As a result, the average price of a dozen eggs in California on Tuesday, Jan. 7, was $8.97, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s more than double the $4.06 price at last year’s start. In 2023, amid another bird flu outbreak, the price of eggs began the year at $7.37, compared with $2.35 at the beginning of 2022 or $1.34 in 2021.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for chicken are 95.61% higher in 2024 versus 1997 (a $1.99 difference in value).
The current national average price is $2.08 for "Chicken, fresh, whole, per lb. (453.6 gm)". This data is collected by a national survey and can vary from region to region.
Between 1997 and 2024: Chicken experienced an average inflation rate of 2.52% per year. This rate of change indicates significant inflation. In other words, chicken costing $2.08 in the year 1997 would cost $4.07 in 2024 for an equivalent purchase. Compared to the overall inflation rate of 2.51% during this same period, inflation for chicken was higher.