Inflation Calculator
U.S. Inflation Rate, 1850-2018 ($500,000)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, the dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 2.06% per year. Prices in 2018 are 2965.4% higher than prices in 1850.
In other words, $500,000 in the year 1850 is equivalent in purchasing power to $15,326,861.76 in 2018, a difference of $14,826,861.76 over 168 years.
The current inflation rate in 2018 is 1.72%1. If this number holds, $500,000 today will be equivalent to $508,589.13 next year.
| Cumulative price change | 2965.37% |
| Average inflation rate | 2.06% |
| Price difference ($500,000 base) | $14,826,861.76 |
| CPI in 2018 | 248.991 |
News headlines from 1850
Politics and news often influence economic performance. Here's what was happening at the time:
- The first National Women's Rights Convention takes place in Wocester, Massachusetts.
- The California Exchange is opened.
- Britain blockades Piraeus, a Greek port.
- The HMS Investigator sets sail from Woolwich, England, becoming the first ship to explore the Northwest Passage.
Inflation Data Source
Raw data for these calculations comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI), established in 1913. Inflation data from 1665 to 1912 is sourced from a historical study conducted by political science professor Robert Sahr at Oregon State University.
You may use the following MLA citation for this page: “$500,000 in 1850 → 2018 | Inflation Calculator.” FinanceRef Inflation Calculator, Alioth Finance, 23 Apr. 2018, http://www.in2013dollars.com/1850-dollars?amount=500000.