Times have changed: See what $77 can get you two decades ago
- Replies 1
The cost of living crisis has been a massive concern across Australia.
Are you feeling nostalgic for the days when a trolley full of groceries did not require a second mortgage? You're not alone!
A Coles receipt from 2005 has resurfaced online, and everyone is shaking their heads over how much the cost of living has changed in two decades.
The receipt has since become a time capsule and sparked a lively discussion about how much prices have changed.
On a social media post, the receipt was issued on 8 January 2005 at a Coles store in Wallsend, Newcastle.
Based on the date, John Howard was still Prime Minister and 'Neighbours' was then a weeknight staple.
The receipt showed a haul of 33 items for $77.
So, what did $77 buy you in 2005?
The 2005 shop included some classic Aussie favourites, such as a four-pack of Drumstick ice creams for $4.50.
The haul also included a packet of Maggi two-minute noodles for 50 cents and a packet of Scotch Finger biscuits for 79 cents.
Even the fresh produce was a bargain in 2005.
The shopper managed to get baby carrots for 98 cents, over half a kilo of bananas for $1.94, 330 grams of tomatoes for $1.34, and nearly a kilo of green grapes for $3.78.
Several shoppers put things into perspective and compared it to today's prices.
'I paid $1.30 for a tomato yesterday,' one shopper shared.
'I miss doing my groceries for this much. Can't imagine what my kids are going to pay,' another lamented.
Curious to see how today's prices stack up, the person who posted the receipt recreated bought the same products.
However, they had to substitute similar items for brands that no longer exist.
The same basket of goods now costs $125, all with specials and discounts applied.
Without any deals, the total would have soared to $140.
'That is almost double. That's beyond bad. No wonder people cannot afford food,' a commenter shared.
'The today cart has a savings of $13.95. If you take that away and make it the full price, then the difference in 20 years is $62.'
Not everyone was ready to sound the alarm bells.
Some pointed out that a 62 per cent increase over 20 years is about 2.4 per cent annually, still in line with Australia's average inflation rate.
While the maths make sense on paper, it still feels different upon checkout.
Wages have not kept up with inflation, and many Aussies still feel the pinch along with rising energy bills, petrol prices, and housing costs.
Interestingly, some fresh produce items haven't skyrocketed in price as much as you might expect.
Bananas, tomatoes, and carrots have seen relatively modest increases, thanks to Australia's strong agriculture sector.
However, processed foods, snacks, and household staples have seen the biggest jumps.
If you're feeling the squeeze, you're not alone.
Here are a few tips to help stretch your grocery budget:
Do you remember what your weekly shop used to cost in 2005? Have you kept any old receipts, or do you have a favourite 'back in my day' grocery story? How are you managing the rising cost of living? We would love to hear your stories and shopping tips, so share them with us in the comments section below!
READ MORE: How much have you been paying for groceries lately? See how this receipt exposes a staggering price surge
Are you feeling nostalgic for the days when a trolley full of groceries did not require a second mortgage? You're not alone!
A Coles receipt from 2005 has resurfaced online, and everyone is shaking their heads over how much the cost of living has changed in two decades.
The receipt has since become a time capsule and sparked a lively discussion about how much prices have changed.
On a social media post, the receipt was issued on 8 January 2005 at a Coles store in Wallsend, Newcastle.
The long receipt was posted on a nostalgia-themed group. Image Credit: Facebook/Australian 90s 00s Nostalgia
Based on the date, John Howard was still Prime Minister and 'Neighbours' was then a weeknight staple.
The receipt showed a haul of 33 items for $77.
So, what did $77 buy you in 2005?
The 2005 shop included some classic Aussie favourites, such as a four-pack of Drumstick ice creams for $4.50.
The haul also included a packet of Maggi two-minute noodles for 50 cents and a packet of Scotch Finger biscuits for 79 cents.
Even the fresh produce was a bargain in 2005.
The shopper managed to get baby carrots for 98 cents, over half a kilo of bananas for $1.94, 330 grams of tomatoes for $1.34, and nearly a kilo of green grapes for $3.78.
Several shoppers put things into perspective and compared it to today's prices.
'I paid $1.30 for a tomato yesterday,' one shopper shared.
'I miss doing my groceries for this much. Can't imagine what my kids are going to pay,' another lamented.
Curious to see how today's prices stack up, the person who posted the receipt recreated bought the same products.
However, they had to substitute similar items for brands that no longer exist.
The same basket of goods now costs $125, all with specials and discounts applied.
Without any deals, the total would have soared to $140.
'That is almost double. That's beyond bad. No wonder people cannot afford food,' a commenter shared.
'The today cart has a savings of $13.95. If you take that away and make it the full price, then the difference in 20 years is $62.'
Not everyone was ready to sound the alarm bells.
Some pointed out that a 62 per cent increase over 20 years is about 2.4 per cent annually, still in line with Australia's average inflation rate.
While the maths make sense on paper, it still feels different upon checkout.
Wages have not kept up with inflation, and many Aussies still feel the pinch along with rising energy bills, petrol prices, and housing costs.
Interestingly, some fresh produce items haven't skyrocketed in price as much as you might expect.
Bananas, tomatoes, and carrots have seen relatively modest increases, thanks to Australia's strong agriculture sector.
However, processed foods, snacks, and household staples have seen the biggest jumps.
If you're feeling the squeeze, you're not alone.
Here are a few tips to help stretch your grocery budget:
- Shop the specials: Plan your meals around what's on sale each week.
- Buy in bulk: Stock up on non-perishables when they're discounted.
- Choose home brands: Coles, Woolies, and ALDI all offer quality home-brand products at lower prices.
- Visit local markets: Sometimes, you'll find better deals (and fresher produce) at your local farmers' market.
- Grow your own: Even a small veggie patch or a few herb pots can help cut costs.
READ MORE: How much have you been paying for groceries lately? See how this receipt exposes a staggering price surge
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