Inflation Calculator
2026 Updated. Calculate purchasing power with current CPI data. Compare real money value against Gold, S&P 500, and Housing market trends up to 2026.
About
As of 2026, understanding the erosion of purchasing power is more critical than ever. Standard inflation calculators often rely on outdated datasets. This tool provides a real-time analysis of monetary value, utilizing confirmed CPI-U data through the end of 2025 and preliminary Q1 2026 indices.
Beyond simple currency devaluation, this application contextualizes wealth preservation. It compares your capital against the Real Rate of Inflation (including assets like Real Estate and Equities), offering a stark contrast between "surviving" (Cost of Living) and "thriving" (Asset Appreciation). Use this to adjust long-term financial plans, negotiate current market-rate salaries, or analyze historical investment performance.
Formulas
To determine the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) between year y1 and year y2, we utilize the ratio of the Consumer Price Indices:
For investment comparisons, the Real Return Rreal is calculated by adjusting the nominal return Rnom for inflation π:
Reference Data
| Year | CPI Factor | $1.00 Value (Real) | Median Home | Tuition (Public 4yr) | S&P 500 (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 82.4 | $1.00 | $64,600 | $804 | $118 |
| 1990 | 130.7 | $0.63 | $122,900 | $1,908 | $330 |
| 2000 | 172.2 | $0.48 | $169,000 | $3,510 | $1,427 |
| 2010 | 218.1 | $0.37 | $221,800 | $8,100 | $1,139 |
| 2020 | 258.8 | $0.31 | $336,900 | $10,560 | $3,200 |
| 2024 | 314.1 | $0.26 | $417,700 | $11,260 | $4,700 |
| 2026 | 331.5 | $0.24 | $442,500 | $12,050 | $5,450 |