In 1920, a single dollar possessed significant purchasing power, allowing consumers to acquire several essential grocery items for their households.
The Purchasing Power of a Dollar in 1920
During the 1920s, a dollar could stretch considerably further than it does today, especially for everyday necessities. This era saw prices that would seem remarkably low by modern standards, enabling a dollar to secure a notable quantity of common household goods.
A dollar in 1920 could typically purchase a range of staples, demonstrating its considerable value:
- Two pounds of coffee: Priced at $0.47 per pound.
- Two dozen eggs: Each dozen also costing $0.47.
- Eight one-pound loaves of bread: A single loaf of bread was $0.12.
- A pound of butter: At about $0.70 per pound, a dollar was more than enough, leaving $0.30 in change.
Snapshot of 1920 Grocery Prices
To illustrate the dollar's substantial value, here's a clearer look at how much you could acquire for a dollar for various common items:
| Item | Price Per Unit | What a Dollar Could Buy (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $0.47 per pound | 2 pounds |
| Eggs | $0.47 per dozen | 2 dozen |
| Bread | $0.12 per 1-lb loaf | 8 loaves |
| Butter | $0.70 per pound | 1 pound (with $0.30 change) |
These examples highlight how a dollar in 1920 was capable of covering a substantial portion of a family's basic food needs, showcasing a vastly different economic landscape compared to today's purchasing power.
