Inflation Calculator
U.S. Inflation Rate, 1959-2018 ($1)
The consumer price index (CPI) in 1959 was 29.1. the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses this CPI value to track inflation on a monthly basis.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, the dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 3.71% per year. Prices in 2018 are 756.0% higher than prices in 1959.
In other words, $1 in the year 1959 is equivalent in purchasing power to $8.56 in 2018, a difference of $7.56 over 59 years.
The current inflation rate in 2018 is 1.72%1. If this number holds, $1 today will be equivalent to $1.02 next year.
| Cumulative price change | 756.00% |
| Average inflation rate | 3.71% |
| Price difference ($1 base) | $7.56 |
| CPI in 1959 | 29.1 |
| CPI in 2018 | 248.991 |
Inflation rates for specific categories
Juices and nonalcoholic drinks · Educational books and supplies · Bread · More
How to calculate the inflation rate for $1 since 1959
Start with the inflation rate formula:CPI in 2018 / CPI in 1959 * 1959 USD value = 2018 USD value
Then plug in historical CPI values. The U.S. CPI was 29.1 in the year 1959 and 248.991 in 2018:
248.991 / 29.1 * $1 = $8.56
$1 in 1959 has the same "purchasing power" as $8.56 in 2018.
News headlines from 1959
Politics and news often influence economic performance. Here's what was happening at the time:
- Hawaii becomes the 50th state of the United States of America.
- Luna I is the first spacecraft to leave the Earth's gravity.
- Fidel Castro becomes the 16th Prime Minister of Cuba after overthrowing Batista.
- The Dalai Lama flees China after India grants him political asylum.
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: “Inflation Rate in 1959 | Inflation Calculator.” FinanceRef Inflation Calculator, Alioth Finance, 22 Apr. 2018, http://www.in2013dollars.com/inflation-rate-in-1959.