The 1970s
Disco, gas lines, and the last era of affordable everything.
The 1970s were a different world. Here’s what everyday items actually cost — from gasoline to college tuition. See how prices changed from 1970 to 1979 and compare them to what we pay today.
Price Changes: 1970 → 1979
⛽
Gallon of Gas
$0.36 → $0.57 (+58%)
$0.36 → $0.57 (+58%)
🎬
Movie Ticket
$1.55 → $2.05 (+32%)
$1.55 → $2.05 (+32%)
🏠
Median Home
$17000.00 → $35300.00 (+108%)
$17000.00 → $35300.00 (+108%)
💵
Minimum Wage
$1.60 → $2.10 (+31%)
$1.60 → $2.10 (+31%)
🍞
Loaf of Bread
$0.25 → $0.36 (+44%)
$0.25 → $0.36 (+44%)
🚗
New Car (Avg)
$3542.00 → $4250.00 (+20%)
$3542.00 → $4250.00 (+20%)
🏢
Monthly Rent
$108.00 → $155.00 (+44%)
$108.00 → $155.00 (+44%)
🥚
Dozen Eggs
$0.61 → $0.77 (+26%)
$0.61 → $0.77 (+26%)
🎓
College Tuition
$358.00 → $540.00 (+51%)
$358.00 → $540.00 (+51%)
🥇
Gold (per oz)
$36.00 → $161.00 (+347%)
$36.00 → $161.00 (+347%)
🛒 Nostalgic 1970s Finds on Amazon
Relive the 1970s with retro books, music, decor, and gifts.
🎵 1970s Music & Vinyl
📚 1970s History Books
🎁 1970s Gift Ideas
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What Defined The 1970s
📺 Entertainment: The shows, movies, and music that shaped the 1970s.
🏛️ Events: The defining moments of the 1970s.
👔 Fashion: What everyone was wearing in the 1970s.
🍔 Food: The tastes and treats of the 1970s.
Prices are approximate historical averages. This page contains affiliate links.