How much did things cost in 1951 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1951. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1951.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1951.
| 1951 price | Inflation adjusted | |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price (1) | $9,007 | $96,000 |
| Gallon of gas | 27c | $2.90 |
| Chevrolet Deluxe car | $1,680 | $18,000 |
| Ford Deluxe Fordor Sedan | $1,466 | $16,000 |
| Average used car selling price (2) | $790 | $8,500 |
| Philco televisions | $199.95 to $800 | $2,100 to $8,600 |
| Philco 1403 television 12½" screen | $199.95 plus tax and warranty | $2,100 |
| Philco 2102-M television 20" screen, built-in aerial, mahogany veneer cabinet | $399.95 plus tax and warranty | $4,300 |
| Westinghouse televisions | $199.95 to $675 | $2,100 to $7,200 |
| Zenith 3 way (battery-ac-dc) portable radio (AM only) | $45.83 | $490 |
| 9 cubic-foot refrigerator | $239.95 | $2,600 |
| Automatic washer L-4 9lb capacity | $244.95 | $2,600 |
| Furniture: complete bedroom suite (Fleet & Horner, New York) | $395-$595 | $4,200-$6,400 |
| Furniture: Regency sofa, red rayon (Gimbels, New York) | $99 | $1,100 |
| Clothing: men's rayon sports shirt (Gimbels, New York) | $2.98 | $32 |
| Clothing: dresses (Gimbels, New York) | $8.00 | $86 |
| 20 cigarettes (average price) (3) | 20c | $2.10 |
| Posting a letter | 3c | 32c |
| Newspaper: The New York Times | 5c | 54c |
| Hamburger at McDonald's | 15c | $1.60 |
| Eversharp Reporter ballpoint pen | $1 | $11 |
| Skylark bread homestyle loaf (Safeway) | 18c | $1.90 |
| Schaefer Beer 12oz can (Safeway) | 15c | $1.60 |
| Turkey per lb (Safeway) | 49-57c | $5.20-$6.10 |
| Sliced American cheese per lb (Safeway) | 57c | $6.10 |
| Coca-Cola 6 bottles (Safeway) | 29c | $3.10 |
| Flour (5lb) | 52c | $5.60 |
| Bread (per lb) | 16c | $1.70 |
| Road steak (lb) | $1.09 | $12 |
| Chuck roast (lb) | 74c | $7.90 |
| Pork chops (lb) | 79c | $8.40 |
| Bacon (lb) | 67c | $7.20 |
| Butter (lb) | 82c | $8.80 |
| Eggs (dozen) | 74c | $7.90 |
| Milk (½ gallon) | 46c | $4.90 |
| Oranges (dozen) | 49c | $5.20 |
| Potatoes (10lb) | 51c | $5.50 |
| Canned tomatoes (No. 303 can) | 16c | $1.70 |
| Navy beans (lb) | 17c | $1.80 |
| Coffee (lb) | 87c | $9.30 |
| Margarine (lb) | 35c | $3.70 |
| Sugar (5lb) | 50c | $5.30 |
References
(1) Median family home price from "7th Annual Report of the Federal Housing Administration", 1953 page 240
(2) 'Automobile Facts and Figures' published by the Automobile Manufacturers Association, 1956, page 17
(3) 'Annual Report on Tobacco Statistics, 1959', published by the US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, page 50
By Steven Braggs, July 2023
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