What things cost in 1980
Prices of 51 everyday things in the US in 1980, next to what they cost today. A dollar in 1980 bought about as much as $3.91 did in 2025.
The middle column turns each 1980 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.
Meat, poultry and eggs
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen) | $0.84 | $3.28 | $4.25 (2025) |
| Whole chicken | $0.71 | $2.77 | $2.06 (2025) |
| Chicken legs | $1.07 | $4.18 | $1.79 (2025) |
| Bacon | $1.47 | $5.74 | $7.02 (2025) |
| Ground chuck | $1.83 | $7.15 | $6.14 (2025) |
| Round roast | $2.61 | $10.20 | $7.96 (2025) |
| Round steak | $2.77 | $10.82 | $8.86 (2025) |
| Pork chops (bone-in) | $1.95 | $7.62 | $4.56 (2025) |
Dairy, fruit and vegetables
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice cream (half gallon) | $1.82 | $7.11 | $6.37 (2025) |
| Bananas | $0.34 | $1.33 | $0.65 (2025) |
| Tomatoes | $0.67 | $2.62 | $1.84 (2025) |
| Iceberg lettuce | $0.45 | $1.76 | $1.59 (2025) |
| Grapefruit | $0.35 | $1.37 | $1.67 (2025) |
| Lemons | $0.70 | $2.73 | $2.00 (2025) |
| Frozen orange juice | $1.18 | $4.61 | $4.59 (2025) |
Bakery, pantry and drinks
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| White bread | $0.51 | $1.99 | $1.87 (2025) |
| Whole wheat bread | $0.73 | $2.85 | $2.70 (2025) |
| Flour | $0.21 | $0.82 | $0.56 (2025) |
| Sugar | $0.43 | $1.68 | $1.02 (2025) |
| Rice | $0.51 | $1.99 | $1.05 (2025) |
| Ground coffee | $3.14 | $12.27 | $8.18 (2025) |
| Chocolate chip cookies | $1.58 | $6.17 | $5.05 (2025) |
| Potato chips | $2.04 | $7.97 | $6.71 (2025) |
Gas, fuel and electricity
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $1.25 | $4.88 | $3.26 (2025) |
| Federal gas tax | $0.40 | $1.56 | $1.84 (2025) |
| Crude oil (barrel) | $21.59 | $84.34 | $63.41 (2025) |
| Heating oil | $1.01 | $3.95 | $3.62 (2025) |
| Natural gas for homes | $0.41 | $1.60 | $1.62 (2025) |
| Electricity | $60.00 | $234 | $185 (2025) |
Housing, cars, travel and postage
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| New house | $64,600 | $252,000 | $417,400 (2025) |
| Rent | $243 | $949 | $1,487 (2024) |
| Postage stamp | $0.15 | $0.59 | $0.82 (2026) |
| Postcard postage | $0.10 | $0.39 | $0.65 (2026) |
Pay, income and benefits
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $3.10 | $12.11 | $7.25 (2025) |
| Average hourly pay | $6.85 | $26.76 | $31.34 (2025) |
| Typical weekly pay | $262 | $1,020 | $1,204 (2025) |
| Income per person | $10,207 | $39,900 | $76,994 (2025) |
| Teacher salary | $15,970 | $62,400 | $74,495 (2025) |
| Senator salary | $60,662 | $237,000 | $174,000 (2025) |
| Social Security check | $341.40 | $1,330 | $2,071 (2025) |
Health insurance and Medicare
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part B deductible | $60.00 | $234 | $257 (2025) |
| Medicare hospital deductible | $180 | $703 | $1,676 (2025) |
College
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public college tuition | $804 | $3,140 | $11,950 (2025) |
| Private college tuition | $3,617 | $14,100 | $45,000 (2025) |
| Community college tuition | $391 | $1,530 | $4,150 (2025) |
| Public college, full year | $2,551 | $9,970 | $25,850 (2025) |
| Private college, full year | $5,594 | $21,900 | $60,920 (2025) |
Metals and farm prices
| Item | In 1980 | In 2025 money | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn (farm price) | $3.11 | $12.15 | $4.24 (2024) |
| Wheat (farm price) | $3.91 | $15.27 | $5.52 (2024) |
| Soybeans (farm price) | $7.57 | $29.57 | $10.00 (2024) |
| Rice (farm price) | $12.80 | $50.00 | $15.10 (2024) |