Use this tool to compare costs over time.
About this calculator
Data available as: CSV, JSON and XML
This calculator uses monthly consumer price index (CPI) data from 1914 to the present to show changes in the cost of a fixed "basket" of consumer purchases. These include:
- food
- shelter
- furniture
- clothing
- transportation
- recreation
An increase in this cost is called inflation.
The results shown are based on the most recent month for which the CPI data are available. This will normally be about two months prior to the current month.
The equation to compute the current cost is as follows: $$\$Cost_2 = \$Cost_1 * (\frac{CPI_2}{CPI_1})$$ The equation to compute the percentage change is as follows: $$\%Change = (\frac{\$Cost_2 - \$Cost_1}{\$Cost_1}) * 100$$
To learn more about how inflation works, check out our explainers:
How to use this calculator
- Enter any dollar amount. (Commas and spaces may be used.)
- Enter the years you wish to compare between 1914 and the current year.
- Click Calculate.
2002 CPI = 100.0
Data source: Statistics Canada, Consumer Price Indexes for Canada, Monthly (V41690973 series)
To calculate the effects of inflation on investments and savings, see the Investment Calculator.