National Price Comparisons for Gas and Staples, 2024-2026

March 2026

Consumer Price Tracker

U.S. Price Comparison: 2024 vs. 2026

Everyday prices have shifted significantly during the past two years. Here is a look at various grocery items, mortgages, healthcare and gas. The 2024 figures reflect annual averages. The 2026 figures reflect the information from February and March.

Avg. Two-year change
+9.7%
Across Tracked Items
Biggest increase
+47.8%
Coffee
Biggest Decrease
−19.4%
Eggs (end of avian flu emergency)

Eggs (Dozen, Grade A)
−19.4%
2024$3.10
2026$2.50
Whole Milk (One Gallon)
+7.5%
2024$3.75
2026$4.03
Ground Beef (One Pound)
+29.4%
2024$5.00
2026$6.47
Chicken Breast (One Pound)
+8.9%
2024$3.80
2026$4.14
White Bread (One Pound)
−15.9%
2024$2.20
2026$1.85
Gasoline (One Gallon, Regular)
+15.5%
2024$3.30
2026$3.81
Orange Juice (16 Ounce Frozen)
+15.7%
2024$2.10
2026$2.43
Coffee (One Pound, Ground)
+47.8%
2024$6.40
2026$9.46
Health Insurance, (Four Person Household Monthly Premium)
+11.9%
2024$2,131
2026$2,384
30-year Fixed Mortgage Rate
−4.0%
20246.70%
20266.43%
The rate fell 0.27 percentage points (from 6.70% to 6.43%). The −4.0% reflects the percentage change in the rate itself.

Sources: USDA ERS Food Price Outlook · BLS Average Retail Food & Energy Prices · AAA Gas Prices · KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey · Freddie Mac PMMS
Regional breakdowns coming soon

Updated March 2026

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