How much did things cost in 1950 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1950. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1950.
Technology changes have made some items cheaper in real terms. You could probably find a radio for $19.95 today, but allowing for inflation, the 1950 radio would be $230. Basic televisions were also very expensive in 1950.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1950.
| 1950 price | Inflation adjusted | |
|---|---|---|
| Median family house price (1) | $8,286 | $96,000 |
| Gallon of gas | 27c | $3.10 |
| Chevrolet Deluxe car | $1,529 | $18,000 |
| Ford Fordor Deluxe Sedan | $1,472 | $17,000 |
| Philco 16" television | $199.95 | $2,300 |
| Zenith Pacemaker table radio (AM only) | $19.95 | $230 |
| Zenith table radio with FM band | $54.95 | $640 |
| Philco 9 cubic-foot deluxe refrigerator | $319.95 | $3,700 |
| Furniture: complete bedroom suite | $595 | $6,900 |
| General Electric (GE) vacuum cleaner | $59.95 | $700 |
| Eversharp Reporter ballpoint pen | $1 | $12 |
| Furniture: Tuxedo button-back sofa | $245 | $2,800 |
| Clothing: men's rayon sports shirt (Gimbels, New York) | $3.95 | $46 |
| Clothing: dresses (Gimbels, New York) | $7.99 to $17.99 | $93 to $210 |
| Proctor 2-slice automatic pop-up toaster (Goldsmith Brothers, New York) | $13.95 | $160 |
| 20 cigarettes (average price) (2) | 20c | $2.30 |
| Posting a letter | 3c | 35c |
| Newspaper: The New York Times | 5c | 58c |
| Hamburger at McDonald's | 15c | $1.70 |
| Sourdough rye loaf (Bohack, self-service supermarket) | 18c | $2.10 |
| Beer 2 12oz cans (Bohack, self-service supermarket) | 29c | $3.40 |
| Chicken per lb (Bohack, self-service supermarket) | 41c | $4.80 |
| Sliced American cheese per lb (Bohack, self-service supermarket) | 45c | $5.20 |
| Eggs - 1 dozen (Bohack, self-service supermarket) | 63c | $7.30 |
| Frankfurters lb (Bohack, self-service supermarket) | 65c | $7.50 |
| Flour (5lb) | 49c | $5.70 |
| Bread (per lb) | 14c | $1.60 |
| Road steak (lb) | 94c | $11 |
| Chuck roast (lb) | 62c | $7.20 |
| Pork chops (lb) | 75c | $8.70 |
| Bacon (lb) | 64c | $7.40 |
| Butter (lb) | 73c | $8.50 |
| Eggs (dozen) | 60c | $7 |
| Milk (½ gallon) | 41c | $4.80 |
| Oranges (dozen) | 49c | $5.70 |
| Potatoes (10lb) | 46c | $5.30 |
| Canned tomatoes (No. 303 can) | 12c | $1.40 |
| Navy beans (lb) | 15c | $1.70 |
| Coffee (lb) | 79c | $9.20 |
| Margarine (lb) | 31c | $3.60 |
| Sugar (5lb) | 49c | $5.70 |
References
(1) Median family home price from "22nd Annual Report of the Federal Housing Administration", 1955 page 107
(2) 'Annual Report on Tobacco Statistics, 1959', published by the US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, page 50
By Steven Braggs, February 2022, updated July 2023
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