How much did things cost in 1979 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1979. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1979.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1979.
| 1979 price | Inflation adjusted | |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price (1) | $55,700 | $250,000 |
| Gallon of gas | 63c | $2.80 |
| Ford LTD Pillared Hardtop 4-door Sedan (2) | $5,913 | $26,000 |
| Ford Pinto 2-door Sedan | $3,629 | $16,000 |
| Phasar 2000 digital chronograph (Sears) | $67.99 | $300 |
| Mickey Mouse wristwatch (Sears) | $17.95 | $79 |
| Colour TV with 19-inch with remote (Sears) | $589.95 | $2,600 |
| AM/FM clock radio (Sears) | $39.95 | $180 |
| Kenmore microwave oven (Sears) | $399.95 | $1,800 |
| Free Spirit lightweight 10-speed racing bike (Sears) | $88.99 | $390 |
| Deluxe 20-inch exercise bike (Sears) | $129.99 | $570 |
| Malibu Barbie doll (Sears) | $3.77 | $17 |
| Super Spirograph (Sears) | $7.99 | $35 |
| Hot Wheels 14-piece car set (Sears) | $12.97 | $57 |
| Star Wars X-Wing Fighter (Sears) | $11.44 | $50 |
| 20 cigarettes (average price) | 60c | $2.60 |
| Posting a letter | 15c | 66c |
| Newspaper: The New York Times | 25c | $1.10 |
| Hamburger at McDonald's | 38c | $1.70 |
| Porterhouse steak (or T-bone) (lb) (Safeway) | $2.40 | $11 |
| Wheat bread 2 loaves (Safeway) | 89c | $3.90 |
| Potatoes 10lb bag (Safeway) | 57c | $2.50 |
| Bel-air cherry pie (24oz) (Safeway) | $1.09 | $4.80 |
| Head lettuce (Safeway) | 49c | $2.20 |
| Manor House fryers (chicken) (lb) (Safeway) | 99c | $4.40 |
| Apples (3lb bag) (Safeway) | 78c | $3.40 |
| Monterey Jack cheese (lb) (Safeway) | $1.99 | $8.80 |
| Turkey franks (12oz) (Safeway) | 78c | $3.40 |
| Eggs 1doz (lb) (Safeway) | 79c | $3.50 |
| Lucerne ice cream (half gallon) (Safeway) | 79c | $3.50 |
| Michelob beer 6 12oz bottles(Safeway) | $1.99 | $8.80 |
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
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