Is Anything Cheaper in 2025? Rachel Cruze and George Kamel Weigh In
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
It can feel like everything costs more today compared to even a few years ago. Whether at the gas pump or when buying a house, prices have skyrocketed. And while most things are more expensive today than they were in the past, some items have become cheaper.
On an episode of “Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel and George,” co-hosts Rachel Cruze and George Kamel discussed the following 10 things that are cheaper in 2025 and what they cost in years past.
Music
The first thing that financial experts Rachel Cruze and George Kamel said has become cheaper is music. The co-hosts explained that CDs cost anywhere from $15 to $25 in the 1990s. While the digitalization of music brought down the price of a song, it was still expensive even just a few years ago, with people paying 99 cents per song on iTunes.
Today, however, music lovers can enjoy unlimited tunes for just $7 to $12 per month. According to PC Mag, Apple Music, Spotify and SiriusXM lead the pack in the highly saturated music streaming industry.
Calculators
Today’s advanced mathematics students will never know the pain of buying a graphing calculator, which cost $170 in 1974. Rachel and George said the current price of the calculator would be $1,100 with inflation. Luckily, calculus students have many less expensive options to ensure they make the grade, including the ability to perform advanced calculations right on their phone.
Photos
Photographs are another item that has gotten cheaper over time. What once cost $3 to $6 to develop is now free on an iPhone or other smartphone. Storing all the digital photos may cost a pretty penny, but it is a fraction of the cost of developing dozens of photos each month.
Video Surveillance
In the 1980s, the co-hosts explained that video surveillance cost a whopping $12,000, which would be approximately $43,000 today, adjusted for inflation. In 2025, homeowners have a wide range of options to choose from when securing their properties. The Arlo 2K Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), Google Nest Doorbell 2nd Gen and Ring Battery Doorbell Pro top the list of the best video doorbells, according to CNET.
Diamonds
Diamonds are not only a girl’s best friend, but also a wallet’s. In the “Is Anything Actually Cheaper in 2025? Let’s Find Out!” episode, the co-hosts and friends explain that lab-grown diamonds are around 60 %to 85% less expensive than authentic diamonds. Today, the synthetic version costs $950 on average for a 1.5-carat diamond, whereas diamonds in 2010 could cost $10,000 or more in 2010.
Calling and Texting
It is not only family and friends who are saving money on calling and texting. In the 1990s, it cost 25 cents per call on a payphone. Texting, only a decade or two ago, cost 10 cents to 20 cents per text. Most cell phone carriers today include unlimited calling and texting in their monthly service fees.
Gym Memberships
Gym memberships are also considerably less expensive in 2025, compared to a few decades ago. According to Rachel and George, a gym membership in the 1990s cost approximately $70 to $100 per month. Today, competition has driven monthly membership prices to as low as $15 at places like Planet Fitness. People can also work out for free through apps or online.
Computers
The ability to hold an entire computer in one hand has brought down the price of laptops and desktops considerably. In 1995, a computer cost $3,499, according to the co-hosts. Today, a brand-new MacBook Air costs under $1,000.
Flights
Increased competition and the rise of budget airlines have led to a significant decrease in flight prices since the 1990s. Flights at the time cost $288 or $550 in current dollars, adjusted for inflation. Hopeful travelers can find deals to locations throughout the US and worldwide, as noted by the financial professionals.
Digital Storage
The final item that is less pricey today compared to in the past is digital storage. For example, a floppy disk cost $20 in 2005. While iPhone owners may grimace at the $9.99 price tag for extra storage, it pales in comparison to the cost of buying dozens of floppy disks to store information.
More From GOBankingRates
