A new comparison of vintage restaurant menus from the 1970s reveals whether a lobster dinner was truly more affordable decades ago or if rising prices have reshaped dining costs. By adjusting for inflation, the analysis examines how much purchasing power has changed over time, offering a clear picture of whether today’s prices reflect real economic shifts or perceived luxury. The findings challenge common assumptions about past affordability, using historical price data to highlight how inflation and consumer spending habits have evolved. Readers curious about the economics of dining out will find a surprising breakdown of how much a meal has—or hasn’t—cost over the years.


Was a 1970s lobster dinner cheaper than today, or is that just an illusion of inflation? Compare vintage menu prices and see how purchasing power compares.