1. A Gallon of Gas (Plus a Few More)
In 1990, the national average for a gallon of gas was just $1.16. That means for $5, you could fill your tank with more than four gallons. Even in the early 2000s, prices hovered around $1.50–$1.70 per gallon. That gave you enough fuel to cruise around town without sweating your bank account.
Now, five bucks might buy you a single gallon on a good day—if you’re lucky and live in a cheaper state. This isn’t just nostalgia; it shows how much daily necessities have changed. For most people, gas isn’t optional—it’s essential. The fact that it was once so affordable is hard to wrap your head around today.
2. A Full McDonald’s Meal with Change to Spare
Back in the 1980s and early ’90s, you could stroll into McDonald’s with a five-dollar bill and walk out with a burger, fries, and a drink—and still have coins jangling in your pocket. A Big Mac was about $1.60 in 1990, fries were under a buck, and a soda might set you back 85 cents. Even factoring in tax, you were well under the $5 mark. Compare that to today’s meal deals, which often push $10 or more.
That’s not just inflation—it’s a whole shift in the value of the dollar and cost of living. Fast food used to be the cheap option for families on a budget or teenagers looking to hang out. Now it’s creeping into sit-down restaurant territory. It’s a little wild to think $5 once got you a whole greasy feast.
3. A Movie Ticket—With Popcorn
Going to the movies used to be a cheap night out. In 1995, the average price of a movie ticket was around $4.35. That left you just enough to snag a small popcorn if you stretched it. You could go with a friend and split a big tub of popcorn for a couple extra bucks.
Today, ticket prices alone can hit $15 in many cities—popcorn not included. And we’re not talking luxury theaters with reclining seats. This was just your local cinema, sticky floors and all. The whole experience has gone from casual fun to borderline luxury.
4. A Paperback Bestseller
In the 1980s and early ’90s, you could grab the latest Stephen King or Danielle Steel paperback for $3.99 or less. Bookstore shelves were full of $2.99 and $4.50 price tags, especially for mass market editions. A trip to Waldenbooks or B. Dalton with a five-dollar bill could actually get you something decent to read. And if there was a sale bin? Jackpot.
Today, most paperbacks run $10 to $18, with some even higher. Sure, ebooks offer cheaper options, but the experience just isn’t the same. Holding a new book in your hands used to feel like a small indulgence that didn’t break the bank. Now it feels more like a splurge.
5. A Night at the Roller Rink
Lacing up your skates and hitting the rink was once a solid Friday night plan—and it cost less than $5. Admission was often $2 or $3, with skate rental sometimes included or costing an extra buck. That left room in your wallet for a slice of pizza or a soda at the snack bar. It was fun, affordable, and social.
Today, a trip to the roller rink can easily run $10–$20 with rentals and concessions. It’s still fun, sure, but the price tag is way steeper. What was once an easy hangout is now a planned event. And for a lot of kids, that $5 price point made all the difference.
6. A Dozen Eggs (and Then Some)
Eggs have had their ups and downs, but for decades, a dozen eggs cost well under $2. In the early 2000s, they averaged around $1.25 per dozen. In the ‘90s, it was even less—hovering around 70–90 cents. That left enough money to grab a loaf of bread, too.
During recent price spikes, eggs have soared to $5 or more per dozen in some areas. The idea of buying multiple cartons for a few bucks now sounds impossible. It used to be the go-to cheap protein for families. Now it’s another grocery item that can make your receipt sting.
7. A Vinyl Record Single
Remember 45s? In the ‘70s and ‘80s, you could snag a hit single on vinyl for about $1.50–$2.00. Stores like Tower Records or Sam Goody had whole sections dedicated to them. If you had five bucks, you could walk away with two or three of your favorite tunes.
Now, vinyl is back—but it’s boutique-priced. Even a single can run $10 or more, and full albums regularly go for $25–$40. What was once the affordable way to build a music collection is now a collector’s game. Five dollars barely gets you a digital download, if that.
