How much did things cost in 1955 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1955. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1955.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1955.
1950 price | Inflation adjusted | |
---|---|---|
Average house price (1) | $11,742 | $120,000 |
Gallon of gas | 29c | $3 |
Ford Mainline Fordor Sedan | $1,824 | $19,000 |
Average used car selling price (2) | $780 | $8,100 |
Du Mont 15" television | $89.50 | $930 |
Magnavox 21" console television | $249.00 | $2,600 |
Zenith Royal 500A pocket transistor radio | $75 | $780 |
Regency TR-1 pocket transistor radio | $49.95 | $520 |
General Electric 675 pocket transistor radio | $49.95 | $520 |
20 cigarettes (average price) (3) | 23c | $2.40 |
Posting a letter | 3c | 31c |
Hamburger at McDonald's | 15c | $1.60 |
Newspaper: The New York Times | 5c | 52c |
Men's wool worsted suit with 2 pairs of trousers | $56.00 | $580 |
Parker Jotter ballpoint pen | $2.95 | $31 |
Flour (5lb) | 54c | $5.60 |
Bread (per lb) | 18c | $1.90 |
Road steak (lb) | 90c | $9.40 |
Chuck roast (lb) | 50c | $5.20 |
Pork chops (lb) | 79c | $8.20 |
Bacon (lb) | 66c | $6.90 |
Butter (lb) | 71c | $7.40 |
Eggs (dozen) | 61c | $6.30 |
Milk (½ gallon) | 46c | $4.80 |
Oranges (dozen) | 52c | $5.40 |
Potatoes (10lb) | 56c | $5.80 |
Canned tomatoes (No. 303 can) | 15c | $1.60 |
Coffee (lb) | 93c | $9.70 |
Margarine (lb) | 29c | $3 |
Sugar (5lb) | 52c | $5.40 |
References
(1) Median family home price from "22nd Annual Report of the Federal Housing Administration", 1955 page 107
(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
(*) Median new build house price over ten metropolitan areas
(**) 'Automobile Facts and Figures' published by the Automobile Manufacturers Association, 1956, page 17
By Steven Braggs, July 2023
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