How much was a car in 1950 in the USA?

A typical new, mainstream car in the United States in 1950 cost about $1,400 to $1,800, with the national average hovering near $1,500—roughly equivalent to about $18,000 to $20,000 in 2024–2025 dollars. Prices varied by brand, body style, and options, with premium makes commanding significantly more.

What “a car” meant in 1950 pricing

In 1950, the sticker price you saw was for a base model—often a six-cylinder sedan—with many items modern buyers take for granted still optional. Automatic transmissions were just becoming widely available on mainstream models, heaters and radios were commonly extra-cost items, and destination charges and local taxes were added at delivery. As a result, two buyers of the “same” car could easily end up paying noticeably different totals depending on equipment and dealer-installed accessories.

Typical sticker prices in 1950

The following examples reflect representative factory prices for popular 1950 models and trims as advertised or listed by manufacturers at the time. Local freight, taxes, and common options could add tens to a few hundred dollars.

• Chevrolet Styleline/DeLuxe sedan: roughly $1,450–$1,550
• Ford Custom Deluxe (2- or 4-door sedan): roughly $1,350–$1,550
• Plymouth Deluxe/Special Deluxe sedan: roughly $1,450–$1,600
• Buick Special (entry-level Buick): roughly $2,000–$2,200
• Oldsmobile 88 sedan: roughly $2,200–$2,400
• Cadillac Series 62: roughly $3,300–$3,800 (higher for coupes/convertibles)

These figures illustrate the mainstream cluster around $1,500 for volume brands, with step-up and luxury marques often doubling that figure. Body style (coupes and convertibles), engine choice, and trim lines widened the spread.

How that compared to incomes and ownership costs

By 1950, the median American family earned roughly $3,300 per year, so a typical new car at about $1,500 represented around 45% of a year’s income. That made a mass-market sedan attainable, especially with trade-ins and financing, though luxury models were out of reach for many households.

These markers help frame affordability and the broader cost of owning a car at the time.

• Income context: Median family income ≈ $3,300 (1950)
• Gasoline: About $0.27 per gallon on average
• Financing: 24-month loans were common early in 1950; starting September 1950, federal rules briefly tightened terms (larger down payments and shorter maturities) during the Korean War period
• Fees: Destination charges and dealer prep often added roughly $50–$100; local taxes varied by state

Taken together, operating costs were low by modern standards—especially fuel—while financing and fees could meaningfully affect what buyers actually paid out the door.

Why prices looked like that

Postwar mass production had hit its stride by 1950, holding down base prices even as features expanded. Material costs and wartime legacies still influenced supply and equipment, and a number of popular conveniences were optional, creating a wide spread between a true base car and a well-equipped one. The year also saw the growing popularity of automatic transmissions on mainstream cars, which pushed many buyers’ totals higher.

Options and add-ons that could raise the price

The extras below were commonly selected in 1950 and could noticeably increase the bottom line on a “$1,500 car.”

• Automatic transmission (e.g., Chevrolet Powerglide): roughly $150–$200
• Heater/defroster: roughly $50–$80
• AM radio: roughly $50–$100
• Whitewall tires: roughly $15–$30 per set premium
• Overdrive or higher-output engines (where offered): typically $75–$150+

While each option seemed modest, a typical bundle could easily add a few hundred dollars—significant against a $1,500 base—pushing many real-world transactions closer to $1,700–$1,900 for mass-market cars.

What about used cars in 1950?

Used cars were plentiful and far cheaper than new by 1950, after the immediate postwar shortage had eased. Late-1940s sedans from the big three were widely advertised in newspapers for roughly $500 to $1,000 depending on age, condition, and mileage, while prestige makes or convertibles fetched more.

Bottom line

In 1950 America, a new mass-market car typically cost about $1,400 to $1,800, with an average near $1,500. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $18,000 to $20,000 in 2024–2025 dollars—affordable for many families at the time, especially with financing, but with large price steps for options and luxury nameplates.

Summary

The average new car in 1950 cost around $1,500, commonly ranging from $1,400 to $1,800 for mainstream models and $2,000 to $3,800 for premium and luxury cars. With median family income near $3,300 and gas around 27 cents per gallon, ownership was attainable, though options like automatics, radios, and heaters could add significantly to the price. In today’s money, that typical $1,500 car equates to roughly $18,000–$20,000.

How much did the average car cost in 1950?

In 1950, the average price of a new car was around $1,510, though specific prices varied greatly by make and model, such as the Ford Custom costing about $1,511 and luxury models like the Cadillac or Packard being significantly more expensive. For context, the Ford Custom would cost approximately $17,151 in today’s dollars, adjusted for inflation. 
Examples of 1950 Car Prices:

• Ford Custom: Approximately $1,511. 
• Henry J: A more economical new car, costing $1,299. 
• Cadillac: Redesigned models in 1950 were priced around $3,149. 
• Used Cars: While not the norm, a used Oldsmobile 88 in 1950 could be found for around $1,995, according to Yahoo Finance. 

Factors influencing the price:

• Luxury vs. Economy: Opens in new tabCars from brands like Cadillac or Packard commanded higher prices than mass-market models like the Ford or the new, economical Henry J. 
• Inflation: Opens in new tabWhile the dollar amounts seem low today, the purchasing power of the 1950 dollar was much higher. The Ford Custom’s 1950 price of $1,511 is roughly equivalent to over $17,000 in 2025 dollars, notes CarZing. 
• New vs. Used: Opens in new tabUsed cars were also available, though less common than new ones, with prices that could vary significantly. 

How much did a loaf of bread cost in 1950?

In 1950, the average price for a loaf of bread was 12 to 14 cents, though it varied by location and specific type of loaf. For example, one source notes a price of 12 cents, while others suggest 14 cents for a particular brand like Sunbeam. 
Examples of bread costs in 1950:

• One source states a loaf of bread cost 12 cents. 
• Another source lists a specific brand, Sunbeam, at 14 cents a loaf. 

This cost is significantly lower than the current average price of bread, illustrating the effects of inflation over time.

How much was a dozen eggs in 1950?

In 1950, the average price for a dozen eggs was around 60 cents. However, some sources indicate a slightly lower price, such as 50 cents. 
You can see a summary of the prices and inflation-adjusted values from the sources below: 

• $0.60: (60 cents) for a dozen eggs
• $0.50: (50 cents) for a dozen eggs

For context:

• Adjusted for inflation, 60 cents in 1950 would be approximately $7.00 to $8.00 in 2025 dollars. 
• The price was in decline from the post-war period. 
• The price of eggs fluctuated by month and by region. 

How much did a new car cost in 1955?

A new car in 1955 typically cost between $1,900 and $2,400, although specific prices varied by model and brand. For instance, a Chevrolet Bel Air sold for $1,987, while a higher-end Buick cost $2,395.
 
Here are some examples of 1955 car prices: 

• Chevrolet Bel Air: $1,987
• Studebaker: $1,885
• Buick Sedan: $2,395
• Dodge Sedan: $2,183
• Cadillac Coupe de Ville: $4,305 (before options)