ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1970s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1973
In 1973, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 6.18%, civilian unemployment stood at 4.86%, and real GDP grew by 5.65%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1973, $100 in 1973 has the same purchasing power as $725.00 in 2025.
1973 CPI Inflation 6.18% CPI: 44.4
$100 in 1973 Worth $725.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 4.86% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 5.65% $1,425B nominal
Median Home Price $32,600 3.76x income
10Y Treasury Yield 6.85% Fed Funds: 8.73%
1973 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1973 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 6.18% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $725.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 4.86% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 5.65% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $1,425.4B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $28,812 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $32,600 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.76x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 6.85% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $1.60 ($11.60 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | - | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 32.4% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -1.05% | -5.77% | History → |
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