How Much things Cost On Average In The 1950’s
Life in the 1950s was marked by significant changes in American society and culture, including a post-war economic boom and the rise of consumerism.
During this time, the average cost of living was quite different from what it is today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the average costs of common items during the 1950s.
Housing
| Year | Median Home Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1950 | $7,354 |
| 1951 | $7,700 |
| 1952 | $8,300 |
| 1953 | $8,700 |
| 1954 | $9,200 |
| 1955 | $9,900 |
| 1956 | $10,700 |
| 1957 | $11,500 |
| 1958 | $11,700 |
| 1959 | $11,900 |
One of the most notable aspects of the 1950s was the growth of suburbanization, as many families moved from cities to newly developed suburbs. The average cost of a new home in the 1950s was around $10,000 to $15,000.
This price could vary depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. Compared to today’s standards, these prices may seem incredibly low, but it’s important to consider inflation and changes in the economy over time.
Transportation
| Year | Car Model | Manufacturer | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Bel Air | Chevrolet | $1,741 |
| 1950 | Custom | Ford | $1,512 |
| 1951 | Victoria | Mercury | $2,191 |
| 1952 | Commander | Studebaker | $1,745 |
| 1953 | Corvette | Chevrolet | $3,498 |
| 1954 | Skyliner | Ford | $2,442 |
| 1955 | Thunderbird | Ford | $2,695 |
| 1956 | Golden Hawk | Studebaker | $3,043 |
| 1957 | Bel Air | Chevrolet | $2,511 |
| 1958 | Thunderbird | Ford | $3,473 |
| 1959 | Impala | Chevrolet | $2,967 |
In the 1950s, the automobile became a symbol of the American Dream, and car ownership was on the rise. The average cost of a new car in the 1950s was around $1,500 to $3,000, with prices varying depending on the make, model, and features.
Gasoline prices were also much lower than today, with the average cost of gasoline in the 1950s ranging from $0.20 to $0.25 per gallon, making it affordable for families to hit the road and explore the country.
Food
| Item | Average Price in 1950s (USD) |
|---|---|
| Bread (1 lb) | $0.12 |
| Milk (1 quart) | $0.14 |
| Eggs (1 dozen) | $0.60 |
| Cheese (1 lb) | $0.50 |
| Ground beef (1 lb) | $0.53 |
| Chicken (1 lb) | $0.29 |
| Bacon (1 lb) | $0.63 |
| Coffee (1 lb) | $0.85 |
| Sugar (5 lb) | $0.37 |
| Flour (5 lb) | $0.30 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $0.10 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $0.12 |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.10 |
| Potatoes (10 lb) | $0.59 |
| Cabbage (1 lb) | $0.06 |
| Carrots (1 lb) | $0.08 |
| Celery (1 lb) | $0.14 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $0.19 |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | $0.16 |
| Canned soup (10.5 oz can) | $0.15 |
Food prices in the 1950s were significantly lower than today’s prices. For example, the average cost of a gallon of milk in the 1950s was around $0.82, and a loaf of bread cost around $0.14. A dozen eggs, which are now a staple in most households, cost around $0.59 in the 1950s.
Soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, were also much cheaper, with a bottle of Coca-Cola costing around $0.05. However, it’s important to note that these prices were still relative to the economic conditions of the time, and people’s purchasing power was different compared to today.
Entertainment
Entertainment options in the 1950s included going to the movies and watching television, which was still a relatively new medium. The average cost of a movie ticket in the 1950s was around $0.50 to $0.75, and families could enjoy a night out at the cinema without breaking the bank.
Television, which was becoming more popular in American households, had an average cost of around $200 to $500 for a black-and-white television set. This was considered a significant purchase for many families, but it brought the world of entertainment into their living rooms.
