16 Items That Used to Cost a Quarter — and Now Break the Bank
Once-cheap comforts now come with a premium, showing just how far a quarter no longer goes.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Once seen as symbols of affordable pleasure and access, these items have dramatically increased in price — some due to inflation, others thanks to market reinvention or tech upgrades. The shift reminds us how purchasing power has changed across decades and generations. That lonely quarter in your pocket just doesn’t pack the same punch it used to.
1. A Pack of Baseball Cards
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In the ’80s, you could buy a wax pack of Topps baseball cards for just 25 cents, bubble gum included. Today, a single pack from a premium brand like Panini or Topps Chrome can run you over $10, more if you’re chasing rookies. The hobby evolved into a booming investment scene, no longer just a kid’s pastime.
2. Arcade Games
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A single quarter once bought you a solid three minutes of Pac-Man or Galaga glory. Now, many arcade machines cost $1 to $3 per play, especially in retro or barcade venues. The nostalgic kick comes at a premium price — just staying alive in Time Crisis might cost you $10.
3. A Phone Call at a Payphone
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Dropping a quarter into a payphone used to be the way you called home after school. Fast-forward to today, and payphones have nearly vanished — and if you find one, it could cost up to $1 per minute. Meanwhile, smartphones and data plans are their own kind of financial sinkhole.
4. McDonald’s Cheeseburger (or Hamburger)
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In the early ’70s, a McDonald’s hamburger was a simple 25-cent fix. These days, that same item on the value menu rings up close to $2, and that’s before tax. The Dollar Menu is mostly extinct, replaced by “value” items that require a value-sized wallet.
5. Comic Books
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Back in the 1960s, a Marvel or DC comic cost 12 to 25 cents. Now, a new issue from a major publisher costs anywhere from $3.99 to $5.99. Fans pay more for nostalgia, glossy pages, variant covers, and superhero sagas that feel more cinematic than ever.
6. Gasoline (Per Gallon)
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In the early 1950s, a gallon of gas hovered around 25 cents. Today, even on a good day, you’re shelling out anywhere from $3 to $7, depending on location and politics. Road trips and daily commutes don’t come cheap anymore.
7. Public School Lunches
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Not too long ago, a school lunch tray — complete with mystery meat and a milk carton — was just 25 cents in many U.S. districts. Now, prices can climb to $3 or more unless subsidized. For families without assistance, that’s a hefty inflation in a child’s daily routine.
8. Coca-Cola in a Glass Bottle
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There was a time when vending machines or corner stores sold Coke in glass bottles for a quarter. Today, a bottle costs over $2, and the original contour glass bottles are now novelty items or collectibles. The fizz remains, but the affordability doesn’t.
9. Bus Fare
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In cities like New York or Chicago during the 1970s, a quarter got you a ride across town. Now, the same trip could set you back $2.75 or more, depending on your transit card situation. Public transit is still cheaper than driving, but nowhere near that old-school value.
10. A Newspaper
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A daily paper used to cost a quarter at most corner stands. Today, print editions typically cost between $2 and $3 on weekdays, and Sunday editions can reach up to $6. Meanwhile, online subscriptions cost even more over time, hiding behind paywalls that feel like luxury gates.
11. Bubble Gum
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Wrigley’s, Bazooka, or Dubble Bubble could once be bought for a quarter — or several for that price. Now, a single stick of gum is rarely sold individually, and multi-packs are typically priced between $2 and $5. Even cheap chews got caught in the jaws of inflation.
12. Movie Rentals (Via Kiosks)
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At the dawn of home video, Blockbuster occasionally had quarter-night promotions for older releases. Even in the Redbox era, prices started low but steadily climbed. Now, a digital rental through Amazon or Apple TV will cost you $3.99 to $6.99 — even more for new releases.
13. Jukebox Songs
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In diners and bars, you could cue up your favorite Elvis or Beatles track for just a quarter. Modern digital jukeboxes now cost 50 cents to $1 per song, sometimes more if you want to “play next.” The music may be instant, but so is the dent in your cash.
14. Carnival Rides
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A spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl or Ferris wheel at the county fair was often just 25 cents. Now, wristbands or ticket packs can cost $30 to $50 per person, and individual rides range from $3 to $6. The magic is still there, but so is the markup.
15. Ice Cream Cones (Single Scoop)
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At your neighborhood parlor in the ‘60s and ‘70s, a scoop of vanilla on a wafer cone was just a quarter’s delight. These days, you’re looking at $4 to $7 per cone, depending on how hipster your scoop shop is. The sprinkles cost extra — sometimes your dignity does too.
16. Used Books (at Garage Sales or Libraries)
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Secondhand books were often priced at 25 cents during library sales or community fairs. Now, many used bookstores charge $5 to $10 per copy, and even thrift store prices have jumped. The age of penny-paperbacks has turned into dollar-deal territory.