Historical CPI · 1958

CPI-U in 1958

The U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) averaged 28.9 in 1958 (1982–84 = 100), 2.8% above the 1957 average. From December 1957 to December 1958, prices rose 1.8%. Prices in August 2026 were 11.59 times their 1958 level.

Annual average
28.9
Inflation (annual avg)
+2.8%
Dec–Dec inflation
+1.8%
$100 in 1958 today
$1,159.10
Monthly data

Monthly CPI-U index values, 1958

The highest monthly index in 1958 was 29.0 (November), the lowest 28.6 (January). The 12-month inflation rate ranged from +1.8% in December to +3.6% in January. Historical context — Post-war stability (1953–1965): Inflation mostly stayed between 0% and 3% a year.

MonthCPI-U indexChange from prior month12-month change
January 195828.6+0.7%+3.6%
February 195828.60.0%+3.2%
March 195828.8+0.7%+3.6%
April 195828.9+0.3%+3.6%
May 195828.90.0%+3.2%
June 195828.90.0%+2.8%
July 195829.0+0.3%+2.5%
August 195828.9−0.3%+2.1%
September 195828.90.0%+2.1%
October 195828.90.0%+2.1%
November 195829.0+0.3%+2.1%
December 195828.9−0.3%+1.8%

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 28.9 as published by the BLS.

Decade

CPI by year, 1950s

YearAnnual average CPI-UInflation rate
195024.1+1.3%
195126.0+7.9%
195226.5+1.9%
195326.7+0.8%
195426.9+0.7%
195526.8−0.4%
195627.2+1.5%
195728.1+3.3%
195828.9+2.8%
195929.1+0.7%
FAQ

CPI 1958: common questions

What was the CPI in 1958?

The CPI-U annual average for 1958 was 28.9 on the 1982–84 = 100 base. Monthly values ranged from 28.6 to 29.0.

What was the inflation rate in 1958?

Measured by annual averages, consumer prices rose 2.8% in 1958; December to December the change was +1.8%.

How much is $100 from 1958 worth today?

About $1,159.10 in August 2026 prices, based on the change in CPI-U. Use the inflation calculator for other amounts.