Guides

Short reads about what things cost and why comparing prices across years takes a little care.

• How to compare prices across years (and what the CPI is)
  The one sum behind every "in today's money" figure, with examples.
• Things that got cheaper, after inflation
  Everyday items that take a smaller share of a budget than they used to.
• The biggest price increases, after inflation
  The prices that outran inflation the most.
• What things cost in 1970
  Prices of 11 things in 1970, next to today's.
• What things cost in 1980
  Prices of 51 things in 1980, next to today's.
• What things cost in 1990
  Prices of 64 things in 1990, next to today's.
• What things cost in 2000
  Prices of 82 things in 2000, next to today's.
• What things cost in 2010
  Prices of 80 things in 2010, next to today's.

Looking for one item? See the full price history list.

Think you'd have guessed it? Play today's Daily 5