Clothing
| Item | Average Price in 1950s (USD) |
|---|---|
| Men’s suit | $35-$50 |
| Men’s dress shirt | $3-$5 |
| Men’s casual shirt | $2-$3 |
| Men’s t-shirt | $1-$2 |
| Men’s jeans | $3-$5 |
| Men’s shoes | $8-$12 |
| Women’s dress | $10-$20 |
| Women’s blouse | $2-$5 |
| Women’s skirt | $6-$10 |
| Women’s sweater | $6-$12 |
| Women’s shoes | $8-$12 |
| Children’s clothing | $1-$5 |
| Baby clothes | $0.50-$3 |
| Socks | $0.25-$0.50 |
| Underwear (per piece) | $0.50-$1 |
Clothing was also more affordable in the 1950s compared to today. A men’s suit, which was a staple in many wardrobes, cost around $40 to $60, while a women’s dress could cost around $20 to $30.
However, it’s important to note that the average wages and income levels were also much lower than they are today, so people’s spending power was different.
College Tuition
The average cost of college tuition in the 1950s was significantly lower than today.
On average, a year of tuition at a public university cost around $200 to $500, while tuition at a private university was around $600 to $1,000. Compared to today’s skyrocketing college tuition costs, this represents a fraction of the expenses that students face today.
Vacation
| Item | Average Price in 1950s (USD) |
|---|---|
| Gasoline (per gallon) | $0.25-$0.30 |
| Motel room (per night) | $5-$10 |
| Hotel room (per night) | $10-$20 |
| Meals (per person, per day) | $2-$5 |
| Airfare (per mile) | $0.20-$0.30 |
| Train fare (per mile) | $0.03-$0.05 |
| Amusement park admission | $0.50-$1.50 |
| Movie ticket | $0.50-$1.00 |
| National park admission | $0.50-$1.00 |
| Beach chair and umbrella | $0.25-$0.50 |
| Fishing license (per day) | $1-$2 |
| Ski lift ticket (per day) | $2-$5 |
Taking a vacation in the 1950s was also more affordable compared to today’s standards. A week-long family vacation to popular destinations such as Florida or California could cost around $500 to $1,000, including travel, accommodation, and meals.
This was a more accessible option for families, and road trips were a popular way to explore the country.
Household Appliances
| Appliance | Average Price in 1950s (USD) |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (10 cubic feet) | $299 |
| Gas range | $179-$199 |
| Electric range | $129-$149 |
| Dishwasher | $179-$229 |
| Washing machine (automatic) | $249-$299 |
| Clothes dryer | $139-$179 |
| Vacuum cleaner | $49-$79 |
| Television (black and white) | $199-$299 |
| Radio (tabletop) | $19-$39 |
| Sewing machine | $69-$129 |
The rise of consumerism in the 1950s also saw an increase in the availability of household appliances. The average cost of a refrigerator was around $250 to $400, a washing machine was around $200 to $300, and a television set was around $200 to $500.
These appliances were considered modern conveniences that many families aspired to have in their homes.
Childcare
The cost of childcare in the 1950s was significantly lower than today’s prices. The average cost of daycare or babysitting services ranged from $0.50 to $1 per hour.
Many families relied on relatives, neighbors, or stay-at-home parents for childcare, and formal daycare centers were not as prevalent as they are today.
Health Care
| Healthcare Service | Average Cost in 1950s (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hospital stay (per day) | $20-$30 |
| Outpatient visit | $5-$10 |
| Doctor’s house call | $10-$15 |
| Dental filling | $10-$20 |
| Eye exam and glasses | $20-$30 |
| Childbirth (hospital) | $150-$200 |
| X-ray | $5-$10 |
| Prescription medication | $1-$5 |
| Health insurance premium | $10-$20 per month |
| Mental health counseling | $10-$15 per session |
| Physical therapy session | $5-$10 per session |
Health care costs in the 1950s were also lower compared to today. A routine doctor’s visit could cost around $5 to $10, while a hospital stay for childbirth or surgery could range from $100 to $500. Health insurance was also less common, and many families paid for medical expenses out of pocket.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and that actual prices may have varied depending on location, inflation, and other factors. It’s also crucial to consider the changes in the economy, wages, and overall cost of living over time when comparing prices from different eras.
The 1950s were a unique time in American history, marked by significant social and economic changes, and the average costs of items during that period reflect the economic conditions and purchasing power of that time.
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