How much did things cost in 1978 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1978. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1978.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1978.
| 1978 price | Inflation adjusted | |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price (1) | $48,700 | $240,000 |
| Gallon of gas | 62c | $3 |
| Ford LTD Pillared Hardtop 4-door Sedan (2) | $5,419 | $27,000 |
| Ford Pinto 2-door Sedan | $3,336 | $16,000 |
| 20 cigarettes (average price) | 57c | $2.80 |
| Posting a letter | 15c | 73c |
| Newspaper: The New York Times | 20c | 98c |
| USDA grade A Tom Turkeys (lb) (Safeway) | 59c | $2.90 |
| Raw headless shrimp (lb) (Safeway) | $1.99 | $9.80 |
| Lucerne vanilla ice cream ½ gallon (Safeway) | $1.09 | $5.30 |
| Fresh fryers (chicken) (lb) (Safeway) | 49c | $2.40 |
| Canned ham 5lb (Safeway) | $9.39 | $46 |
| Mrs Wright's Homestyle bread 2x1½lb loaves (Safeway) | $1 | $4.90 |
| Eggo frozen waffles (11oz) (Safeway) | 59c | $2.90 |
| Old Fashioned Country Pure Peanut butter (18oz jar) (Safeway) | 79c | $3.90 |
| Catfish steak (lb) (Safeway) | 99c | $4.80 |
| Large asparagus (lb) (Safeway) | 58c | $2.80 |
| Ground coffee 2lb (Safeway) | $5.77 | $28 |
| Lucerne medium eggs (doz) (Safeway) | 71c | $3.50 |
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.
(2) I have given the price of the cheapest full-sized Ford V8. From 1976, this was the LTD model.
By Steven Braggs August 2025
Add your comments
Add Comment
Insert Bullet List
Please enter at least one item.
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Insert Numeric List
Please enter at least one item.
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Item:
Insert Link
Please enter the link of the website
Optionally you can add display text
Insert Email
Please enter the email address
Optionally add any display text
Insert Image
Please enter the link of the image
Insert YouTube Video
Please enter the link of the video
Comments