Thursday, October 25, 2012

McDonald's and Ice Cream - Costs Then and Now

When I was a child in the early sixties, a McDonald's hamburger, french fry and soft drink were $0.15, $0.10 and $0.05 respectively.   I remember that my mom could take my sister and me for less than $1.   We would order 3 hamburgers, 3 french fries and 3 soft drinks.   The cost $.90.   Big Macs were introduced in 1965 and cost $0.45.   Then we could go to the local ice cream store for a $0.05 single scoop cone.

Today, a hamburger, french fry and soft drink are $0.89, $1.00 and $1.00 respectively.  So the same meal for three when I was a child would be $8.67.  Big Macs are $3.59 now.  The local ice cream store charges $1.49 for a single scoop cone.

So costs have increased 6 to 30 times for the items I recall going to eat as a child.  

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

2 comments:

Mike said...

Take this post over the top by including inflation data!

Super Saver said...

According to two inflation calculators $1 in 1965 is worth $7.23-$7.30 in 2012. So a 7.26 X multiplier.