How much did things cost in 1970 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1970. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1970.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1970.
| 1970 price | Inflation adjusted | |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price (1) | $23,000 | $190,000 |
| Gallon of gas | 35c | $2.90 |
| Ford Fairlane 500 V8 4-door Sedan | $2,528 | $21,000 |
| Packard Bell color TV | $498 | $4,100 |
| AM Clock radio (Radio Shack) | $10.95 | $91 |
| Model Saturn V rocket nearly 4 feet tall (J C Penney) | $9.88 | $82 |
| Talking GI Joe figure (J C Penney) | $4.99 | $41 |
| Samsonite Classic Attaché Case (Commuter size) (J C Penney) | $30 | $250 |
| Unisex orange striped shirt (J C Penney) | $6.98 | $58 |
| 20 cigarettes (average price) | 39c | $3.20 |
| Posting a letter | 6c | 50c |
| Newspaper: The New York Times | 10c | 83c |
| Hamburger at McDonald's | 18c | $1.50 |
| Flour (5lb) | 59c | $4.90 |
| Bread (per lb) | 24c | $2 |
| Road steak (lb) | $1.30 | $11 |
| Chuck roast (lb) | 73c | $6.10 |
| Pork chops (lb) | $1.16 | $9.60 |
| Bacon (lb) | 95c | $7.90 |
| Butter (lb) | 87c | $7.20 |
| Eggs (dozen) | 61c | $5.10 |
| Milk (½ gallon) | 66c | $5.50 |
| Oranges (dozen) | 86c | $7.10 |
| Potatoes (10lb) | 90c | $7.50 |
| Canned tomatoes (No. 303 can) | 21c | $1.70 |
| Navy beans (lb) | 19c | $1.60 |
| Coffee (lb) | 91c | $7.50 |
| Margarine (lb) | 30c | $2.50 |
| Sugar (5lb) | 65c | $5.40 |
Other years
References
(1) US Existing One-Family Houses Sold and Price, by Region, 1970 to 1998, Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1999, Section 25 Construction and Housing, page 726.
By Steven Braggs August 2025
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