How much did things cost in 1984 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1984. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1984.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1984.
| 1984 price | Inflation adjusted | |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price (1) | $72,400 | $220,000 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.12 | $3.50 |
| Ford Escort GL 2-door Hatchback | $6,382 | $20,000 |
| Ford LTD V-6 4-door Sedan | $9,014 | $28,000 |
| 20 cigarettes (average price) | 97c | $3 |
| Posting a letter | 20c | 62c |
| Newspaper: The New York Times | 30c | 93c |
| Hitachi 19" color TV | $299.95 | $930 |
| Lloyd's AM/FM digital clock radio (Montgomery Ward) | $19.99 | $62 |
| Golden Dream Barbie | $4.97 | $15 |
| Kenner Star Wars figure | 97c | $3 |
| Schwinn Predator P2000 BMX bike | $179.95 | $560 |
| Beef rib roast (lb) | $1.87 | $5.80 |
| Mississippi Sliced bacon (lb) | $1.19 | $3.70 |
| Boneless hams (lb) | $1.88 | $5.80 |
| Leg of lamb (lb) | $1.99 | $6.20 |
| Coca-cola 6 12oz cans | $1.49 | $4.60 |
| Jet flown New Zealand strawberries (12oz) | $1.99 | $6.20 |
| Idaho potatoes (4lb) | $1 | $3.10 |
| Ocean Spray cranberry Sauce 16oz | 55c | $1.70 |
| Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry (¾liter) | $7.99 | $25 |
| Chunk light tuna (6.5oz) | 59c | $1.80 |
| Lucerne cream cheese (8oz) | 79c | $2.50 |
| Yuban coffee (2lb) | $4.99 | $15 |
| Jumbo avocados 3 | $1 | $3.10 |
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
