Historical CPI · 1923

CPI-U in 1923

The U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) averaged 17.1 in 1923 (1982–84 = 100), 1.8% above the 1922 average. From December 1922 to December 1923, prices rose 2.4%. Prices in August 2026 were 19.59 times their 1923 level.

Annual average
17.1
Inflation (annual avg)
+1.8%
Dec–Dec inflation
+2.4%
$100 in 1923 today
$1,958.95
Monthly data

Monthly CPI-U index values, 1923

The highest monthly index in 1923 was 17.3 (December), the lowest 16.8 (January). The 12-month inflation rate ranged from −0.6% in January to +3.6% in September. Historical context — The 1920s (1923–1929): Prices were nearly flat through the Roaring Twenties.

MonthCPI-U indexChange from prior month12-month change
January 192316.8−0.6%−0.6%
February 192316.80.0%−0.6%
March 192316.80.0%+0.6%
April 192316.9+0.6%+1.2%
May 192316.90.0%+1.2%
June 192317.0+0.6%+1.8%
July 192317.2+1.2%+2.4%
August 192317.1−0.6%+3.0%
September 192317.2+0.6%+3.6%
October 192317.3+0.6%+3.6%
November 192317.30.0%+3.0%
December 192317.30.0%+2.4%

CPI-U, U.S. city average, all items, not seasonally adjusted, 1982–84 = 100 (BLS series CUUR0000SA0). Before 2007 the BLS published the index to one decimal place. Annual average 17.1 as published by the BLS.

Decade

CPI by year, 1920s

YearAnnual average CPI-UInflation rate
192020.0+15.6%
192117.9−10.5%
192216.8−6.1%
192317.1+1.8%
192417.10.0%
192517.5+2.3%
192617.7+1.1%
192717.4−1.7%
192817.1−1.7%
192917.10.0%
FAQ

CPI 1923: common questions

What was the CPI in 1923?

The CPI-U annual average for 1923 was 17.1 on the 1982–84 = 100 base. Monthly values ranged from 16.8 to 17.3.

What was the inflation rate in 1923?

Measured by annual averages, consumer prices rose 1.8% in 1923; December to December the change was +2.4%.

How much is $100 from 1923 worth today?

About $1,958.95 in August 2026 prices, based on the change in CPI-U. Use the inflation calculator for other amounts.