15 Things That Cost Less Than a Dollar in the ’70s—Now They're Outrageous

Take a nostalgic look at 15 items that used to cost less than a dollar in the 1970s but are now outrageously expensive. Once available to almost everyone, these items now feel like luxury purchases due to inflation and shifting market trends. From everyday snacks to popular activities, we look at how prices have risen over time and consider how life has changed since then.

Tricia Quitales
April 9, 2025
5 min read

15 Things That Cost Less Than a Dollar in the ’70s—Now They're Outrageous — Allan So on Pexels

In the 1970s, many items that are now considered necessities or treats were extremely inexpensive, often costing less than a dollar. However, due to inflation, changes in production costs, and shifting market conditions, these items are now considered luxury purchases. Reflecting on these price changes allows us to better understand how the American economy and consumer habits have evolved over the last few decades.

1. A Loaf of Bread

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Most grocery stores sold loaves of bread for less than a dollar. Today, a loaf of bread can cost several dollars, depending on the brand and type. The price increase is due to changes in wheat production, transportation, and the general cost of living.

2. A Movie Ticket

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Back in the 1970s, a movie ticket could cost around 75 cents, even at major theaters. Ticket prices for a standard film have risen to $10 or higher, particularly for evening showings or 3D films. The increase in ticket prices is primarily due to higher production costs, inflation, and the enhanced experience of premium formats.

3. A Bag of Chips

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A single-serving bag of chips costs 50 cents or less. Today, those small bags can easily cost more than $1.50, with some specialty brands charging even more. Rising packaging, production, and distribution costs have fueled this increase.

4. Coke

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In the 1970s, a can of Coke was typically priced between 25 and 35 cents, making it an affordable treat. Today, even the smallest cans and bottles can cost $1 or more, particularly at convenience stores. The increased cost is partly due to rising production costs, inflation, and the brand’s global expansion.

5. A Candy Bar

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A candy bar that cost about 25 cents in the 1970s now costs more than a dollar in most places. Popular brands such as Snickers, Hershey’s, and Milky Way have all experienced significant price increases. Ingredient costs, labor, and transportation all contribute to these price increases.

6. A Phone Call from a Payphone

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A local phone call from a payphone cost only one dime. Finding a payphone is uncommon, and most people use mobile phones, which have monthly fees exceeding a dime. The disappearance of payphones and the rise of mobile technology have fundamentally altered how we communicate.

7. A Postcard

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A postcard could be mailed for 10 cents, making it a low-cost way to convey a message. Today, the cost of a postcard and postage has risen to more than $1, with postage accounting for the majority of the cost. This change reflects inflation and an increase in postal service costs.

8. A Stamp

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In 1970, a stamp to mail a letter cost about six cents. A first-class stamp now costs more than 60 cents, and prices are increasing regularly. Inflation and the United States Postal Service’s financial difficulties have caused an increase in postage costs.

9. A Gasoline Gallon

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The price of a gallon of gasoline was approximately 36 cents. Today, gas prices regularly exceed $3 per gallon, with fluctuations due to supply and demand, global oil markets, and political factors. One of the most noticeable changes in consumer costs has been the sharp increase in fuel prices.

10. A Fast-Food Meal

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In the 1970s, fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s offered meals for around $1. Today, a typical combo meal costs $7 or more, depending on location and menu. Rising wages, ingredient costs, and inflation all contributed to this significant price increase.

11. A Pack of Cigarettes

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A pack of cigarettes cost about 50 cents in the 1970s, but today’s prices frequently exceed $7 per pack in many states. The price increase is due to higher production costs, taxes, and a growing public health campaign against smoking.

12. A Parking Meter

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You could park at a meter for a quarter and get approximately an hour of parking time. Nowadays, that quarter may only take 15 minutes in some cities. The rising cost of parking is caused by urban development and increased demand for limited space in congested areas.

13. A Taxi Ride

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In the 1970s, a short taxi ride cost only a few dollars. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have increased the cost, starting at $10 or more for a basic trip. The rate increase is due to rising operational costs, driver wages, and increased demand.

14. A Weekly Magazine

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Magazines like Time and Newsweek used to sell for 50 cents or less at newsstands. However, due to rising printing and distribution costs, the same magazines now cost $5 or more per issue. The digital shift in media consumption contributes to the rising cost of print publications.

15. A Coffee at a Diner

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A cup of coffee at your local diner was a simple and inexpensive treat, often costing only 25 cents. A cup of coffee now costs more than $2 in many coffee shops and restaurants. The price increase reflects inflation and the trend toward higher-end coffee experiences.