ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1970s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1978
In 1978, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 7.63%, civilian unemployment stood at 6.07%, and real GDP grew by 5.54%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1978, $100 in 1978 has the same purchasing power as $494.00 in 2025.
1978 CPI Inflation 7.63% CPI: 65.2
$100 in 1978 Worth $494.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 6.07% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 5.54% $2,352B nominal
Median Home Price $55,850 4.14x income
10Y Treasury Yield 8.41% Fed Funds: 7.93%
1978 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1978 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 7.63% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $494.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 6.07% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 5.54% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $2,351.6B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $31,678 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $55,850 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.14x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 8.41% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $2.65 ($13.08 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $0.67 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 32.4% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -2.52% | -5.77% | History → |
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