How Much Did You Pay for Milk Last Year?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

Milk prices seem to be going up in states all across the nation. In 2006, states such as Pennsylvania, California and New York announced or proposed price increases. So how much did you actually pay for your milk?

Federal milk order market administrators collected data on milk price information for selected cities each month. They also averaged the milk prices for these selected cities to report on average prices for the year.

The administrators used the most common brand based on shelf space and did not include prices for milk on sale, milk purchased with coupons or any other milk pricing promotions.

While the prices are probably pretty close to what milk sold for in the selected cities, it doesn't take into account different retail pricing policies. In other words, a savvy and frugal shopper may have paid less.

The complete report lists prices for both whole and 2% milk, but since families on average buy more whole milk, I'll just concentrate on that. The report reflects prices on one gallon jugs.

The highest average milk price in 2006 was a whopping $4.10 in New Orleans, LA. Cincinnati, OH had the lowest average for the year at $2.68. Philadelphia, PA, my closest city, has an average yearly price of $3.12, which I would say is pretty accurate. That price is more than I would pay for the store brand at the large grocery store, but less than I would pay if I went over to the corner convenience store.

In general, most milk prices in the selected cities were lower in December then they were for the previous January (2006). Detroit, MI is an exception to that. Their prices jumped up in May and stayed higher for the rest of the year.

Here are some other average prices on the cost of a gallon jug of milk in 2006.

• Atlanta, GA: $3.28
• Boston, MA: $3:10
• Chicago, IL: $3.84
• Dallas, TX: $3.17
• Denver, CO: $3.46
• Hartford CT: $3.10
• Miami, FL: $3.33
• Seattle, WA: $3.16
• Washington, DC: $3.40

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot.

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