Inflation & buying power
$100 in 1920 is worth how much today?
$100 in 1920 has the same buying power as about $1,672 today (May 2026). Prices have risen roughly 1572% since 1920 — an average of about 2.7% a year.
What this means
$100 in 1920 — during the Roaring Twenties — stretched a lot further than it does now. To match that same buying power today you'd need about $1,672, because everyday prices have climbed about 1572% in the 106 years since.
Put another way, today's dollar buys what about $0.06 bought in 1920.
The inflation behind the number
- Total inflation since 1920: about 1572%.
- Average annual inflation: about 2.7% per year.
- Time span: 106 years (1920 → 2026).
- Source: CPI-U (CPIAUCNS), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED.
$100 in other years, worth today
| $100 in… | Worth today |
|---|---|
| 1920 | $1,672 |
| 1950 | $1,392 |
| 1970 | $863.16 |
| 1980 | $406.66 |
| 1990 | $256.49 |
| 2000 | $194.61 |
| 2010 | $153.69 |
| 2020 | $129.49 |
Frequently asked questions
$100 in 1920 is worth how much today?
$100 in 1920 has the same buying power as about $1,672 in May 2026. That reflects roughly 1572% total inflation since 1920.
Why is $100 from 1920 worth more today?
Prices have risen over time (inflation), so it takes more dollars now to buy what $100 bought in 1920. The increase averages about 2.7% per year over 106 years.
How is this calculated?
We multiply the original amount by the ratio of today's Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) to the CPI in the original year, using official data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED.
Last reviewed June 20, 2026. Figures based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Estimates for general education, not financial advice.