8. A Haircut (Seriously)
Barber shops in the 1970s and ‘80s often charged just $3 to $5 for a basic men’s haircut. No frills, just clippers, scissors, and a little neck dust. Even in smaller towns into the ‘90s, $5 was a standard price for a trim. You might even get a hot towel thrown in.
These days, a haircut for under $20 is a rare find unless you’re hitting a cosmetology school. For women, it’s often three to four times that. What was once a simple errand has turned into a pricey appointment. Those five-dollar cuts may be gone, but the nostalgia is still sharp.
9. A Record-Breaking Big Mac
In 1984, McDonald’s ran a promotion selling the Big Mac for just 99 cents. That’s right—you could get five Big Macs for under $5 if your stomach (and arteries) could handle it. Even outside the promo, Big Macs rarely topped $2 until the 2000s. It was an iconic item you could count on not breaking the bank.
Today, a Big Mac alone can run $5–$7 in many areas. Add fries and a drink, and you’re looking at $10+. The price jump is jarring for something so basic. Fast food was built on affordability—and $5 used to go a long, greasy way.
10. A Pack of Cigarettes
While not the healthiest budget item, it’s true: a pack of cigarettes once cost under $2 in many states. In the 1980s and even early ’90s, average prices hovered between $1.20 and $1.75. With $5, you could get a couple of packs and change. That same money wouldn’t buy half a pack today.
As taxes and health campaigns increased, prices skyrocketed. Now, in many cities, a pack costs $8–$12 or more. It’s a dramatic shift that mirrors changing social norms, too. Once a casual purchase, cigarettes are now both a financial and health burden.
11. A Large Pizza (No, Really)
In the late ’80s and ’90s, chain restaurants like Little Caesars regularly ran deals offering a large pizza for $4.99. Pizza Hut and Domino’s had similar offers, especially for carryout. That made feeding a few people cheap and easy. With a couple bucks for soda, dinner was done.
Today, the same large pizza is closer to $12–$18 depending on toppings and location. Sure, deals still exist, but they’re rare and often require coupons or apps. That $5 pizza night was a lifesaver for broke students and busy families alike. Now, it’s just a memory wrapped in cardboard and nostalgia.
12. A Car Wash with Vacuum Service
Automated car washes in the 1990s often cost just $3 to $4, and many included a vacuum station for free. It was a quick and easy way to freshen up your ride without denting your wallet. Some gas stations even threw in a discount with a fuel purchase. It was routine maintenance priced for everyone.
Today, even a basic wash often runs $8–$10, with more premium packages reaching $25. Vacuum access might cost extra—or be gone entirely. What used to be a simple pit stop is now a bit of a luxury. Five bucks won’t get you far in the clean car department these days.
13. A Box of Cereal—and Milk to Go With It
In the early 2000s, a box of brand-name cereal cost around $2.50–$3.00, and a half-gallon of milk was another $1.50 or so. That meant breakfast for the week could be handled with a single five. Grocery staples like these were accessible even on tight budgets. Kids could pick their favorite characters off the shelf without parents wincing at the price.
Now, many cereals are $5 all on their own, and milk can be surprisingly pricey. Even generic brands have seen major price hikes. That simple, happy breakfast? It’s not quite the bargain it used to be.
14. A Toll Road Cross-Country
This one’s a bit niche, but in the 1980s and ’90s, toll roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike or Ohio Turnpike charged under $5 for long stretches. You could travel 50 to 100 miles for just a few bucks. That made road trips a lot more budget-friendly. And you didn’t need a transponder or an app—just change in the cupholder.
Now, tolls on the same routes can be $15–$25 or more depending on your exit. With electronic tolling and dynamic pricing, the cost can be unpredictable. That classic road trip freedom came with a much smaller price tag back then. Today, $5 might not even get you out of the toll booth.
This post 14 Things You Can’t Believe You Used to Get for Under $5 was first published on American Charm.
