US CPI · 1979 to 2025
$100 in 1979 is worth $443.39 today
$100 in 1979 has the same purchasing power as $443.39 in 2025. That is a 343.4% increase in prices, or an average inflation rate of 3.29% per year. Prices first doubled from their 1979 level in 1994.
Inflation in 1979
11.3%
vs 1978
Total since 1979
343%
72.6 → 321.9 CPI
Average per year
3.29%
46 years
1979 dollars in today's money
| 1979 amount | Value in 2025 |
|---|---|
| $1 | $4.43 |
| $10 | $44.34 |
| $20 | $88.68 |
| $50 | $221.69 |
| $100 | $443.39 |
| $500 | $2,216.94 |
| $1,000 | $4,433.88 |
| $5,000 | $22,169.42 |
| $10,000 | $44,338.84 |
| $50,000 | $221,694.21 |
| $100,000 | $443,388.43 |
How $100 from 1979 grew over time
The same $100 from 1979, measured in later years' dollars.
| Year | Equivalent of $100 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | $143.11 | 43% |
| 1989 | $170.80 | 71% |
| 1999 | $229.48 | 129% |
| 2009 | $295.45 | 195% |
| 2025 | $443.39 | 343% |
Convert any amount
$100.00 in 1979 is worth
$443.39in 2025 dollars
Cumulative change
343.4%
Average per year
3.29%
Nearby years
See the full US inflation calculator and year-by-year table.
Frequently asked questions
How much is $100 in 1979 worth today?
$100 in 1979 is worth about $443.39 in 2025. In other words, you would need $443.39 today to buy what $100 bought in 1979.
What was the inflation rate in 1979?
Consumer prices rose 11.3% in 1979 compared with 1978, based on CPI-U annual averages (65.2 → 72.6).
How much have prices gone up since 1979?
Prices are 343.4% higher in 2025 than in 1979, an average inflation rate of 3.29% per year over 46 years. Today a dollar buys only what 23 cents bought in 1979.
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.