Since the Groovy Era of the 1960s and 1970s, prices for everyday goods and services has changed dramatically. This photo gallery below takes a closer look at how prices have evolved with changes in inflation and technology. Join us on this economic journey from the past to the present!
Gallon of Milk
1970s: Approximately $1.32
Today: Around $3.60–$4.00
Loaf of Bread
1970s: Approximately $0.25
Today: Around $2.50–$3.00
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Movie Ticket
1970s: Approximately $1.50
Today: Around $12.00–$15.00
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New Car (Average)
1970s: Approximately $3,500
Today: Around $40,000–$50,000
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Gasoline (Per Gallon)
1970s: Approximately $0.36
Today: Around $3.50–$4.00
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Big Mac
1970s: Approximately $0.65
Today: Around $5.50–$6.00
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House (Median Price)
1970s: Approximately $23,000
Today: Around $400,000–$500,000
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Postage Stamp
1970s: Approximately $0.08
Today: Around $0.66
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Television (Color, 19-Inch)
1970s: Approximately $300
Today: Around $200–$300 (though larger and higher quality models are more expensive)
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Video Game Console (e.g., Atari 2600)
1970s: Approximately $199
Today: Around $300–$500 (for new consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox)
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Fast Food Combo Meal
1970s: Approximately $2.50
Today: Around $8.00–$10.00
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Pair of Jeans
1970s: Approximately $6.00
Today: Around $40.00–$60.00
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Telephone (Landline, Basic Model)
1970s: Approximately $20.00
Today: Around $30.00–$50.00 (for basic models; smartphones are much more expensive)
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Tire (Passenger Car)
1970s: Approximately $20.00
Today: Around $80.00–$150.00 (depending on brand and type)
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Laptop Computer
1970s: Not widely available, but early models were over $1,000 (by today’s standards, many thousands)
Today: Around $500.00–$2,000.00 (depending on specifications and brand)
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