$1,000 in 1982 is worth how much today?
$3,491.61 in Sep 2026 dollars
$1,000 in 1982 had the same purchasing power as $3,491.61 in Sep 2026. Prices are 3.49× higher, so a dollar from 1982 buys what about $3.49 buys today. Put the other way, $1,000 held as cash since 1982 has lost about 71% of its buying power. Inflation in 1982 was 6.1%. 1982 is remembered for the end of the early-1980s recession. Over the following decade, prices rose 41%.
What $1,000 bought in 1982 vs. today
Using BLS average retail prices, the same $1,000 buys these quantities:
| Item | 1982 | Sep 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| dozen eggs | 1,154 (at $0.87) | 440 (at $2.27) |
| gallons of gas | 772 (at $1.30) | 223 (at $4.48) |
| pounds of white bread | 1,879 (at $0.53) | 546 (at $1.83) |
| pounds of coffee | 396 (at $2.52) | 107 (at $9.33) |
To earn the same today
Someone earning $1,000 a month in 1982 would need about $3,491.61 a month in Sep 2026 to keep the same standard of living, based on CPI-U.
Other amounts: $100 · $10,000 · full 1982 inflation table
Nearby years: 1973 · 1974 · 1975 · 1979 · 1980 · 1985 · 1990