US CPI · 1988 to 2025
$100 in 1988 is worth $272.10 today
$100 in 1988 has the same purchasing power as $272.10 in 2025. That is a 172.1% increase in prices, or an average inflation rate of 2.74% per year. Prices first doubled from their 1988 level in 2014.
Inflation in 1988
4.1%
vs 1987
Total since 1988
172%
118.3 → 321.9 CPI
Average per year
2.74%
37 years
1988 dollars in today's money
| 1988 amount | Value in 2025 |
|---|---|
| $1 | $2.72 |
| $10 | $27.21 |
| $20 | $54.42 |
| $50 | $136.05 |
| $100 | $272.10 |
| $500 | $1,360.52 |
| $1,000 | $2,721.05 |
| $5,000 | $13,605.24 |
| $10,000 | $27,210.48 |
| $50,000 | $136,052.41 |
| $100,000 | $272,104.82 |
How $100 from 1988 grew over time
The same $100 from 1988, measured in later years' dollars.
| Year | Equivalent of $100 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | $122.15 | 22% |
| 1998 | $137.79 | 38% |
| 2008 | $181.99 | 82% |
| 2018 | $212.26 | 112% |
| 2025 | $272.10 | 172% |
Convert any amount
$100.00 in 1988 is worth
$272.10in 2025 dollars
Cumulative change
172.1%
Average per year
2.74%
Nearby years
See the full US inflation calculator and year-by-year table.
Frequently asked questions
How much is $100 in 1988 worth today?
$100 in 1988 is worth about $272.10 in 2025. In other words, you would need $272.10 today to buy what $100 bought in 1988.
What was the inflation rate in 1988?
Consumer prices rose 4.1% in 1988 compared with 1987, based on CPI-U annual averages (113.6 → 118.3).
How much have prices gone up since 1988?
Prices are 172.1% higher in 2025 than in 1988, an average inflation rate of 2.74% per year over 37 years. Today a dollar buys only what 37 cents bought in 1988.
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.