How Much Would a Loaf of Bread and Quart of Milk Cost in 1915?

A typical 1-pound loaf of bread cost about 7¢ nationally in 1915. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gives that figure in its historical comparison of 1915 prices. That equates to roughly $2.30–$2.40 in today's purchasing power, depending on which inflation measure/current year you use. The more important historical point is that 7 cents was a meaningful everyday purchase, not pocket change.

Bread wasn't necessarily sold in the standardized plastic bags we're familiar with today. Bakeries commonly sold fresh, unpackaged loaves, often wrapped in paper by the grocer or baker.

Fresh milk was generally sold by the quart, rather than in the gallon containers we're accustomed to today.

Historical BLS data from around this period puts fresh milk at approximately 9¢ per quart around 1913; prices varied by city and year.

Interestingly, a contemporary comparison of food prices in New York gives 1916 prices of approximately 7¢ for loose milk and 8–12¢ for bottled milk, illustrating that the container and delivery method mattered.

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