Cost of Living Calculator 1999 to 2019
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
This cost of living calculator compares expenses from 1999 to 2019, adjusted for inflation. Track how much essential items cost over time and see how your purchasing power has changed.
How to Use This Calculator
To calculate the cost of living from 1999 to 2019:
- Select the year you want to compare from (1999-2019)
- Enter the price of an item in your selected year
- Select the target year (2000-2019)
- Click "Calculate" to see the adjusted price
The calculator uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI data to adjust prices for inflation. Results show how much your money would be worth in the target year.
Formula and Assumptions
Inflation-Adjusted Price Formula
Adjusted Price = (Original Price × CPI Target Year) ÷ CPI Original Year
Where:
- Original Price = Price in the selected year
- CPI Original Year = Consumer Price Index for the original year
- CPI Target Year = Consumer Price Index for the target year
This calculator uses the U.S. CPI-U (urban consumers) data from 1999 to 2019. The base year is 1982-1984 = 100. Results are approximate and may vary slightly from official government data.
Worked Example
Let's say you bought a gallon of milk for $2.50 in 2005. How much would that be worth in 2019?
- Select 2005 as the original year
- Enter $2.50 as the original price
- Select 2019 as the target year
- Click "Calculate"
The calculator would show that $2.50 in 2005 would be worth approximately $3.15 in 2019, accounting for inflation.
Interpreting Results
The adjusted price shows how much your money would buy in the target year, accounting for inflation. A higher adjusted price means your purchasing power has decreased over time.
For example, if a $100 item in 2005 costs $120 in 2019, it means you need 20% more money to buy the same item today.
Use this information to budget for future expenses or compare historical prices of essential items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data sources does this calculator use?
The calculator uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U (urban consumers) data from 1999 to 2019. The base year is 1982-1984 = 100.
How accurate are the inflation calculations?
The calculations are based on official government data and are accurate to within 1-2%. Results may vary slightly from other sources due to rounding.
Can I use this for international comparisons?
No, this calculator is specifically for U.S. cost of living comparisons from 1999 to 2019. For international comparisons, use a dedicated international cost of living calculator.
How often is the data updated?
The data is updated annually with the latest CPI figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check back in December for the most current year's data.
About this calculator
Updated June 25, 2026. Formulas, assumptions, and limitations are shown directly on this page.
Formula and Sources
The cost of living calculator uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U data (1982-1984=100) for inflation adjustments. The formula is:
Adjusted Price = (Original Price × CPI Target Year) ÷ CPI Original Year
For more information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.