Stranger Things: What did Life Cost in Hawkins, Indiana in 1983 vs Today?
Time to tune up that Huffy bike, tie on your Rambo-bandana, and charge up your walkie-talkies. It’s almost time for the next round of monster hunting, eighties nostalgia and exploring the Upside Down. Netflix's (@Netflix) Stranger Things season 2 is just around the bend… and, come on, the kid in you couldn’t be more excited.
But that kid lives inside a grown up now. And while you’re obviously always going to have a special place in your heart for scary movies, Star Wars action figures, and those sweet, sweet frozen breakfast foods—you also have adult concerns now, like what that magical childhood costs.
So we asked… How much did life cost in 1983 Hawkins, Indiana of Stranger Things versus now? Well, point your childlike sense of wonder to what we’ve uncovered!
(By the way, Hawkins, Indiana doesn’t... actually... exist. So we used Fort Wayne, Indiana as a stand in. We’re sure they’re cool too. Go Mastodons!)
As you can see, prices have, um, risen. The total rate of inflation between 1983 and 2017 is 149%. That means that one hard-earned dollar in 1983 had the same buying power as $2.44 today.
So let’s look at some “stranger things” to see how costs compare:
| Item | 1983 price | 2017 price |
| Millennium Falcon toy | $18 | $150 |
| Christmas Lights | $10.51 | $25.65 |
| 1,500 lbs of Salt | $349.89 | $862.50 |
| Blonde Wig | $6.39 | $15.76 |
| Walkie Talkie Set | $32.77 | $79.99 |
| Comic Book | $0.60 | $2.99 |
| Dungeons and Dragons Set | $11 | $26.84 |
| Camera | $132.75 | $324 |
| Fast Food Meal | $2.74 | $6.75 |
| Star Wars Action Figures | $2.99 | $7.99 |
| Atari System | $28.47 | $69.49 |
And let’s also look at some broader items:
| Item | 1983 price | 2017 price |
| Typical Home Price | $68,700 | $201,155 |
| Average Household Income | $25,862 | $63,121 |
| Basic Monthly Utilities | $73.03 | $180.02 |
| Average Monthly Salary | $1,132.33 | $2,791.25 |
Can't get enough Stranger Things? Neither can we! Check out our other favorite artifacts from the Upside Down!
- Check out the Stranger Things Wiki for character guides, videos, and a tight-knit fan community.
- Vulture (@Vulture) put together this frighteningly comprehensive A to Z breakdown of every film reference from season 1 of the show.
- You love Stranger Things, but if you want to live Stranger Things, Food & Wine Magazine (@foodandwine) offers you this show-inspired guide to guide to decorating your home!
- And, you knew this was coming, BuzzFeed writer Samantha Wieder (@SamanthaAWieder) curated this AMAZING collection of Stranger Things Halloween costumes perfect for trick or treating or just wearing around the house alone (no judgment).
