It doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is, we need several items to keep a household fully stocked. These items range from dishes and cookware to brooms and towels. As we fill the need for our household items, the prices continue to tick upward. It is easy to look back 50 years ago with a romanticized idea about how the economy was so much better during this time. As we look at the cost of common household items 50 years ago, it is important to remember that the 1970s saw an economic downfall and the only official stagnation to hit the United States. While these everyday household items are lower by today’s standards, many factors play into price increases, including inflation.
To compile a list of the cost of common household items 50 years ago vs. today, 24/7 Tempo consulted multiple resources. These resources include the Sears and JCPenney catalogs from 1974. We also consulted current prices at Sears, JCPenney, and more popular stores. We then found the average cost based on each item.
It is important to remember that the prices of these everyday household items will fluctuate. What you pay depends upon several factors, including what store you shop at and the brand of each item. However, based on multiple resources, the cost of common household items 50 years ago vs today has been compiled in this list.
Take a look at our comparisons of everyday household items from 50 years ago and today. (When you’re done, read our list of fashion trends from the 1970s that should make a comeback.)
Towels
- Price in 1974: $5.50
- Price in 2024: $15
Towels are a common household item needed for everyday living. We use towels to dry our hands and bodies, clean up spills, and more. In 1974, the average cost of a bath towel was around $5.50, while today, it’s more common to find a quality bath towel priced around $15.
Cookware
- Price in 1974: $24.99
- Price in 2024: $230 to $760
Several different cookware brands are available today, making it possible to find one in your price range. In the 1974 JCPenney catalog, the price for a cookware set that included pots and pans was around $24.99. Today, while it’s likely to find a set below or higher than this price range, the average price range of a cookware set can be anywhere from $230 to $760.
Dishwasher
- Price in 1974: $189 to $250
- Price in 2024: $1,000
Every household does not have a dishwasher. However, today, seeing one in a home is more common than in 1974. 50 years ago, a dishwasher ranged between $189 and $250. Today, the average cost of a dishwasher is around $1,000.
Broom and Dustpan
- Price in 1974: $1.79 to $3.29
- Price in 2024: $10.38
Brooms and dustpans are a must, especially if you have hardwood or tile flooring. In 1974, one could buy a dustpan and broom set for $1.79 to $3.29, and today, the average cost is $10.38. Although there are still some places where you can buy a dustpan and broom set for less than $5, the more expensive ones can range between $45 and $50.
Vacuum Cleaner
- Price in 1974: $190 to $275
- Price in 2024: $75 to $500
A vacuum is another household necessity that most homes use. The price of one hasn’t changed much within 50 years. In 1974, according to the Sears and JCPenney catalogs, a vacuum ranged between $190 and $275, while now the average is $75 to $500.
Pillows
- Price in 1974: $5 to $10
- Price in 2024: $20 to $150
Many look forward to laying their heads on a soft pillow at the end of a hard day. Finding that perfect one may mean spending more money. Pillows in the 1970s averaged around $5 to $10, while today, the average cost of a good pillow has a larger range between $20 and $150.
Sheets
- Price in 1974: $3.95
- Price in 2024: $35 to $60
Another common item that every bed needs is sheets, though the type of sheet and fabric will vary depending on your needs. In the 1970s JCPenney catalog, a sheet set for a twin-size bed was around $3.95. However, it can be challenging to find a good sheet set that doesn’t range between $35 and $60 today.
Toaster
- Price in 1974: $15.79
- Price in 2024: $30- $60
A toaster is a quick way to heat toast, waffles, or even pop-tarts. Today, it’s common to find a toaster in almost every household. While the price of this appliance hasn’t fluctuated too much within 50 years, it has climbed a little. A toaster in the 1970s averaged around $15.79, while today, it averages between $30 and $60.
Blankets
- Price in 1974: $10 to $25
- Price in 2024: $15 to $38
The price of a blanket hasn’t changed much in 50 years, either. According to the Sears and JCPenney catalogs, a blanket had an average cost between $10 to $25 in the 1970s. Of course, this depended on the quality, brand, and more. Today, many blankets range between $15 and $38.
Coffee Maker
- Price in 1974: $12.79
- Price in 2024: $65 to $100
Coffee makers are a night owl’s best friend. To supply yourself with your coffee needs in 1974, one paid an average of $12.79 for a coffee maker.
Today, many more options are available, which means the price range varies quite a bit. For a decent coffee maker without all the bells and whistles, you could find one for around the same price, $12 to $15, at Walmart and other stores. However, many claim that the more expensive coffee makers do make better coffee, and those range between $65 and $100.
Of course, there are also the more expensive Keurig options, espresso machines, and deluxe coffee makers. Your preference will determine the price you pay for an at-home coffee maker today.
Washer and Dryer
- Price in 1974: $90 to $220 each
- Price in 2024: $599 – $2,000 each
Although a washer and dryer aren’t appliances every household has, it is still common in most homes. The 1974 Sears and JCPenney catalogs showed that the average price of a washer and dryer was between $90 and $220. Today, a washer and dryer purchased at either store will average around $599 to $2,000 each.
Television
- Price in 1974: $739.95
- Price in 2024: $600 to $6,000
Television is a great way to unwind, and while some choose not to have one in their home, today, they are very common. There are many options for televisions today, while in 1974, the options were fewer. Fifty years ago, the average cost of a television was around $729.95. Today, with the array of options available to us, televisions range between $600 and $6,000, depending on the perks you want. (Next read about famous TV catchphrases part of our everyday dialogue.)