The 1990s
Dial-up internet, $2 gas, and the dot-com boom before the bust.
The 1990s were a different world. Here’s what everyday items actually cost — from gasoline to college tuition. See how prices changed from 1990 to 1999 and compare them to what we pay today.
Price Changes: 1990 → 1999
⛽
Gallon of Gas
$1.16 → $1.15 (+-1%)
$1.16 → $1.15 (+-1%)
🎬
Movie Ticket
$4.22 → $4.35 (+3%)
$4.22 → $4.35 (+3%)
🏠
Median Home
$92000.00 → $113150.00 (+23%)
$92000.00 → $113150.00 (+23%)
💵
Minimum Wage
$3.80 → $4.25 (+12%)
$3.80 → $4.25 (+12%)
🍞
Loaf of Bread
$0.70 → $0.77 (+10%)
$0.70 → $0.77 (+10%)
🚗
New Car (Avg)
$12850.00 → $15350.00 (+19%)
$12850.00 → $15350.00 (+19%)
🏢
Monthly Rent
$447.00 → $550.00 (+23%)
$447.00 → $550.00 (+23%)
🥚
Dozen Eggs
$1.01 → $0.93 (+-8%)
$1.01 → $0.93 (+-8%)
🎓
College Tuition
$2050.00 → $2975.00 (+45%)
$2050.00 → $2975.00 (+45%)
🥇
Gold (per oz)
$383.00 → $384.00 (+0%)
$383.00 → $384.00 (+0%)
🛒 Nostalgic 1990s Finds on Amazon
Relive the 1990s with retro books, music, decor, and gifts.
🎮 1990s Toys & Games
💿 1990s Music & CDs
🎁 1990s Gift Ideas
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What Defined The 1990s
📺 Entertainment: The shows, movies, and music that shaped the 1990s.
🏛️ Events: The defining moments of the 1990s.
👔 Fashion: What everyone was wearing in the 1990s.
🍔 Food: The tastes and treats of the 1990s.
Prices are approximate historical averages. This page contains affiliate links.