ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 2000s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 2008
In 2008, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 3.84%, civilian unemployment stood at 5.80%, and real GDP grew by 0.11%. Due to cumulative inflation since 2008, $100 in 2008 has the same purchasing power as $150.00 in 2025.
2008 CPI Inflation 3.84% CPI: 215.3
$100 in 2008 Worth $150.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 5.80% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 0.11% $14,770B nominal
Median Home Price $229,550 4.56x income
Mortgage Rate (FHFA) 6.2% 10Y Yield: 3.66%
2008 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 2008 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 3.84% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $150.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 5.80% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 0.11% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $14,769.9B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $55,105 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $229,550 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.56x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | 6.2% | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 3.66% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $6.55 ($9.79 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $3.27 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 67.1% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -3.10% | -5.77% | History → |
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