According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for postage and delivery services were 27.23% higher in 2020 versus 2012 (a $5.45 difference in value).
Between 2012 and 2020: Postage and delivery services experienced an average inflation rate of 3.06% per year. This rate of change indicates significant inflation. In other words, postage and delivery services costing $20 in the year 2012 would cost $25.45 in 2020 for an equivalent purchase. Compared to the overall inflation rate of 1.44% during this same period, inflation for postage and delivery services was higher.
In the year 2012: Pricing changed by 3.64%, which is above the average yearly change for postage and delivery services during the 2012-2020 time period. Compared to inflation for all items in 2012 (2.07%), inflation for postage and delivery services was higher.
Raw Consumer Price Index data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Postage and delivery services:
| Year | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| CPI | 100.067 | 103.092 | 103.233 | 107.333 | 113.650 | 119.342 | 119.858 | 120.158 | 126.592 | 130.100 | 135.511 | 141.243 | 145.989 | 152.163 | 157.700 | 167.230 | 174.118 | 174.610 | 175.623 | 180.327 | 184.973 | 194.792 | 200.640 |
Below are calculations of equivalent buying power for Postage and delivery services, over time, for $20 beginning in 2012. Each of the amounts below is equivalent in terms of what it could buy at the time:
| Year | USD Value | Inflation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $20.00 | 3.64% |
| 2013 | $21.21 | 6.04% |
| 2014 | $22.08 | 4.12% |
| 2015 | $22.14 | 0.28% |
| 2016 | $22.27 | 0.58% |
| 2017 | $22.87 | 2.68% |
| 2018 | $23.46 | 2.58% |
| 2019 | $24.70 | 5.31% |
| 2020 | $25.45 | 3.00%* |