According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, the dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 2.33% per year. Prices in 2018 are 90.5% higher than prices in 1990.
In other words, $500 in the year 1990 is equivalent in purchasing power to $952.53 in 2018, a difference of $452.53 over 28 years.
The current inflation rate in 2018 is 1.72%1. If this number holds, $500 today will be equivalent to $508.59 next year.
Cumulative price change | 90.51% |
Average inflation rate | 2.33% |
Price difference ($500 base) | $452.53 |
CPI in 1990 | 130.7 |
CPI in 2018 | 248.991 |
Politics and news often influence economic performance. Here's what was happening at the time:
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 in 1990 → 2018 | Inflation Calculator.” FinanceRef Inflation Calculator, Alioth Finance, 22 Apr. 2018, http://www.in2013dollars.com/1990-dollars-in-2018?amount=500.