Inflation Calculator
See how inflation erodes your purchasing power over time. What will your money be worth in 10, 20, or 30 years?
Calculate Inflation ImpactHow Inflation Erodes Your Money
At 3% average inflation, here's what $100 today will buy in the future:
$74
In 10 years
$55
In 20 years
$41
In 30 years
$31
In 40 years
Your $100 loses nearly 70% of its purchasing power over 40 years!
Real-World Price Changes
Average Home Price
1990:$150,000
2000:$207,000
2010:$272,000
2024:$420,000
Gallon of Gas
1990:$1.15
2000:$1.51
2010:$2.78
2024:$3.50
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inflation and how does it affect my money?▼
Inflation is the rate prices rise over time, reducing purchasing power. At 3% inflation, $100 today buys what $74 will buy in 10 years.
What was $100 worth in 1990 compared to today?▼
$100 in 1990 had the purchasing power of about $240 today. Conversely, $100 today only buys what $42 bought in 1990.
How can I protect my savings from inflation?▼
Your investments need to earn more than inflation (~3%). Options: stock index funds (7-10% returns), I-Bonds, TIPS, or real estate.
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