How Much Things Cost in the 1960’s
The 1960s were a time of significant change and growth in the United States. The country was experiencing post-World War II prosperity, and many Americans were enjoying a newfound level of financial security.
However, inflation was also on the rise, and prices for some goods and services were increasing. In this article, we will explore the costs of various items in the 1960s and provide accurate data and sources for each category.
Food Prices in the 1960s
The cost of food in the 1960s varied greatly depending on the type of food and where it was purchased. For example, a pound of ground beef cost around $0.63 in 1960, while a dozen eggs cost about $0.57.
A loaf of bread cost about $0.22, and a gallon of milk cost around $0.49. These prices remained relatively stable throughout the decade, with slight fluctuations due to inflation.
| Item | 1960 Price | 1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| White Bread (loaf) | $0.22 | $0.25 |
| Ground Beef (per pound) | $0.50 | $0.62 |
| Rib Steak (per pound) | $0.79 | $1.09 |
| Bacon (per pound) | $0.67 | $0.90 |
| Pork Chops (per pound) | $0.55 | $0.68 |
| Ham (per pound) | $0.59 | $0.79 |
| Chicken (per pound) | $0.29 | $0.37 |
| Turkey (per pound) | $0.37 | $0.43 |
| Eggs (per dozen) | $0.53 | $0.62 |
| Milk (per gallon) | $0.49 | $1.10 |
| Butter (per pound) | $0.63 | $0.87 |
| Cheese (per pound) | $0.53 | $0.73 |
| Apples (per pound) | $0.12 | $0.17 |
| Bananas (per pound) | $0.10 | $0.12 |
| Oranges (per pound) | $0.11 | $0.14 |
| Tomatoes (per pound) | $0.19 | $0.22 |
| Lettuce (head) | $0.19 | $0.23 |
| Potatoes (per pound) | $0.03 | $0.04 |
| Sugar (per pound) | $0.05 | $0.06 |
| Coffee (per pound) | $0.70 | $0.85 |
Note: Prices in this table are in nominal dollars and do not account for inflation. The inflation-adjusted prices for these items would be higher in today’s dollars.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Housing Prices in the 1960s
The cost of housing in the 1960s also varied depending on location and type of dwelling. In 1960, the median price of a new home was around $12,700. By 1969, the median price had increased to around $22,400.
Rent prices also increased during this time, with the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in a metropolitan area rising from around $100 in 1960 to around $175 in 1969.
| Item | 1960 Price | 1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $11,900 | $20,600 |
| Average Rent (per month) | $71 | $108 |
Note: Prices in these tables are in nominal dollars and do not account for inflation. The inflation-adjusted prices for these items would be higher in today’s dollars.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Transportation Prices in the 1960s
Transportation costs in the 1960s were influenced by the cost of gas, car prices, and public transportation fares.
In 1960, the average price of a gallon of gas was around $0.31. By 1969, the average price had increased to around $0.35.
The cost of a new car in 1960 varied widely depending on the make and model, but the average price was around $2,600. By 1969, the average price of a new car had risen to around $3,270.
Public transportation fares also increased during this time, with the average fare for a bus ride in a metropolitan area rising from around $0.15 in 1960 to around $0.25 in 1969.
| Item | 1960 Price | 1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline (per gallon) | $0.31 | $0.35 |
| Diesel (per gallon) | $0.24 | $0.27 |
| Public Transit Fare (per ride) | $0.15 | $0.20 |
| Train Ticket (intercity, one-way) | $10.00 | $14.00 |
| Taxi Fare (per mile) | $0.20 | $0.35 |
| Parking Meter Fee (per hour) | $0.10 | $0.25 |
| Automobile Insurance (annual premium) | $96.00 | $120.00 |
| New Car (average) | $2,600 | $3,270 |
| Used Car (average) | $1,900 | $2,430 |
Note: Prices in this table are in nominal dollars and do not account for inflation. The inflation-adjusted prices for these items would be higher in today’s dollars.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Prices in the 1960s
The cost of education in the 1960s also varied depending on the type of institution and location. In 1960, the average tuition and fees for a private four-year college were around $1,410 per year, while the average for a public four-year college was around $575 per year.
