$1,000 in 2008 is worth how much today?
$1,564.96 in Sep 2026 dollars
$1,000 in 2008 had the same purchasing power as $1,564.96 in Sep 2026. Prices are 1.56× higher, so a dollar from 2008 buys what about $1.56 buys today. Put the other way, $1,000 held as cash since 2008 has lost about 36% of its buying power. Inflation in 2008 was 3.8%. 2008 is remembered for the financial crisis. Over the following decade, prices rose 14%.
What $1,000 bought in 2008 vs. today
Using BLS average retail prices, the same $1,000 buys these quantities:
| Item | 2008 | Sep 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| dozen eggs | 503 (at $1.99) | 440 (at $2.27) |
| gallons of gas | 306 (at $3.27) | 223 (at $4.48) |
| pounds of white bread | 732 (at $1.37) | 546 (at $1.83) |
| gallons of milk | 263 (at $3.80) | 244 (at $4.11) |
| pounds of ground beef | 427 (at $2.34) | 147 (at $6.79) |
To earn the same today
Someone earning $1,000 a month in 2008 would need about $1,564.96 a month in Sep 2026 to keep the same standard of living, based on CPI-U.
Other amounts: $100 · $10,000 · full 2008 inflation table
Nearby years: 1999 · 2000 · 2005 · 2010 · 2015