ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1990s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1996
In 1996, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 2.93%, civilian unemployment stood at 5.41%, and real GDP grew by 3.77%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1996, $100 in 1996 has the same purchasing power as $205.00 in 2025.
1996 CPI Inflation 2.93% CPI: 156.8
$100 in 1996 Worth $205.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 5.41% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 3.77% $8,073B nominal
Median Home Price $140,250 3.95x income
10Y Treasury Yield 6.44% Fed Funds: 5.30%
1996 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1996 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 2.93% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $205.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 5.41% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 3.77% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $8,073.1B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $43,910 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $140,250 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.95x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 6.44% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $4.75 ($9.75 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $1.23 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 64.5% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -1.33% | -5.77% | History → |
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