Historical CPI · 2008

CPI-U in 2008

The U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) averaged 215.303 in 2008 (1982–84 = 100), 3.8% above the 2007 average. From December 2007 to December 2008, prices rose 0.1%. Prices in August 2026 were 1.56 times their 2008 level.

Annual average
215.303
Inflation (annual avg)
+3.8%
Dec–Dec inflation
+0.1%
$100 in 2008 today
$155.59
Monthly data

Monthly CPI-U index values, 2008

The highest monthly index in 2008 was 219.964 (July), the lowest 210.228 (December). The 12-month inflation rate ranged from +0.1% in December to +5.6% in July. Historical context — Financial crisis (2008–2009): Oil prices collapsed and CPI briefly fell year over year in 2009.

MonthCPI-U indexChange from prior month12-month change
January 2008211.080+0.5%+4.3%
February 2008211.693+0.3%+4.0%
March 2008213.528+0.9%+4.0%
April 2008214.823+0.6%+3.9%
May 2008216.632+0.8%+4.2%
June 2008218.815+1.0%+5.0%
July 2008219.964+0.5%+5.6%
August 2008219.086−0.4%+5.4%
September 2008218.783−0.1%+4.9%
October 2008216.573−1.0%+3.7%
November 2008212.425−1.9%+1.1%
December 2008210.228−1.0%+0.1%

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 215.303 as published by the BLS.

Decade

CPI by year, 2000s

YearAnnual average CPI-UInflation rate
2000172.2+3.4%
2001177.1+2.8%
2002179.9+1.6%
2003184.0+2.3%
2004188.9+2.7%
2005195.3+3.4%
2006201.6+3.2%
2007207.342+2.8%
2008215.303+3.8%
2009214.537−0.4%
FAQ

CPI 2008: common questions

What was the CPI in 2008?

The CPI-U annual average for 2008 was 215.303 on the 1982–84 = 100 base. Monthly values ranged from 210.228 to 219.964.

What was the inflation rate in 2008?

Measured by annual averages, consumer prices rose 3.8% in 2008; December to December the change was +0.1%.

How much is $100 from 2008 worth today?

About $155.59 in August 2026 prices, based on the change in CPI-U. Use the inflation calculator for other amounts.