2006 $161.87 Walmart Basket Would Cost $270.47 Today, Up 67%
WMT•A 2006 Walmart grocery receipt for 79 items totaled $161.87. Compounding a 2.6% annual inflation rate over 19 years raises that basket’s cost to $270.47 today, a 67% increase that may pressure consumer budgets and influence Walmart’s pricing and sales mix.
1. 2006 Basket Cost and Composition
The original receipt from June 3, 2006 shows 79 items purchased at Walmart for a total of $161.87. Among the purchases were a turkey for $2.96, eggs for $1.28, over two pounds of bananas for $1.14, a 10-pound bag of potatoes for $3.96, along with shrimp and salmon.
2. Inflation Adjustment to 2026
Applying a 2.6% average annual food inflation rate over 19 years increases the basket’s cost from $161.87 to $270.47 by 2026. This represents a 67% rise in the exact same set of items without accounting for specific commodity price surges.
3. Consumer Budget Impact
Rising grocery costs have forced households to allocate larger shares of their budgets to food purchases, limiting discretionary spending on nonessentials. Even modest annual inflation compounds significantly over time, eroding purchasing power at the checkout.
4. Implications for Walmart
As a retailer known for low prices, Walmart may see increased traffic from cost-conscious shoppers but could face margin pressure if it absorbs higher supplier costs. The company’s ability to adjust pricing, optimize inventory and leverage scale will be critical to maintaining its value proposition.
