U.S. Inflation Rate, $100 in 1950 to 2019 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, today's prices in 2019 are 962.62% higher than average prices throughout 1950. The dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 3.48% per year during this period, meaning the real value of a dollar decreased.. In other words, $100 in 1950 is equivalent in purchasing power to about ...