Purchasing Power Calculator
Cumulative Inflation Since 2015
Which spending categories have been hit hardest?
💼 Salary Reality Check
Enter your salary from a past year — see what it's really worth today after inflation.
⚠️ Educational Tool
This calculator uses U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI data for educational purposes. It is not financial or investment advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor for personalized guidance.
How It Works
Enter a dollar amount and starting year
Choose your spending category (groceries, rent, gas, etc.)
See how much purchasing power you've lost
📊 Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) — All Urban Consumers. Category indices: Food at Home (groceries), Shelter (rent), Motor Fuel (gas), Medical Care (healthcare), Used Cars and Trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about inflation and purchasing power
How much has a dollar lost to inflation since 2020?
A dollar from 2020 is worth approximately $0.84 in 2024 purchasing power — a loss of about 18.9% in just 4 years. This is more than triple the typical annual inflation rate of 2%, driven primarily by post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and energy price spikes.
Why is category-specific inflation important?
The overall CPI average masks dramatic differences between spending categories. Rent has risen ~48% since 2015, while used car prices spiked dramatically in 2021–2022. If you spend more on rent than the average American, the aggregate CPI number understates how much inflation has actually affected you.
How is the CPI calculated?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys thousands of retail outlets across the country to track price changes in a "basket" of goods and services. The overall CPI assigns weights to each category based on average consumer spending patterns. Housing is the largest weight (~33%), followed by food and transportation.
What can I do to protect against inflation?
Common inflation protection strategies include: investing in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), I-bonds, real estate, dividend-growing stocks, and commodities. High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) also help ensure cash savings don't lose value unnecessarily. Always consult a licensed financial advisor for personalized advice.
How often is the CPI updated?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases new CPI data monthly, typically in the second week of the following month. Our calculator uses annual averages for each category from 2015 through 2024.
Inflation Guides
Deep-dive articles on inflation, purchasing power, and financial resilience
Groceries vs. Rent vs. Gas: Which Spending Category Has Gone Up the Most in 2026?
BLS data reveals rent has risen 48.4%, gas 45.2%, groceries 36.9%, and healthcare 33.6% since 2015. This category-by-category inflation guide tells you what's driving each spike.
Read guide →The Fed's 2% Inflation Target Explained: What It Means and Why It Matters
The Federal Reserve targets 2% annual inflation. But why 2%? What happens when they fail? And what does this mean for your money in 2026? Plain-English explanation inside.
Read guide →Grocery Inflation 2026: How Much Have Food Prices Gone Up?
Grocery prices have risen 36.9% since 2015, according to BLS data. This guide breaks down food inflation by state, category, and what's driving the increases in 2026.
Read guide →