What things cost in 1970

Prices of 11 everyday things in the US in 1970, next to what they cost today. A dollar in 1970 bought about as much as $8.30 did in 2025.

The middle column turns each 1970 price into 2025 money using the consumer price index (CPI). Compare it with the latest price to see whether an item really got more expensive, or just kept up with inflation.

Gas, fuel and electricity

Item	In 1970	In 2025 money	Latest
Federal gas tax	$0.40	$3.32	$1.84 (2025)
Crude oil (barrel)	$3.18	$26.38	$63.41 (2025)

Housing, cars, travel and postage

Item	In 1970	In 2025 money	Latest
Rent	$108	$896	$1,487 (2024)
Postcard postage	$0.05	$0.41	$0.65 (2026)

Pay, income and benefits

Item	In 1970	In 2025 money	Latest
Income per person	$4,218	$35,000	$76,994 (2025)
Teacher salary	$8,626	$71,600	$74,495 (2025)
Senator salary	$42,500	$353,000	$174,000 (2025)
President's salary	$200,000	$1,660,000	$400,000 (2025)
Social Security check	$118.10	$980	$2,071 (2025)

Health insurance and Medicare

Item	In 1970	In 2025 money	Latest
Medicare Part B deductible	$50.00	$415	$257 (2025)
Medicare hospital deductible	$52.00	$431	$1,676 (2025)

Other years: 1980 · 1990 · 2000 · 2010.

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