). The lowest was $0.803 (Sep 1995).
How often is this page updated?
The source publishes monthly. We refresh every week, so the page updates soon after each new month is released.