photo #8935766

In 1963, the cost of living was significantly lower, with a gallon of gas around 30 cents, bread 22 cents, and a first-class stamp just 5 cents; the median family income was about $6,200, while a new home cost around $12,650-$19,300, and average wages were roughly $4,400 annually, reflecting a much cheaper lifestyle compared to today. Housing & Utilities New Home: Around $12,650 - $19,300 (median) Average Rent: About $110 per month Food & Groceries Bread: 22 cents per loaf Dozen Eggs: About 55 cents Coffee: Around 35 cents per pound (average) Hershey Bar: 5 cents (though size decreased later) Transportation Gasoline: Roughly 30-33 cents per gallon New Car: Around $3,233 (average) General Costs & Wages Average Annual Wage: Approximately $4,400 Median Family Income: About $6,200 First-Class Stamp: 5 cents Movie Ticket: About $1.25 What $1 Could Buy (In 1963) A gallon of gas and a loaf of bread. Several Hershey bars or a couple of cups of coffee. A significant portion of a McDonald's lunch for a student