You Won’t Believe Prices Of Things In The 1960s Compared To 2019
Do You Remember
This story originally appeared at Do You Remember by Lauren Stewart.
Do you remember what the cost of milk, eggs, bread, and gasoline was in the ’60s? It is sometimes crazy to think about what things cost back in the day compared to now. Remember, the wages were also lower, so it makes sense. However, sometimes we still can’t believe the comparisons.
Here is a list of certain things and their costs in the 1960s compared to what they cost now. See if you can remember buying any of these items. Which prices still shock you when you see what they were in the ’60s compared to 2019?
1. Outdoor festival tickets
Woodstock became a huge deal in the late ’60s. Tickets were $7 per day or $18 for three days in advance. However, when hundreds showed up, it became a free festival. These days, a similar festival called Coachella has tickets for $429 and up for three days. Did you go to Woodstock? Learn the real reason Woodstock was excavated.
2. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang has been a car that everyone desired for years. In 1968, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback cost under $3,000. These days, the car costs over $39,000 for a brand new version.
3. Records
In the ’60s, you listened to music on records. A full record generally cost around $3.98. If you buy a CD or record these days, it will likely cost you an average of $10. Listening to music has changed so much over the years. Now people listen to music on streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, or Apple Music. Do you still play records?
4. Beer
In the 1960s, a six pack of beer would cost you only 99 cents. These days you’ll have to shell out around $5-10 depending on the type of beer you love to drink. What is your favorite beer to drink?
5. Haircut
While haircut prices definitely still vary these days, a nice haircut at a salon could run you $20-$200 in 2019. Back in the ’60s, you could get a fancy salon haircut for about $5.
6. Levi’s Jeans
Levi’s jeans are still popular after all these years. The jeans were only $5 in the 1960s, but today they run about $60 in stores. Some vintage Levi’s have been known to sell for thousands of dollars on eBay though!
7. Candy Bar
Candy bars were about 5-10 cents in the 1960s. The price rose at the end of the decade. Now, the same candy bars are around $1-2.
8. Archie Comic Book
The popular comic books were about 5 to 10 cents each in the ’60s. Now, you can still buy them and they are around $3.99. Some vintage copies have sold in the past for six figures! Wow! Now, there is a show called Riverdale that is loosely based on the Archie comic book series. Luke Perry starred in the show and we really miss him.
9. A gallon of gas
In the early ’60s, you could get a gallon of gas for 30 cents. The national average right now is $2.44 per gallon, but it has been known to fluctuate. Do you remember when it was over $4 per gallon in 2008?
10. A Beatles concert ticket
When the Beatles were very popular, you could still get an amazing seat for about $5. These days, a front row seat at a Paul McCartney concert will cost you over $3,000!
11. Stamp
In the 1960s, the cost of a first-class postage stamp went from 4 to 6 cents. Now, a stamp will cost you 50 cents.
12. Barbie
Barbie was very new and very popular in the ’60s. Back then, she would cost you only $3. These days there are so many different varieties of Barbies and they cost an average of $10 each.
13. Hamburger from McDonald’s
The classic hamburger from the fast food giant McDonald’s was 15 cents in the ’60s. Now, they are about $2.49 and up, depending on what type you order.
Get even more nostalgic of the ’60s with this video of the best 1960s dance moves: