7 Everyday Things That Were Shockingly Cheap in 1995
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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It can be hard to remember a time when going out or even grocery shopping was affordable for the average person. In 2025, a dinner and movie date can easily set a couple back over $100, but it wasn’t always that way. In the past 30 years, the cost of entertainment, groceries and services has jumped considerably.
While only a child at the time, famed personal finance expert Rachel Cruze remembers when things weren’t so outrageously expensive. She took her YouTube channel on a trip down memory lane in the episode “7 Things You Forgot Were Cheap in 1995.” Here are seven inexpensive things from the past that are much more expensive in 2025.
1. Movies
According to Cruze, the average cost of going to the movies was around $4.35 in 1995. She explained that $10 would not only cover the cost of admission, but also popcorn and a Coke. In 2025, however, the same $10 would not even cover the price of the ticket. The average cost to go to the movies in 2025 is $11.31. A decrease in box office sales may be partially to blame for the sharp increase in ticket prices.
The best-selling author explained that it may be even more expensive in some areas, and she wasn’t wrong. As reported by MoviePass, a standard ticket in a big city such as Los Angeles or New York averages between $15 and $20. Moviegoers hoping for an upgraded experience could pay an additional $3 to $7 per ticket, and going during peak hours could raise the price even more.
2. Concerts
The cost of going to see live music has also increased significantly. Cruze explained that in 1996, the average concert ticket was $25.81. By 2024, the average concert ticket had skyrocketed to $123.25 per person. Although in 2025, prices came down for concert tickets to $98.40, the increase is still substantial. Huge tours from superstars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift can inflate the cost during a particular year.
According to Rolling Stone, hopeful concertgoers have a few options to secure cheaper seats, including opting for presales, buying in person or comparing prices on resale sites.
3. Milk
Entertainment is not the only thing that has seen a huge jump in price over the last 30 years. As stated by Cruze, a gallon of milk has increased from $2.48 in 1995 to $4.16 in July 2025. Food products as a whole have risen significantly, particularly from 2024 to 2025. The Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined food prices were 3.2% higher in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
4. New Car
As noted in the YouTube episode, the average price of a new car in 1995 was $19,757. By June 2025, the price had skyrocketed to $48,970, according to Kelly Blue Book.
The average car payment in Q1 2025 was a jaw-dropping $745 per month, according to Experian. Car shoppers hoping to save money can consider buying used. The average monthly payment for a used car during the same period was $521, a considerable savings.
5. Babysitter
In 1995, a babysitter may have charged between $2 and $7, as reported by Cruze. In 2025, the national average for a sitter for two kids has jumped to $28.10. The added expense can make it difficult for parents to afford child care.
6. College Tuition
In 2025, college can seem cost-prohibitive for some families. Average tuition and fees for a 4-year in-state institution for the 24/25 school year were $11,610. While considerably less pricey than a private school, the cost is still high. Back in 1995, students could attend a 4-year in-state university for $5,786.
7. Income
Finally, one increase that most people don’t mind is the jump in average household income. In 1995, the average household income was $44,940. By 2023, the average income had bumped up to $114,500. While many people would be content with a six-figure income, it can be depleted quickly because of rising costs.
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