The prices of food and other products in the 1960s is often discussed in babyboomer circles. Housing too is one of those subjects where historical prices are talked about. For the information of all those who sometimes wonder what things cost back then, here is a little list.
In 1962 the UK average house price was around £3000. This is the same as a Jaguar E Type in 1966.
The US dollar/pound exchange rate was $2.80 to the pound until 1967 when Harold Wilson devalued to $2.40. "This does not mean that the pound in your pocket is worth less" said Harold disingenuously.
During the early 60s, the going rate for london digs was about 5 guineas per week. (£5 & 5 Shillings or £5.25).
In 1965 you could buy
breakfast for 1 shilling and sixpence (8p)
a 3 course lunch for 5 shillings (25p)
A pint of beer (at least we still have pints) for a shilling and eightpence (9p)
A gallon of petrol (whatever happened to gallons?) for 5 shillings (25p!)
A phone call at a public phone for 3 or 4 pence (1p)
Vinyl albums (remember them?) for one pound 12 shillings and sixpence. (£1.60).
These were the days when many people would aim to earn £1000 per year and school dinner money was 5 shillings per week (25p).
