US Inflation from 1946 to 1955
US inflation from 1946 to 1955 was +37.4%. $100 in 1946 had the same purchasing power as $137.44 in 1955 (avg. +3.60%/yr).
$100.00 in 1946 is worth
$137.44
in 1955
+37.4%
+3.60%/yr
How prices changed from 1946 to 1955
| Item | 1946 | 1955 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallon of gas | $0.21 | $0.29 | +38% |
| Loaf of bread | $0.10 | $0.17 | +70% |
What Drove Inflation from 1946 to 1955
The 1950s were a period of broad prosperity and moderate inflation. Returning veterans, rising wages, suburban expansion, and the baby boom fueled consumer demand. The Korean War brought a brief inflationary spike in 1950–51, but the Federal Reserve tightened policy to contain it. For most of the decade, annual inflation remained below 3%, supporting strong real wage growth and rising living standards.
The end of wartime controls unleashed a burst of inflation in 1946–48 as pent-up consumer demand met supply shortages. After that adjustment, the postwar boom settled into a long era of moderate inflation and strong real growth. The GI Bill, suburban expansion, a baby boom, and rising consumer spending drove prosperity. Inflation averaged around 2% per year through most of the 1950s and early 1960s.
Understanding the Numbers
Over these 9 years, prices rose significantly — a total inflation rate of +37.4%. The annualized rate of +3.60% per year was roughly in line with the historical average of roughly 3.3% per year.
Compare Other Periods
Starting from 1946:
Ending in 1955: