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Over the last few years, between the energy market going nuts, COVID-19, and inflation, people have become significantly more aware of just how much the cost of living is spiraling out of control. It’s a pretty common refrain, that many younger people can’t afford housing, but this has started to expand to cars and even groceries.

So we’ve gathered some examples of what things used to cost in the US, from “cost of living” lists, to old menus and ads. From the cost of tuition at Harvard in the 1850s to McDonald's items, back when they just cost a few cents. We also got in touch with Daniella Flores from iliketodabble.com to learn more about managing money. 

#1

1916 Sears Catalog Home

1916 Sears Catalog Home

They shipped the entire house to you by railroad car. Sears was like Ikea before Ikea. Friends and family would come from all around to help the owner build it.

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#2

My Grandmama Just Passed Away And We Found The Hospital Bill Of When She Had My Aunt In 1957. Insurance Paid $100 So They Ended Up Paying $2.95 For Having A Baby

My Grandmama Just Passed Away And We Found The Hospital Bill Of When She Had My Aunt In 1957. Insurance Paid $100 So They Ended Up Paying $2.95 For Having A Baby

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Tempest
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It still baffles me how expensive medical care is in the US. Having to pay to have a baby?! 😭 And even to just get an ambulance from what I’ve heard. Where I’m from it’s all free (public healthcare). There are also private hospitals where you have to pay but it’s still affordable to the general public for simple appointments and procedures (but can be expensive for surgeries, admissions, etc - still cheaper than the US!). I hope that the US can someday may this basic human necessity free or, in the least, more affordable to its people.

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#3

Mcdonald’s Menu From 1959

Mcdonald’s Menu From 1959

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Bored Panda got in touch with Daniella Flores, the Founder & CEO of iliketodabble.com, a site and blog dedicated to helping people manage their money. First and foremost, we were curious to hear what she thought is the biggest misconception most people have about managing money.

“That you have to use a strict budget and restrict your life, you can manage your money and still live your life too. Instead of cutting on the things you love, review your spending and look for the purchases that you don't remember or notice that you spent that money on something that didn't matter much to you - that is what you should cut. Spend money on the things that matter to you and cut what doesn't.”

#4

Cost Of Living In 1938

Cost Of Living In 1938

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Loverboy
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would think that college couldn't get any more expensive than that (accounting for inflation) but here we are. Imagine being able to buy a house with two years worth of money from an average salary.

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#5

Vintage Travel Ad - Hotel Las Brisas, Acapulco, Mexico - 1965

Vintage Travel Ad - Hotel Las Brisas, Acapulco, Mexico - 1965

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#6

Housing Ad From 1955

Housing Ad From 1955

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Perfumista Perfumista
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if 70 years from now people will look at the $230,000 I paid for a co-op junior 4 and think "wow what a steal"?

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In general, many people get uncomfortable around the idea of managing their money and making a detailed plan for the future, so we were curious to hear her take on what pushes people away. “Money is emotional with beliefs that get ingrained in us from childhood. It is difficult to face that head-on, review your spending, and actually create a plan to manage your money. That's why it's great to work with a financial coach who can talk you through that process in a non-judgmental way.”

#8

McDonald's Extra Value Menu 1993

McDonald's Extra Value Menu 1993

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#9

Hospital Bill From When My Grandpa Blew Up A Stump With Homemade Tnt And Lost His Eye

Hospital Bill From When My Grandpa Blew Up A Stump With Homemade Tnt And Lost His Eye

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“Your beliefs about money might lead you to think you're "bad with money", but that isn't true. The game is rigged but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't educate yourself about financial wellness. Learn how to navigate the financial system in a way that works best for you, and who knows - maybe you can help change it one day.”

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#10

A Woolworth’s Menu From The 1960s When They Served Food

A Woolworth’s Menu From The 1960s When They Served Food

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Full of Giggles
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It should be noted that these prices were for the American Woolworth’s.

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#11

The Westerner Motor Hotel

The Westerner Motor Hotel

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Daniella left us some suggestions of where to start if someone was dealing with a lot of financial insecurity or was just looking at a beginner's guide to investing. You can also find more on the iliketodabble X and Instagram page. Because looking at these prices might seem sad, but it’s always better to think about the future. 

#13

The Original Burger King Whopper In 1963

The Original Burger King Whopper In 1963

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FunOldGuy
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those burgers were huge! The ones they sell today are tiny in comparison.

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#14

1947 Hospital Bill Found Out My Parents’ Attic. Not Sure Who It’s For

1947 Hospital Bill Found Out My Parents’ Attic. Not Sure Who It’s For

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#15

The Bill For A Semester At Harvard, 1869: $170.42

The Bill For A Semester At Harvard, 1869: $170.42

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While many people have accepted that things are terrible, some economists argue that, to some degree, the discourse around the economy is dominated by bad vibes and not facts. Kyla Scanlon, financial analyst, writer, and content creator coined the term “vibecession” to describe the strange disconnect of the US avoiding a recession while many people in it vehemently believe the sky is falling. 

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#16

Danish Modern Furniture Ad 1962

Danish Modern Furniture Ad 1962

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#17

"Vacation Specials" - Steve Aloi Ford Ad [c.1970]

"Vacation Specials" - Steve Aloi Ford Ad [c.1970]

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#18

Sears Men's Fashion 1960's

Sears Men's Fashion 1960's

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Despite all the doom and gloom, economic indicators show that wages are growing alongside the economy. While our current prices are, obviously, higher, due to inflation, some people seem to be working from the misguided position that prices would go down or that there would be deflation, ignoring the fact that this would actually be an indicator of inflation. 

#19

Cost Of Living 1989

Cost Of Living 1989

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Loverboy
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Compared to 40 years prior, the average salary increased by 13x, average house price increased by 40x.

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#20

St. Luke Hospital - 1950s

St. Luke Hospital - 1950s

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Tucker Cahooter
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The baby care charge from the 1947 bill in an earlier post was only $1 a day. Looks like the price gouging was well and truly starting in the 1950s

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#22

Cat's Meow Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale Florida, 1950s Menu

Cat's Meow Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale Florida, 1950s Menu

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#23

1943 Cost Of Living

1943 Cost Of Living

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Deborah B
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Average monthly income was $170, rent $40, less than quarter of income going on rent. A new house is less than twice the annual income.

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#24

Vintage New Home Advertisement, Toronto With $500 Bonus!

Vintage New Home Advertisement, Toronto With $500 Bonus!

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#25

1960's Cocktail Menu From The 'Cannibal Room' At Ren Clark's Polynesian Village In Ft. Worth, Tx

1960's Cocktail Menu From The 'Cannibal Room' At Ren Clark's Polynesian Village In Ft. Worth, Tx

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#26

Retro Fast Food Nostalgia

Retro Fast Food Nostalgia

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Jill
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take away price? So you paid less just for hitting up the drive thru? Dang! 'Murica, we got robbed! :D :D

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#27

1959 Cost Of Living

1959 Cost Of Living

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Loverboy
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Compared to 10 years prior, the average income is 2.5x larger and the average house price is 4x larger.

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#30

1924 Cost Of Living

1924 Cost Of Living

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Loverboy
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eggs for 13 cents a dozen is really what's catching my eye. 40x the price now.

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Note: this post originally had 94 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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