Charted: The Rising Prices of Popular Beer Brands (2015–2025)
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
- The average price of a 12-pack of beer has risen 41% since 2015.
- Sam Adams Summer Ale saw the steepest increase, jumping 71% over the decade.
- Beer prices have risen nearly twice as fast as overall alcohol inflation.
Cracking open a cold one has gotten noticeably more expensive over the past decade.
Between 2015 and 2025, the average price of a 12-pack of beer climbed sharply across nearly every major brand, outpacing broader inflation.
This chart compares the average retail prices for a 12-pack of 12-oz cans or bottles of popular beer brands in 2015 vs. 2025, based on data from FinanceBuzz. It’s worth noting that the data is from a limited sample of one retailer, and prices may vary regionally and across retailers.
Beer Prices Have Risen Faster Than Alcohol Inflation
While alcohol inflation for at-home consumption has increased by about 16% since 2015, beer prices have climbed by roughly 29% overall, and even more for certain brands.
On average, the 15 beer brands tracked saw prices rise from $11.62 per 12-pack in 2015 to $16.39 in 2025, an increase of $4.77 per case.
Here’s how individual brands compare:
| Beer | 2015 Average Price | 2025 Average Price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Adams Summer Ale | $13.99 | $23.99 | 71% |
| Dos Equis | $11.99 | $18.99 | 58% |
| Miller High Life | $8.99 | $12.99 | 44% |
| PBR | $8.99 | $12.99 | 44% |
| Guinness | $12.99 | $18.49 | 42% |
| Michelob Ultra | $10.99 | $15.49 | 41% |
| Yuengling | $10.49 | $14.49 | 38% |
| Bud Light | $10.99 | $14.99 | 36% |
| Budweiser | $10.99 | $14.99 | 36% |
| Coors Light | $10.99 | $14.99 | 36% |
| Miller Lite | $10.99 | $14.99 | 36% |
| Corona Extra | $12.99 | $17.49 | 35% |
| Modelo Especial | $12.99 | $17.49 | 35% |
| Heineken | $12.99 | $16.99 | 31% |
| Blue Moon | $12.99 | $16.49 | 27% |
| 15 Beer Brands’ Average | $11.62 | $16.39 | 41% |
Craft and imported beers dominate the top of the list when it comes to price hikes.
Sam Adams Summer Ale, a seasonal beer that’s only available from March to August, recorded the largest increase, jumping from $13.99 to $23.99, a 71% increase, or an extra $10 per 12-pack. Imported beers like Dos Equis, Guinness, and Corona Extra also posted price increases north of the 35% mark.
Furthermore, budget-friendly staples like Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon both saw prices rise by 44%, climbing from $8.99 to $12.99. Meanwhile, some of America’s most popular beers, including Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Miller Lite, all experienced similar increases of around 36%.
In other words, even America’s go-to “cheap beers” now cost several dollars more per case than they did a decade ago.
Why Beer Prices Have Risen
Several factors have driven the rise in beer prices, including rising prices for barley (+15% from 2015–2025) and aluminum (+92% from 2015–2025), as well as overall inflation.
Additionally, consumer preferences are shifting toward premium craft and specialty beers, which tend to be more expensive. While beer remains relatively affordable compared to wine and spirits on a per-drink basis, its steady price climb has been hard to miss, especially for frequent buyers.
Learn More on the Voronoi App 
If you enjoyed this breakdown, explore more consumer price trends and lifestyle data on Voronoi, including NFL Beer Cost Inflation Over the Past Decade
- Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/charted-the-rising-prices-of-popular-beer-brands-2015-2025/
