The 1980s
Big hair, bigger prices. The decade the money printer went brrr.
The 1980s were a different world. Here’s what everyday items actually cost — from gasoline to college tuition. See how prices changed from 1980 to 1989 and compare them to what we pay today.
Price Changes: 1980 → 1989
⛽
Gallon of Gas
$1.25 → $1.20 (+-4%)
$1.25 → $1.20 (+-4%)
🎬
Movie Ticket
$2.69 → $3.55 (+32%)
$2.69 → $3.55 (+32%)
🏠
Median Home
$47200.00 → $75500.00 (+60%)
$47200.00 → $75500.00 (+60%)
💵
Minimum Wage
$3.10 → $3.35 (+8%)
$3.10 → $3.35 (+8%)
🍞
Loaf of Bread
$0.50 → $0.71 (+42%)
$0.50 → $0.71 (+42%)
🚗
New Car (Avg)
$5413.00 → $9005.00 (+66%)
$5413.00 → $9005.00 (+66%)
🏢
Monthly Rent
$243.00 → $370.00 (+52%)
$243.00 → $370.00 (+52%)
🥚
Dozen Eggs
$0.84 → $0.80 (+-5%)
$0.84 → $0.80 (+-5%)
🎓
College Tuition
$840.00 → $1385.00 (+65%)
$840.00 → $1385.00 (+65%)
🥇
Gold (per oz)
$615.00 → $317.00 (+-48%)
$615.00 → $317.00 (+-48%)
🛒 Nostalgic 1980s Finds on Amazon
Relive the 1980s with retro books, music, decor, and gifts.
🎵 1980s Music & Vinyl
📚 1980s History Books
🎁 1980s Gift Ideas
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What Defined The 1980s
📺 Entertainment: The shows, movies, and music that shaped the 1980s.
🏛️ Events: The defining moments of the 1980s.
👔 Fashion: What everyone was wearing in the 1980s.
🍔 Food: The tastes and treats of the 1980s.
Prices are approximate historical averages. This page contains affiliate links.