$100 in 2008 is worth how much today?
$156.50 in Sep 2026 dollars
$100 in 2008 had the same purchasing power as $156.50 in Sep 2026. Prices are 1.56× higher, so a dollar from 2008 buys what about $1.56 buys today. Put the other way, $100 held as cash since 2008 has lost about 36% of its buying power. Inflation in 2008 was 3.8%. 2008 is remembered for the financial crisis. Over the following decade, prices rose 14%.
What $100 bought in 2008 vs. today
Using BLS average retail prices, the same $100 buys these quantities:
| Item | 2008 | Sep 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| dozen eggs | 50 (at $1.99) | 44 (at $2.27) |
| gallons of gas | 31 (at $3.27) | 22 (at $4.48) |
| pounds of white bread | 73 (at $1.37) | 55 (at $1.83) |
| gallons of milk | 26 (at $3.80) | 24 (at $4.11) |
| pounds of ground beef | 43 (at $2.34) | 15 (at $6.79) |
To earn the same today
Someone earning $100 a month in 2008 would need about $156.50 a month in Sep 2026 to keep the same standard of living, based on CPI-U.
Other amounts: $1,000 · $10,000 · full 2008 inflation table
Nearby years: 1999 · 2000 · 2005 · 2010 · 2015