By 1969, the average tuition and fees for a private four-year college had risen to around $2,600 per year, while the average for a public four-year college had risen to around $890 per year.
| Item | 1960 Price | 1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| College Tuition (per year, private) | $1,400 | $2,800 |
| College Tuition (per year, public) | $243 | $484 |
| High School Textbook (per book) | $3.50 | $4.25 |
| Elementary School Textbook (per book) | $1.00 | $1.25 |
| Pencil (each) | $0.05 | $0.05 |
| Notebook (per book) | $0.10 | $0.12 |
| Typewriter (portable) | $84.95 | $99.95 |
| School Bus (new, 66-passenger) | $12,000 | $15,000 |
| School Lunch (elementary) | $0.30 | $0.45 |
| School Lunch (high school) | $0.35 | $0.55 |
Note: Prices in this table are in nominal dollars and do not account for inflation. The inflation-adjusted prices for these items would be higher in today’s dollars. Additionally, college tuition prices vary greatly depending on the location and type of institution, and the prices listed are national averages.
Source: College Board
Entertainment Prices in the 1960s
Entertainment prices in the 1960s included the cost of going to the movies, buying records, and attending live performances.
In 1960, the average cost of a movie ticket was around $0.69, while a new record album cost around $3.50. By 1969, the average cost of a movie ticket had risen to around $0.85, while a new record album cost around $4.50.
Live performance ticket prices also increased during this time, with the average price of a ticket to a Broadway show rising from around $8.50 in 1960 to around $14 in 1969.
| Item | 1960 Price | 1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Movie Ticket | $0.69 | $1.00 |
| Live Theater Ticket | $7.50 | $11.00 |
| Concert Ticket | $3.50 | $5.00 |
| Broadway Show Ticket | $8.50 | $15.00 |
| Television Set (21-inch color) | $499.95 | $625.00 |
| Record Album | $3.98 | $5.98 |
| Paperback Book | $0.50 | $0.75 |
| Hardcover Book | $3.50 | $4.50 |
| Magazine (per issue) | $0.35 | $0.50 |
| Newspaper (per issue) | $0.10 | $0.15 |
Note: Prices in this table are in nominal dollars and do not account for inflation. The inflation-adjusted prices for these items would be higher in today’s dollars. Additionally, prices for entertainment items can vary greatly depending on the location and specific event or item.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Clothing Prices in the 1960s
Clothing prices in the 1960s were influenced by changes in fashion trends and the cost of materials. In 1960, a man’s suit cost around $28, while a woman’s dress cost around $15. By 1969, the average cost of a man’s suit had risen to around $45, while the average cost of a woman’s dress had risen to around $20.
| Item | 1960 Price | 1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Suit | $65.00 | $89.00 |
| Men’s Dress Shirt | $3.95 | $5.00 |
| Men’s Necktie | $2.50 | $3.50 |
| Women’s Dress | $12.00 | $20.00 |
| Women’s Blouse | $5.00 | $7.00 |
| Women’s Skirt | $6.00 | $10.00 |
| Women’s Stockings (per pair) | $0.89 | $1.00 |
| Women’s Shoes | $12.00 | $20.00 |
| Men’s Shoes | $13.00 | $20.00 |
Note: Prices in this table are in nominal dollars and do not account for inflation. The inflation-adjusted prices for these items would be higher in today’s dollars. Additionally, prices for clothing items can vary greatly depending on the brand, quality, and retailer.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical Prices in the 1960s
The cost of medical care in the 1960s varied depending on the type of service and location. In 1960, the average cost of a hospital stay was around $58 per day. By 1969, the average cost had risen to around $93 per day. The cost of a doctor’s visit in 1960 varied depending on the type of doctor and location, but the average cost was around $5.
| Item | 1960 Price | 1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner Visit | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| Specialist Visit | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Hospital Room (per day) | $30.00 | $50.00 |
| Appendectomy | $325.00 | $550.00 |
| Childbirth (normal delivery) | $200.00 | $300.00 |
| Dental Filling | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Eye Exam | $5.00 | $7.50 |
| Prescription Medication | $2.50 | $3.50 |
Note: Prices in this table are in nominal dollars and do not account for inflation. The inflation-adjusted prices for these items would be higher in today’s dollars. Additionally, prices for medical services and procedures can vary greatly depending on the location, healthcare provider, and type of insurance coverage.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
The 1960s were a time of change and growth in the United States, and prices for goods and services were influenced by a variety of factors, including inflation, fashion trends, and changes in technology.
Prices for food, housing, transportation, education, entertainment, clothing, and medical care varied depending on location and other factors, but the data provided above gives a general idea of what prices were like during that time period.
It is interesting to note that some prices, such as the cost of food, remained relatively stable throughout the decade, while others, such as the cost of housing, increased significantly.
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