ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1990s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1994
In 1994, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 2.61%, civilian unemployment stood at 6.10%, and real GDP grew by 4.03%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1994, $100 in 1994 has the same purchasing power as $217.00 in 2025.
1994 CPI Inflation 2.61% CPI: 148.2
$100 in 1994 Worth $217.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 6.10% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 4.03% $7,287B nominal
Median Home Price $130,425 4.04x income
10Y Treasury Yield 7.09% Fed Funds: 4.20%
1994 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1994 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 2.61% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $217.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 6.10% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 4.03% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $7,287.2B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $42,187 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $130,425 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.04x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 7.09% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $4.25 ($9.23 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $1.11 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 64.2% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -2.79% | -5.77% | History → |
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