Prices in the 1930s

Prices in the 1930s are offered here by way of comparison with current prices.

For context, the average income across the decade was $1,368 (it was $1,850 per year in 1931) and the average unemployment rate in the 1930s was 18 percent, up from the average of 5 percent in the 1920s.

These changes were caused by inflation, which is caused by unlimited printing of fiat currency not based on a gold standard.

Thank you, Keynesian economics.

Fresh Meat and Vegetables

• Shoulder of Ohio Spring lamb 17 cents per pound Ohio 1932
• Sliced Baked Ham 39 cents per pound Ohio 1932
• Dozen Eggs 18 Cents Ohio 1932
• Coconut Macaroons 27 cents per pound Ohio 1932
• Bananas 19 cents for 4 Pounds Ohio 1932
• Jumbo Sliced Loaf of Bread 5 cents Maryland 1939
• Spinach 5 cents a pound Maryland 1939
• Applesauce 20 cents for 3 cans New Jersey
• Bacon, 38 cents per pound New Jersey
• Bread, white, 8 cents per loaf New Jersey
• Ham, 27 cents can New Jersey
• Ketchup, 9 cents New Jersey
• Lettuce, iceberg, 7 cents head New Jersey
• Potatoes, 18 cents for 10 pounds New Jersey
• Sugar, 49 cents for 10 pounds New Jersey
• Oranges 14 for 25 cents Ohio 1932
• Chuck Roast 15 cents per pound Ohio 1932
• White Potatoes 19 cents for 10LBs Ohio 1932
• Spring Chickens 20 cents per pound Ohio 1932
• Wieners 8 cents per pound Ohio 1932
• Best Steak 22 cents per pound Ohio 1935
• Pure lard 15 cents per pound Wisconsin 1935
• Hot Cross Buns 16 Cents per dozen Texas 1939

More

• Peanut Butter 23 cents QT Ohio 1932
• Bran Flakes 10 cents Maryland 1939
• Clifton Toilet Tissue 9 cents for 2 rolls Ohio 1932
• Camay Soap 6 cents bar Ohio 1932
• Cod Liver Oil 44 cents pint   Wisconsin    1933
• Tooth paste 27 cents Wisconsin 1933
• Lux Laundry Soap 22 cents Indiana 1935
• Suntan Oil 25 cents Pennsylvania 1938
• Talcum Powder 13 cents Maryland 1939
• Noxzema Medicated Cream for Pimples 49 cents Texas 1935
• Soap, Lifebuoy, 17 cents for 3 bars New Jersey
• Sugar $1.25 per 25LB Sack   Ohio    1932
• Pork and Beans 5 cents can Ohio 1932
• Heinz Beans 13 cents for 25oz can Ohio 1932
• Campbells Tomato Soup 4 cans for 25 cents Indiana 1937
• Oranges 2 dozen 25 cents Indiana 1937
• Kellogs Corn Flakes 3 Pkgs 25 cents Indiana 1937
• Mixed Nuts 19 Cents per pound Indiana 1937
• Pork Loin Roast 15 cents per pound Indiana 1937
• Channel Cat Fish 28 cents per pound Missouri 1938
• Fresh Peas 4 cents per pound Maryland 1939
• Cabbage 3 cents per pound Maryland 1939
• Sharp Wisconsin Cheese 23 cents per pound Maryland 1939