Historical CPI · 1992

CPI-U in 1992

The U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) averaged 140.3 in 1992 (1982–84 = 100), 3.0% above the 1991 average. From December 1991 to December 1992, prices rose 2.9%. Prices in August 2026 were 2.39 times their 1992 level.

Annual average
140.3
Inflation (annual avg)
+3.0%
Dec–Dec inflation
+2.9%
$100 in 1992 today
$238.76
Monthly data

Monthly CPI-U index values, 1992

The highest monthly index in 1992 was 142.0 (November), the lowest 138.1 (January). The 12-month inflation rate ranged from +2.6% in January to +3.2% in October. Historical context — The Great Moderation (1983–2007): Inflation averaged about 3% a year with low volatility.

MonthCPI-U indexChange from prior month12-month change
January 1992138.1+0.1%+2.6%
February 1992138.6+0.4%+2.8%
March 1992139.3+0.5%+3.2%
April 1992139.5+0.1%+3.2%
May 1992139.7+0.1%+3.0%
June 1992140.2+0.4%+3.1%
July 1992140.5+0.2%+3.2%
August 1992140.9+0.3%+3.1%
September 1992141.3+0.3%+3.0%
October 1992141.8+0.4%+3.2%
November 1992142.0+0.1%+3.0%
December 1992141.9−0.1%+2.9%

CPI-U, U.S. city average, all items, not seasonally adjusted, 1982–84 = 100 (BLS series CUUR0000SA0). Before 2007 the BLS published the index to one decimal place. Annual average 140.3 as published by the BLS.

Decade

CPI by year, 1990s

YearAnnual average CPI-UInflation rate
1990130.7+5.4%
1991136.2+4.2%
1992140.3+3.0%
1993144.5+3.0%
1994148.2+2.6%
1995152.4+2.8%
1996156.9+3.0%
1997160.5+2.3%
1998163.0+1.6%
1999166.6+2.2%
FAQ

CPI 1992: common questions

What was the CPI in 1992?

The CPI-U annual average for 1992 was 140.3 on the 1982–84 = 100 base. Monthly values ranged from 138.1 to 142.0.

What was the inflation rate in 1992?

Measured by annual averages, consumer prices rose 3.0% in 1992; December to December the change was +2.9%.

How much is $100 from 1992 worth today?

About $238.76 in August 2026 prices, based on the change in CPI-U. Use the inflation calculator for other amounts.