Price insights

Household Products That Got Cheaper Over Time

By the Savings Ahead team · Updated with BLS data through September 2026 · Methodology

While overall consumer prices rose +48% from 2010 to 2025, 8 household product categories actually cost less, and 11 more rose by less than inflation, making them cheaper in real terms. Here they are, with examples from our catalogue.

Cheaper in dollars than in 2010

1. Televisions −88%

Flat-screen and smart TVs. Prices fell 88% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was −71%. Browse: Electronics.

2. Telephone hardware, calculators and other consumer information items −78%

Smartphones and phone accessories. Prices fell 78% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was −69%. Browse: Mobile & Computer Accessories.

3. Computers, peripherals and smart home assistants −54%

Laptops, tablets, monitors, smart speakers. Prices fell 54% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was −27%. Browse: Mobile & Computer Accessories, Smart Home.

4. Toys −53%

Toys, games and building sets. Prices fell 53% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was −38%. Browse: Toys/Games.

5. Audio equipment −44%

Speakers, headphones, soundbars. Prices fell 44% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was −26%. Browse: Electronics.

6. Other household equipment and furnishings −22%

Cookware, dishes, lamps, clocks, decor. Prices fell 22% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was −6%. Browse: Household & Appliances.

7. Window and floor coverings and other linens −14%

Sheets, towels, rugs, curtains. Prices fell 14% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was +0%. Browse: Household & Appliances.

8. Major appliances −9%

Refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges. Prices fell 9% between 2010 and 2025; over the last ten years the change was +1%. Browse: Household & Appliances.

Cheaper after inflation

These categories cost more than in 2010, but their prices rose by less than overall inflation (+48%), so they take a smaller share of a household budget than they used to.

Category2010 to 2025After inflationBrowse
Other appliances
vacuums, coffee makers, blenders, microwaves		+0.2%−32.1%Household & Appliances, Coffee Makers
Sporting goods
sports and fitness equipment		+2.3%−30.7%Outdoors/ Sports/ Garden, Sports Wear & Gear, Sports Giftware & Collectibles
Household furnishings and supplies
the overall household goods basket		+8.9%−26.3%Household & Appliances
Apparel
clothing and accessories		+9.9%−25.6%Apparel & Accessories
Furniture and bedding
sofas, tables, mattresses		+10.8%−25.0%Household & Appliances
Personal care products
hair, skin and dental care, cosmetics		+11.8%−24.3%Health, Beauty & Personal Care, Makeup & Skin Care
Tools, hardware, outdoor equipment and supplies
power tools, hardware, lawn and garden		+23.2%−16.5%Tools, Outdoors/ Sports/ Garden, Faucet
Pets and pet products
pet food and supplies		+24.7%−15.5%Pet Supplies
Housekeeping supplies
cleaning products, paper goods, storage		+29.6%−12.2%Household & Appliances
Jewelry and watches
watches and jewelry		+33.4%−9.6%Jewelry
Food at home
groceries, including snacks and nutrition products		+45.1%−1.7%Food, Sports Nutrition & Protein, Diet & Nutrition

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U, U.S. city average; annual averages, data through September 2026. Category price changes include the statisticians' adjustment for quality improvements. Example products are from the Savings Ahead catalogue.

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