US CPI · 1978 to 2025
$100 in 1978 is worth $493.71 today
$100 in 1978 has the same purchasing power as $493.71 in 2025. That is a 393.7% increase in prices, or an average inflation rate of 3.46% per year. Prices first doubled from their 1978 level in 1990.
Inflation in 1978
7.6%
vs 1977
Total since 1978
394%
65.2 → 321.9 CPI
Average per year
3.46%
47 years
1978 dollars in today's money
| 1978 amount | Value in 2025 |
|---|---|
| $1 | $4.94 |
| $10 | $49.37 |
| $20 | $98.74 |
| $50 | $246.86 |
| $100 | $493.71 |
| $500 | $2,468.56 |
| $1,000 | $4,937.12 |
| $5,000 | $24,685.58 |
| $10,000 | $49,371.17 |
| $50,000 | $246,855.83 |
| $100,000 | $493,711.66 |
How $100 from 1978 grew over time
The same $100 from 1978, measured in later years' dollars.
| Year | Equivalent of $100 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | $152.76 | 53% |
| 1988 | $181.44 | 81% |
| 1998 | $250.00 | 150% |
| 2008 | $330.21 | 230% |
| 2025 | $493.71 | 394% |
Convert any amount
$100.00 in 1978 is worth
$493.71in 2025 dollars
Cumulative change
393.7%
Average per year
3.46%
Nearby years
See the full US inflation calculator and year-by-year table.
Frequently asked questions
How much is $100 in 1978 worth today?
$100 in 1978 is worth about $493.71 in 2025. In other words, you would need $493.71 today to buy what $100 bought in 1978.
What was the inflation rate in 1978?
Consumer prices rose 7.6% in 1978 compared with 1977, based on CPI-U annual averages (60.6 → 65.2).
How much have prices gone up since 1978?
Prices are 393.7% higher in 2025 than in 1978, an average inflation rate of 3.46% per year over 47 years. Today a dollar buys only what 20 cents bought in 1978.
Disclaimer: These are estimates based on published tax rates for a single employee with standard deductions and no other income. Your actual pay depends on your tax code, benefits, credits and local taxes. This site is for information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Check with your tax authority or a qualified professional before making decisions.