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How much did things cost in 1981 - USA?

Prices have risen considerably since 1981. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1981.

Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.

These are some prices of items in 1981.

1981 priceInflation adjusted
Average house price (1)$66,400$230,000
Gallon of gas$1.31$4.60
Ford Escort GL 2-door Hatchback$5,838$20,000
Ford Fairmont 6 4-door Sedan$6,364$22,000
20 cigarettes (average price) 70c$2.50
Posting a letter18c63c
Newspaper: The New York Times25c88c
Sony 19" color TV with remote (Poor Richard's)$695$2,400
AM/FM stereo cassette player/recorder (Montgomery Ward)$79.88$280
Sony Walkman I (Poor Richard's)$95$330
Microwave convection/combination (Montgomery Ward)$599.88$2,100
BMX bike (Montgomery Ward)$159.99$560
Malibu Barbie doll (Montgomery Ward)$4.77$17
Rubik's Cube puzzle $4.97$17
Rib eye steaks (lb)$4.69 (A&P)$16
Kraft Dinner Macaroni & Cheese 3 7¼oz packs (A&P)99c$3.50
Nabisco Ritz Crackers 12oz pack (A&P)$1.30$4.50
Beef chuck roast (lb) (A&P)$1.79$6.30
P & Q Sweetcorn 16oz can (A&P)39c$1.40
Foster Farms whole fryer (chicken)(lb)66c$2.30
Bananas (lb) (Safeway)29c$1
Avocados (3)89c$3.10
Kraft BBQ sauce 18oz bottle (Safeway)79c$2.80
Coca-Cola 6 12oz cans (Safeway)$1.49$5.20
Honeydew Melon (lb) (Safeway)19c67c
Heinz Ketchup 32oz can (Safeway)99c$3.50
Tomatoes (3lb) (Safeway)$1$3.50
Cheerios (10oz) (Safeway)99c$3.50
Heineken beer 6 12oz cans (Safeway)$3.49$12
Lucerne yogurt (8oz) (Safeway)37c$1.30

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, updated August 2025

By year

Retrowow - vintage, retro and social history

Mid Century facts & figures ★UK ★ USA ★

Retrowow - vintage, retro and social history

Mid Century facts & figures ★UK ★ USA ★