ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 2010s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 2018
In 2018, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 2.44%, civilian unemployment stood at 3.89%, and real GDP grew by 2.97%. Due to cumulative inflation since 2018, $100 in 2018 has the same purchasing power as $128.00 in 2025.
2018 CPI Inflation 2.44% CPI: 251.1
$100 in 2018 Worth $128.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 3.89% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 2.97% $20,657B nominal
Median Home Price $325,275 5.15x income
Mortgage Rate (FHFA) 4.7% 10Y Yield: 2.91%
2018 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 2018 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 2.44% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $128.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 3.89% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 2.97% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $20,656.5B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $61,418 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $325,275 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 5.15x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | 4.7% | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 2.91% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $7.25 ($9.30 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $2.74 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 103.8% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -3.77% | -5.77% | History → |
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